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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/37938-8.txt b/37938-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a9ad9c9 --- /dev/null +++ b/37938-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3845 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Chinese Poems, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Chinese Poems + +Author: Various + +Translator: Charles Budd + +Release Date: November 6, 2011 [EBook #37938] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHINESE POEMS *** + + + + +Produced by Delphine Lettau, Matthew Wheaton and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + CHINESE POEMS + + TRANSLATED BY + + CHARLES BUDD + + HENRY FROWDE + OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS + LONDON, NEW YORK, TORONTO AND MELBOURNE + 1912 + + OXFORD: HORACE HART + PRINTER TO THE UNIVERSITY + + + + +_PREFACE_ + + +_The initiative of this little book was accidental. One day in the early +part of last summer, feeling weary of translating commercial documents, +I opened a volume of Chinese poetry that was lying on my desk and +listlessly turned over the pages. As I was doing so my eye caught sight +of the phrase, 'Red rain of peach flowers fell.' That would be +refreshing, I said to myself, on such a day as this; and then I went on +with my work again. But in the evening I returned to the book of Chinese +poetry and made a free translation of the poem in which I had seen the +metaphor quoted above. The translation seemed to me and some friends +pleasantly readable; so in leisure hours I have translated some more +poems and ballads, and these I now venture to publish in this volume, +thinking that they may interest readers in other lands, and also call +forth criticism that will be useful in preparing a larger volume which +I, or some better qualified scholar, may publish hereafter; for it +can hardly be said that the field of Chinese poetry has been widely +explored by foreign students of the Chinese language._ + +_Many of the translations in this book are nearly literal, excepting +adaptations to meet the exigencies of rhyme and rhythm; but some are +expanded to enable readers to understand what is implied, as well as +actually written, in the original; for, after all, the chief aim of the +translator of poetry should be to create around the mind of the reader +the sensory atmosphere in which the mind of the poet moved when he wrote +the poem. Whether I have attained a measure of success in such a very +difficult task must be decided by the readers of these translations._ + +_It should be borne in mind by students more or less familiar with the +Chinese language that there are many versions of the stories and legends +related in these poems, and these versions, again, have been variously +interpreted by Chinese poets. A little reflection of this kind will +often save a critic from stumbling into difficulties from which it is +not easy to extricate himself._ + +_A few notes are given at the end of each poem to explain historical +names, &c., but not many other notes are required as the poems explain +themselves. Indeed, the truth of the saying, 'One touch of nature makes +the whole world kin,' has been impressed on my mind deeply by this +little excursion into the field of Chinese poetry, for the thoughts and +words of such poems as the 'Journey Back,' 'A Maiden's Reverie,' 'Only a +Fragrant Spray,' 'The Lady Lo-Fu, 'Conscripts leaving for the Frontier,' +'The River by Night in Spring,' 'Reflections on the Brevity of Life,' +'The Innkeeper's Wife,' 'A Soldier's Farewell to his Wife,' &c., show us +that human nature two or three thousand years ago differed not a whit +from human nature as it is to-day._ + + _CHARLES BUDD._ + + _Tung Wen Kwan Translation Office,_ + _Shanghai, March, 1912._ + + + + +CONTENTS + + + A FEW REMARKS ON THE HISTORY AND CONSTRUCTION OF CHINESE POETRY + + THE TECHNIQUE OF CHINESE POETRY + + BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES OF A FEW OF THE MORE EMINENT CHINESE POETS + + _POEMS_ + + _Only a Fragrant Spray_ + _The River by Night in Spring_ + _The Beauty of Snow_ + _A Maiden's Reverie_ + _A Song of the Marches_ + _The Cowherd and the Spinning-Maid_ + _The Old Soldier's Return_ + _On the Lake near the Western Mountains_ + _The Happy Farmer_ + _An Old House Unroofed by an Autumn Gale_ + _The Lament of the Ladies of the Siang River_ + _The Waters of the Mei-Pei_ + _The Swallow's Song_ + _Farewell to a Comrade_ + _Beauty's Fatal Snare_ + _A Reverie