William as a Poet

The Decline of the Rosen Clan - Episode 5 |

In time, William's children were also appointed as military officers in charge of the palace's security, and were even granted permission to attend court. By then, the nobles could no longer shun their presence.

On one occasion, William made the journey to the capital from his estate. The Arch-Emperor Theodosius inquired of him, “How fares the coastal scenery of your homeland?”
In response, William composed a brief poem, describing how the waves, driven by the wind along the shore, glistened in the night’s scenery, skillfully using techniques such as giving the words a double meaning. The Arch-Emperor was greatly impressed and had the poem included in a collection of verses he ordered to be compiled.

William also fell in love with one of the high-ranking ladies who served the Arch-Emperor, and often visited her chambers. Once, he accidentally left behind a fan adorned with the image of a moon. When her fellow ladies-in-waiting noticed it, they teased her, saying, "Where might this moon have come from? Its origin is unclear, and we cannot help but wonder."

In response, the lady composed a poem with the essence of, “It is but a hazy moon, so I shall say nothing of it,” cleverly hiding William’s name within the verse. When William heard of this later, he grew even more fond of her. She was the mother of Count Robert of Rosen, the younger brother of Henry Rosen, who became known as a distinguished poet. William had a fondness for the arts, while his wife was equally skilled in poetry.

This is a story based on a Japanese classic.