The old man, quoting from Kokin Wakashu Kanajo (preface of Kokin Wakashu written in kana by KI no Tsurayuki), preaches that the pine tree in Takasago and one in Suminoe are Aioi no Matsu (pines sharing a life), that they are a husband and wife even though they are far apart, and speaks of the eternity of pine trees and harmoniousness of spousal-aioi (play on word 'aioi' – the first to share a life, and the second to become old together).
老人は古今和歌集の仮名序を引用して、高砂の松と住吉の松とは相生の松、離れていても夫婦であるとの伝説を説き、松の永遠、夫婦相老（相生にかけている）の仲睦まじさを述べる。