in a Summer-house_ + _The Flower-Seller_ + _The Red-Flower Pear-Tree_ + _A Song of Princess Tze-Yuh_ + _Distaste for Official Life_ + _The Fragrant Tree_ + _A Song of the Snow_ + _The Old Temple among the Mountains_ + _A Soldier's Farewell to his Wife_ + _The Wanderer's Return_ + _The Pleasures of a Simple Life with Nature_ + _Listening to the Playing on a Lute in a Boat_ + _Reflections on the Past_ + _A Lowly Flower_ + _On returning to a Country Life_ + _The Brevity of Life_ + _Conscripts leaving for the Frontier_ + _Estimating the Value of a Wife_ + _The Lady Lo-Fu_ + _An Autumn Evening in the Garden_ + _Muh-Lan_ + _The Old Fisherman_ + _Midnight in the Garden_ + _Reflections on the Brevity of Life_ + _So-fei gathering Flowers_ + _A Farewell_ + _The Khwun-ming Lake_ + _Reflections_ + _Pride and Humility_ + _Dwellers in the Peach Stream Valley_ + _The Five Sons_ + _The Journey Back_ + _The Gallant Captain and the Innkeeper's Wife_ + _The Lady Chao-Chiün_ + _Night on the Lake_ + _The Fisherman's Song_ + _The Students' Ramble_ + _The Priest of T'ien Mountain_ + _Maidens by the River-side_ + _The Poet-Beggar_ + + + + +A FEW REMARKS ON THE HISTORY AND CONSTRUCTION OF CHINESE POETRY + + +The earliest Chinese poems which have been preserved and handed down to +posterity are contained in the 'Shi-King', or Book of Poetry. +Translations of this book were first made by Roman Catholic +missionaries, and later by Dr. Legge whose translation, being in +English, is better known. + +The Shi-King contains three hundred odd poetical compositions, or odes, +as they might more correctly be described, most of them being set to +music and sung on official and public occasions. + +But many more odes than those in the Shi-King existed at the dawn of +Chinese literature. Some native scholars think that several thousand +odes were composed by princes, chiefs, and other men of the numerous +petty States which were included in Ancient China; and that criticism +and rejection by later literary compilers, especially Confucius, reduced +the number deemed worthy of approval to 305, which make up the Shi-King. +It is, however, quite impossible to say how many odes were composed in +that early period; many more than those preserved in the Shi-King +undoubtedly were made, and we can only regret that, when later scholars +began to collect and criticize these earliest poetical effusions of +their ancestors, political and other motives induced them to prune or +lop off whole branches of the nascent tree of poetry with such unsparing +hands. Fragments of a few early odes not contained in the Shi-King +remain, but such fragments are not numerous. + +As to the value of these early odes critics differ widely. By some +Western writers they have been compared favourably with the Psalms, the +Homeric poems, &c., while other writers think that they do not rise +above the most primitive simplicity. Some of the odes are undoubtedly of +considerable poetical value; and all critics must acknowledge that the +Shi-King contains a great deal of valuable information respecting the +States of Ancient China, and the people who inhabited them in the +earliest stages of their existence. + +It has been necessary to give this brief account of the Shi-King because +it has loomed so largely in the eyes of students of Chinese literature +as to exclude from their vision the vast field of Chinese poetry in +which hundreds of famous Chinese poets have, at different periods, +wandered, and mused, and sung, for two or three thousand years, and +their wanderings are described and their musings sung in thousands of +poems which are unknown to foreign students of Chinese literature. They +have heard of the Shi-King, a few even have read it; but of the great +poets of China, who have in a long succession appeared and done immortal +work and passed away during nearly three thousand years, they know but +little or nothing at all. My object in publishing this little book is to +correct this false perspective, not by assailing the Shi-King, but by +bringing into view a few of the poets and a few of their poems (which +can only be very inadequately set forth in translations by a writer who +is not a poet), and thus make a beginning in an undertaking that will +be, I hope, continued and perfected by men who have more leisure and +greater poetical skill and inspiration than I possess. + +After the compilation of the 300 odes by Confucius, there was a period +of about one hundred years during which but little attention was given +to the making of poetry. The earliest