20. Asagao / The Morning Glory(朝顔)
Passage
"Can it be that the Morning Glory, once seen by me and ever since remembered in its beauty, is now a dry and withered flower?"
A poem sent from Genji to Asagao (Morning Glory).
they are childhood friends. They became mature adults and thought differently than they did when they were children. However, Asagao's answer was "No".
Summary
Genji's cousin woman (Asagao) finished her role as Vestal Virgin and returned home.Genji has liked Asagao since teenage,so He goes to see her. But Asagao rejects Genji. Because she knew about Lady Rokujo's tragedy. Genji gives up on Asagao.
On a snowy day, Genji confesses to Lady Murasaki. about the women He has been with. In a dream that night, the deceased Fujitsubo appears. Genji wakes up and He pray May she rest in peace.
Comment
Genji is middle age. He also held the highest position. He can no longer fall in love as he was young. Moreover, everyone knows that he is a Don Juan.
From the next chapter, a new generation, his sons, will come into action.