51. Ukifune / A Boat upon the Waters(浮舟)
Passage
“Sooner shall you, O orange-tree who crown the little, island, shed your faithful leaves than this our love grow cold.” Such was his poem; but she, still counting the hazards of the voyage on which they were embarked: “Faithful from spring to spring the orange-tree may keep its vow; but whither will have drifted the Lady of the Boat?”
A poetic exchange between Niou and Ukifune. The two get on a boat and land on Orange-Tree Island,as a sandbank in the Uji River.
Summary
Niou find the letter that arrived for Kozeri and learns that Ukifune is in Uji. Niou goes to Uji and, pretending to be Kaoru, sneaks into Ukifune's bedroom. Ukifune's heart is shaken between the two men.
Kaoru tries to bring Ukifune to Kyoto. Niou attempts to secure her before Kaoru. Eventually, Kaoru notices the relationship between Niou and Ukifune and sends her a suggestive poem. Ukifune resolves to die.
Comment
In this chapter, Ukifune attempts suicide. It is a catastrophe comparable to the scene of Kashiwagi in 'Wakana', but How calmly 'Ukifune' progresses. The three characters appear to play, grieve, and sometimes harbor resentment, yet seem to be detached. This may be due to the author's perspective. It seems that a penetrating mind of 'So it goes' is at work in this story.