poetical compositions handed down +after those preserved in the Shi-King are the 'Li-Sao' by Küh-Yuen, of +the Tsu State, 280 B.C., several poems by Su-Wu and Li-ling, and +nineteen poems by unknown writers. All these were composed during the +Han Dynasty or earlier, and they are regarded as poetical compositions +of great worth by native scholars, although they do not conform to the +rules which have guided Chinese poets in writing poetry since the T'ang +Dynasty. Indeed, one commentator has described their perfection as 'the +seamless robe of heaven', i.e. the dome of heaven--the sky. These early +poetical compositions are marked by greater simplicity of language, +deeper feeling, and more naturalness than the poetry of later dynasties, +which is often cramped by the highly elaborate technique introduced by +the poets of the T'ang Dynasty. + +'The Journey Back,' 'Only a Fragrant Spray,' 'The Swallow's Song,' 'The +Innkeeper's Wife,' 'A Song of Tze-Yuh,' 'A Maiden's Reverie,' 'Su Wu's +Farewell to his Wife,' 'Reflections on the Brevity of Life,' are +specimens of this period. + +During the later Han Dynasty, especially in the reign of Kien-An (A.D. +196), and in the reign of Hwang-T'su (A.D. 220) of the Wei Dynasty, +several poets of conspicuous ability arose, and their compositions +compare favourably with the three hundred odes and the ancient poems +following the odes. + +From the Wei Dynasty to the T'sin Dynasty, and on through the 'Luh-Chao' +(Six Dynasties--the Wu, Tsing, Sung, T'si, Liang, and Chen, covering the +period from A.D. 220 to 587), one poet after another gained an +ascendancy and each found many imitators; but the poetry of this period +is more elaborate and florid than deep and natural. + +From the Chen Dynasty (A.D. 557-587) to the end of the Sui Dynasty (A.D. +589-618) there was but little good poetry produced: it was, in fact, a +time of literary decadence which continued even into the beginning of +the T'ang Dynasty. Then a change took place, and great poets arose who +formed the T'ang School of Poetry, and the poetical technique of that +school has been more or less closely copied by all writers of poetry to +this day; and during the most flourishing years of the T'ang Dynasty the +production of poetry was so rich and abundant that that period is +regarded by the Chinese as the Golden Age of Poetry. + +One native commentator has likened the development of poetry to a tree: +'The three hundred odes of the Shi-King may be regarded as the root: the +poems of Su-Wu and Li-ling as the first sprout from the root, and those +of the Kien-An period as the increasing growth of the sprout into a +stem, while the poems of the Six Dynasties are the first branches and +leaves; then in the T'ang Dynasty the branches and leaves became more +and more abundant, and flowers and fruit appeared crowning the noble +tree of perfect poetry.' He then goes on to say: 'Students of poetry +should carefully study the matter, and form, and style of the poetry of +this period, as they show the source and development, the root and the +full-grown flourishing tree of poetry. The root must not be lost sight +of in the profusion of branches and leaves, that is, students must not +read the poems of the T'ang period and neglect those of ancient times; +both must be studied together in order to understand the poetry of the +later periods.' + +Another native critic writes: 'The poets of the T'ang Dynasty developed +a style of their own in poetry different from those that preceded it.' +The leading poets of the T'ang period had ability to seize all that was +best in ancient poetry and embody it in a style of their own which is a +natural development and not a slavish imitation. + +The most prominent among the men of genius who effected this great +change were Chen Tze-ang, Chang Kiu-ling, Li-Peh, Wei Ying-wuh, Liu +Tsong-Yuen, Tu-Fu, Han-Yü, Tsen-T'san, Wang-Wei, Wang-Han, Li-Kiao and +Chang-Shoh; and of these Li-Peh is regarded by all Chinese as a +heaven-born genius--'an Immortal banished to earth,' while Tu Fu is the +scholarly poet, deeply versed in all branches of Chinese literature, +which gives depth, and breadth, and style, and infinite variety to his +poetical compositions, which, however, though very numerous, form but a +part of his contributions to the literature of his country. + +The glory of the T'ang poetry dimmed somewhat towards the end of the +dynasty; but during the Song Dynasty (A.D. 960-1278), which followed the +brief epoch of the Five Dynasties (A.D. 907-960), Eo Yang Siu, +Wang-An-shih, Hwang Ting-kien, Ch'ao Pu-chi, Luh-Yu, and other poets +added fresh lustre to the glory of Chinese literature by producing many +poetical compositions which could not be omitted from a large anthology +containing all the best Chinese poems; but in this small book space for +two or three only can be found. + +It should be remembered that the great poets of the T'ang and later +dynasties did not always follow the new poetical technique of the T'ang +Dynasty. Many of their best poems are written in the ancient style; and +I have written 'ancient style' against a few of such poems among the +translations, but not against all of them. + +An introduction to Chinese poetry, reviewing extensively its rise and +progress, the style of each period, and the characteristics of the work +of each poet, would fill a large volume--several volumes indeed would +hardly suffice for an exhaustive review of such a vast field of work. +But the very brief review contained in the preceding pages will enable +readers to see that the three hundred odes are by no means the whole of +Chinese poetry; they are, indeed, only the beginning--the source of a +great river whose countless branches, some deep and pure, others +shallow and sparkling, have flowed down the ages, fertilizing and +beautifying every period of Chinese life and thought, and producing a +vast reservoir of poetry which has inspired many in every generation +with higher sentiments of nature, country, love, friendship, and +literature. + +As this book of translations is chiefly intended for readers who do not +understand the Chinese language, no attempt has been made to insert the +Chinese characters for the names, &c., printed in the Romanized form; +but, following the advice of friends who are well versed in Chinese +themselves, I hope, hereafter, to publish a small volume containing the +Chinese text of the translated poems only, with a few notes which may be +useful to beginners. To reprint the Chinese text and notes with the +English translations in one volume would add considerably to the cost of +the book, while only a comparatively small number of readers--students +of the Chinese language--would find the Chinese text and notes useful. + + + + +THE TECHNIQUE OF CHINESE POETRY + + +Form of 7-character Lüh poem beginning in the Ping tone: + + A. Ping ping tseh tseh tseh ping ping + Tseh tseh ping ping tseh tseh ping + Tseh tseh ping ping ping tseh tseh + Ping ping tseh tseh tseh ping ping + Ping ping tseh tseh ping ping tseh + Tseh tseh ping ping tseh tseh ping + Tseh tseh ping ping ping tseh tseh + Ping ping tseh tseh tseh ping ping. + +Form of 7-character Lüh poem beginning in the Tseh tone: + + B. Tseh tseh ping ping tseh tseh ping + Ping ping tseh tseh tseh ping ping + Ping ping tseh tseh ping ping tseh + Tseh tseh ping ping tseh tseh ping + Tseh tseh ping ping ping tseh tseh + Ping ping tseh tseh tseh ping ping + Ping ping tseh tseh ping ping tseh + Tseh tseh ping ping tseh tseh ping. + +Form of 5-character Lüh poem beginning in the Ping tone: + + C. Ping ping tseh tseh ping + Tseh tseh tseh ping ping + Tseh tseh ping ping tseh + Ping ping tseh tseh ping + Ping ping ping tseh tseh + Tseh tseh tseh ping ping + Tseh tseh ping ping tseh + Ping ping tseh tseh ping. + +Form of 5-character Lüh poem beginning in the Tseh tone: + + D. Tseh tseh tseh ping ping + Ping ping tseh tseh ping + Ping ping ping tseh tseh + Tseh tseh tseh ping ping + Tseh tseh ping ping tseh + Ping ping tseh tseh ping + Ping ping ping tseh tseh + Tseh tseh tseh ping ping. + +In order to understand this arrangement of characters, it should be +borne in mind that Chinese characters are distinguished not only by the +phonetic sounds, but also by tones resembling musical notes. + +Of these only four are generally recognized in poetical compositions: + +(1) The Ping-sheng, or low and even note. + +(2) The Shang-sheng, or sharp and ascending note. + +(3) The Khü-sheng, or clear and far-reaching note. + +(4) The Ruh-sheng, or straight and abruptly finished note. + +These tones help to distinguish words which have the same phonetic sound +but different meanings. For instance, the word-- + + 'li' (Ping-sheng) = black. + 'li' (Shang-sheng) = village. + 'li' (Khü-sheng) = sharp. + 'li' (Ruh-sheng) = strength. + +In written Chinese each of these words is distinguished by a different +character, and the tone is, therefore, of secondary importance; but +occasionally a character has two tones--a ping and a khü, for instance, +and then each tone indicates a difference of meaning, or distinguishes +the use of the word as a substantive from its use as a verb. + +But in poetry these tones are used to make rhythm as well as to express +meaning, and when used for this purpose they are divided into ping and +tseh, the ping representing the ping or low, even tone, and the tseh the +other three tones, Shang, Khü, and Ruh. This brief explanation will +enable the reader, I think, to perceive what is regarded by Chinese as +the rhythm of a poem. In the diagrams given above, the first line +consists of two ping tones, followed by three tseh tones, which are +followed by two ping tones; and the arrangement of the characters in +each line in terms of ping and tseh forms the rhythm of Chinese poetry. +When compared, it will be seen that there are lines or couplets which +are in contrast to, or harmonize with, other lines, &c. + +But it is not necessary that the tones of all the characters in each +couplet should agree, excepting the first and last lines which always +agree exactly--tone for tone. In the other lines, the tones of the +first, third, and fifth characters in a seven-character line, and the +first and third in a five-character line, may be varied--ping for tseh, +or tseh for ping; but the second, fourth, and sixth characters in +seven-character poems, and the second and fourth in five-character poems +must not be changed; when the ping tone should be used it must be used, +the tseh may not be substituted for it, and when the tseh should be used +it must be used, the ping may not be substituted for it. And when the +opening tone of the first line is a ping, the opening tone of the line +following must be tseh, and vice versa. + +The following two poems are perfect specimens of the 'Tsüeh', or poem of +four lines, which may be regarded as the unit of Chinese poetical +composition. The first specimen shows a 'tsüeh' beginning in the Ping +tone; and the second specimen a 'tsüeh' beginning in the Tseh tone: + + (1) _p._ _p._ _ts._ _ts._ _ts._ _ts._ _p._ + Ch'un fung tseh ye tao Yü Kwan + + _ts._ _ts._ _p._ _p._ _ts._ _ts._ _p._ + Ku kwoh yen hwa siang i tsan + + _ts._ _ts._ _p._ _p._ _p._ _ts._ _ts._ + Shao fu puh chi kwei wei teh + + _p._ _p._ _ts._ _ts._ _ts._ _p._ _p._ + Chao chao ying shang wang fu shan. + + (2) _ts._ _ts._ _p._ _p._ _ts._ _ts._ _p._ + Tze meh hong ch'en fuh mien lai + + _p._ _p._ _ts._ _ts._ _ts._ _p._ _p._ + Wu ren puh tao k'un hwa hwei + + _p._ _p._ _ts._ _ts._ _p._ _p._ _ts._ + Hsüen tu kwan li tao ts'ien shu + + _ts._ _ts._ _p._ _p._ _ts._ _ts._ _p._ + Tsin shi liu lang ku heo tsai + +As I have stated above the 'tsüeh' of four lines, whether the line is +composed of five or seven characters, may be regarded as the unit of +Chinese poetical composition. In order to make a 'lüh' poem four more +lines, composed exactly according to the ping-tseh arrangement of tones +in the tsüeh, are added to the tsüeh; while a 'p'ai-lüh' poem is made by +continuing this process beyond eight lines. + +Besides the ping and tseh arrangement of tones in each line to form the +metre or rhythm, the final characters of the first, second, and fourth +lines of the tsüeh may rhyme with each other; but these rhymes are also +controlled by the ping-tseh tones. For instance, in the specimen of a +perfect tsüeh given above, the final characters of the first, second, +and fourth lines are kwan, ts'an, and shan, and these sounds rhyme in +Chinese; but it will be observed that all three words belong to the ping +tone, and this is the rule generally followed in the technique of modern +poetry, that is, poetry made according to the new rules introduced by +the poets of the T'ang Dynasty; but in ancient poetry, words both in +ping and tseh tones were used for rhymes; and poets of all periods have +used both systems--ancient and modern--in their poetical compositions. +The tendency in recent dynasties, however, has been to follow the +elaborate technique of the modern school of poetry in which great skill +in the art of poetical composition is too often more highly prized than +true poetry, and consequently mere cleverness is mistaken for genius. + +These few remarks on the use of the ping-tseh tones in the rhythm and +rhyme of Chinese poetry must not be regarded by readers as an exhaustive +summary of the system, which is much more intricate than it seems, owing +to many qualifying rules and conditions as to its application in +relation to the other factors required to form a correct poetical +composition; they will, however, suffice to give a general conception of +the part played by the ping and tseh tones in the technique of Chinese +poetry, especially in modern poetical compositions. But although the +ping-tseh tones are indispensable to the rhythm of the modern poem, +there are, as I have remarked above, other factors required to form a +perfect 'tsüeh', or 'Lüh', or 'pai-lüh', and most elaborate instructions +as to the use of each character or line in relation to other characters +and lines in the same stanza must be mastered before a poem can be +constructed that would satisfy the eye and ear, and literary standard, +of the modern Chinese critic of poetry. But it must not be forgotten +that the scholarly Chinese poet is just as familiar as his Western +_confrère_ with the metaphor, simile, allegory, epigram, climax, and all +other figures of speech which are common in the prose and poetry of a +literary people; and the skilful use of these in harmony with the rigid +ping-tseh rules concerning rhythm and rhyme is a task of considerable +difficulty for the conscientious poet. Fortunately the ancient poets did +not adhere very rigidly to technique; and not a few modern poets have in +many of their compositions imitated the ancient style. Besides the +tsüeh and lüh there are many poetical compositions, such as the ko, +hsing, yin, tz'e, k'üh, p'ien, yong, yao, t'an, ai, yuen, and pieh--many +of them of very ancient origin, which are all put under the generic term +'yoh-fu', implying that they are compositions which can be set to music +and sung, chanted, recited, &c. Some of the most charming poetical +compositions are found in Chinese anthologies under the above-mentioned +headings; but in this brief introduction it is only possible just to +call the attention of readers to them without attempting to describe the +form of each separately. For the same reason I cannot attempt any +description of the ancient terms fung, ya, song, &c., to which, however, +translators of the Shi-King have given some attention. + +It is doubtful, indeed, whether the information which I can crowd into a +few introductory pages will help readers to gain an insight into Chinese +poetry in the making, or utterly confuse them; but I am loath to send +forth the translations without an introduction, and I must, therefore, +remind readers again that this introduction gives only the barest +outline of the rise and progress of Chinese poetry, and of a few of the +factors which are required by modern technique in the construction of +poetical compositions since the revival of literature and poetry in the +T'ang Dynasty. + +It should be observed that no attempt has been made to reproduce the +technique outlined above in the English translations of Chinese poems in +this book, as it would be impossible to restrict the translations to +lines of five and seven words. In Chinese each character is a word of +one syllable only, therefore a five-character line of poetry contains +only five monosyllabic words, and a seven-character line seven +monosyllabic words; but as many articles, pronouns, prepositions, +auxiliary verbs, &c., which are understood in the Chinese, must be +inserted in the English translation in order to connect the meaning of +the five or seven monosyllabic words which form a line of Chinese +poetry, it is obvious that, in most cases, the length of the line in the +translation must be longer than that in the original Chinese. Some +Chinese poems might be rendered into English in lines of five or seven +syllables without doing much violence to the meaning of the original, +but in most cases, the five or seven monosyllabic line in Chinese is +translated into English far more correctly and accurately by a line of +eight, ten, or more syllables, because the Chinese reader mentally +inserts connecting parts of speech which must be written in English to +make the grammar correct and the meaning of a line complete. + + + + +BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES OF A FEW OF THE MORE EMINENT CHINESE POETS + + +LI PEH. + +Li Peh (Tai Peh; Tsing Lien) lived during the T'ang Dynasty, probably +from A.D. 699 to 762, and he is regarded as the most brilliant of all +Chinese poets. + +He was connected by descent in the ninth generation with the Imperial +family of the T'ang Dynasty, but was born in a remote part of the Empire +now included in the Szechwan Province. + +When but ten years old Li Peh was familiar with poetry and other +branches of literature, and, as he grew older, his ability and genius +attracted the attention and praise of the highest in the land. When +introduced to the Court at Chang-an, Ho Chi-chang, one of the courtiers, +exclaimed:--'He is one of the immortal genii banished to earth.' For a +short time, too, he was greatly favoured by the Emperor, Hsüen-Tsung, +but, having incurred the enmity of the Emperor's chief concubine, he had +to withdraw from the Court and relinquish all hopes of official +promotion. + +He then travelled widely, writing many poems on the beauties of nature, +and also in praise of wine and music, to the former of which he was too +strongly addicted. + +In the later part of his life, it seems, he became involved in political +intrigues, for which offence he was banished to a distant region. But in +his old age he was allowed to return, and he ended his days peacefully +at T'ang-t'u (a place near the modern Nankin), whose governor was a +kinsman named Li Yang-ping. + + +CHANG KIU-LING. + +Chang Kiu-ling (Tze Sheo) was the son of an official in the T'ang +Dynasty. At a very early age he displayed great ability, and while still +comparatively young, took a high literary degree (Tsintze), and then +held high office under the Emperor Hsüen-Tsung, with whom he sometimes +ventured to remonstrate for his licentious life. Once when all the +courtiers presented valuable gifts to the Emperor on his birthday, Chang +Kiu-ling presented him with a book written by himself and styled 'The +Thousand Year Mirror', showing the causes of success and failure in +former dynasties. His advice, however, was not seriously heeded at the +time, but after his death his faithfulness was appreciated and he was +ennobled and afterwards canonized by the Emperor. + +It is recorded by one writer that Chang Kiu-ling, when a youth, trained +pigeons to carry letters to his friends. + + +WEI YING-WUH. + +Wei Ying-wuh was a native of Honan during the T'ang Dynasty, and his +poetical skill ranks very high even in that famous period. During the +Cheng-Yuen reign (A.D. 785-804) he was appointed Prefect of Suchow, +where his beneficent rule and devotion to literature called forth the +gratitude and admiration of the people. + + +SU SHI. + +Su Shi (Tze-Chan; Tong-Po), A.D. 1036-1101, was a native of Mei-shan in +Szechwan. He won the highest literary degrees, and was advanced from one +official office to another until he became a Minister of State; but, +owing to political feuds and intrigues, he was degraded from his high +office in the capital and sent to fill inferior posts in distant parts +of the Empire, where he wrote poetry and diffused a love of literature +among the people he ruled. + + +TU FU (A.D. 712-770). + +Tu Fu (Tu Tze-Mei) was the son of Tu Fan-yen, a high official in the +T'ang Dynasty. In the estimation of his countrymen he ranks next to Li +Peh among the great poets of the Tang Dynasty, and a few critics would +give him a still higher place. + +When Tu Fu's literary ability and poetical genius were made known to the +Emperor, office and honours were bestowed on him. + +In the poetical composition known as the Seven-character Pai-lüh, Tu Fu +is the most famous of all the poets of the T'ang Dynasty, if not of all +Chinese poets. + + +EO YANG SIU (A.D. 1017-1072). + +Eo Yang Siu (Yong-Shuh) was a famous scholar of the Song Dynasty; and he +filled high official posts both in the capital and provinces, under the +Emperor Ren-Tsong. + +Being a man of integrity and independence he remonstrated with his +Imperial master on several occasions, and sometimes suffered temporarily +for his courage. His character, however, was appreciated by the Emperor, +and restoration to favour followed every temporary eclipse. After his +death he was canonized as Wen Chong Kong. His literary works are +numerous. + + +SU WU (200-100 B.C.). + +Su Wu (Tze K'ing) lived in the Han Dynasty. When sent on a mission to +the Khan of the Hsiung-nu he was seized by that ruler and ordered to +renounce his allegiance to the Han Emperor; and on refusing to do this +he was cast into prison. Afterwards he was banished for many years to +the desert region around Lake Balkash, where he was compelled to tend +the flocks of the Hsiung-nu; but he persisted in his loyalty to the Han +Dynasty. On his return to China, when a grey-headed old man, he was +greatly honoured by the Emperor, and his portrait was hung up in the +Khi-lin Koh (Council Chamber). + +He is held up as a pattern of loyalty by Chinese writers. His poetical +compositions are ancient but not numerous. + + +LI LING (First Century B.C.). + +Li Ling was a military commander in the Han Dynasty. Given command of an +army in the war against the Hsiung-nu he rashly advanced into the +enemy's country with only a few thousand soldiers, who were surrounded +and all but three or four hundred killed, and Li Ling was captured, and +spent the rest of his life in exile. His name is mentioned in the +Introduction to this book of translations. + + +CHU KWANG-HI. + +Chu Kwang-hi was a soldier of the T'ang Dynasty. He passed the highest +literary examinations, and was appointed a member of the Censorate by +the Emperor Hsüen Tsong. + + +CHEN TZE-ANG. + +A celebrated scholar of the T'ang Dynasty. He filled various official +offices, but is most famous for the work he did in advancing the +renaissance of literature during the T'ang Dynasty. Wang Shih, a learned +writer of the same period, said that Chen Tze-ang was the most famous +scholar in the Empire of that time. + + +T'AO YUEN-MING (A.D. 365-427). + +T'ao T'sien (T'ao Yuen-ming) was a scholar and poet of the Song Dynasty. +He was appointed Magistrate of a district, but after filling the office +only a short time he resigned it and retired into private life, spending +the remainder of his years in writing poetry and in musical pursuits. + + + + +CHINESE POEMS + + + + +_Only a Fragrant Spray_ + +NAME OF POET UNKNOWN (HAN DYNASTY OR EARLIER) + + + Ah me, the day you left me + Was full of weary hours; + But the tree 'neath which we parted + Was rich with leaves and flowers. + + And from its fragrant branches + I plucked a tiny spray, + And hid it in my bosom + In memory of that day. + + I know the endless distance + Must shut you from my view, + But the flower's gentle fragrance + Brings sweetest thoughts of you. + + And, though it's but a trifle, + Which none would prize for gain, + It oft renews our parting, + With all the love and pain. + + + + +_The River By Night in Spring_ + +BY CHANG POH-HSÜ + + + In Spring the flooded river meets the tide + Which from the ocean surges to the land; + The moon across the rolling water shines + From wave to wave to reach the distant strand. + + And when the heaving sea and river meet, + The latter turns and floods the fragrant fields; + While in the moon's pale light as shimmering sleet + Alike seem sandy shores and wooded wealds. + + For sky and river in one colour blend, + Without a spot of dust to mar the scene; + While in the heavens above the full-orbed moon + In white and lustrous beauty hangs serene. + + And men and women, as the fleeting years, + Are born into this world and pass away; + And still the river flows, the moon shines fair, + And will their courses surely run for ay. + + But who was he who first stood here and gazed + Upon the river and the heavenly light? + And when did moon and river first behold + The solitary watcher in the night? + + The maples sigh upon the river's bank, + A white cloud drifts across the azure dome; + In yonder boat some traveller sails to-night + Beneath the moon which links his thoughts with home. + + Above the home it seems to hover long, + And peep through chinks within her chamber blind; + The moon-borne message she cannot escape, + Alas, the husband tarries far behind! + + She looks across the gulf but hears no voice, + Until her heart with longing leaps apace, + And fain would she the silvery moonbeams follow + Until they shine upon her loved one's face. + + 'Last night,' she murmured sadly to herself, + 'I dreamt of falling flowers by shady ponds; + My Spring, ah me! half through its course has sped, + But you return not to your wedded bonds.' + + For ever onward flows the mighty stream; + The Spring, half gone, is gliding to its rest; + While on the river and the silent pools + The moonbeams fall obliquely from the west. + + And now the moon descending to the verge + Has disappeared beneath the sea-borne dew; + While stretch the waters of the 'Siao and Siang',[1] + And rocks and cliffs, in never-ending view. + + How many wanderers by to-night's pale moon + Have met with those from whom so long apart:-- + As on the shore midst flowerless trees I stand + Thoughts old and new surge through my throbbing heart! + +[1] Two streams flowing into the Yangtze River. + + + + +_The Beauty of Snow_ + +BY PAO-CHAO + + + A thousand miles across the Dragon Mountains + The North Wind blows the whirling flakes of snow, + Until they gather on my terraced garden, + And drift before the gate in furrowed row. + + Unlike the coloured plum and fragrant peach trees, + Whose buds stretch forth to greet the warm Spring days, + At dawn the snow lies in unsullied whiteness, + But flees to shelter from the sun's bright rays. + + The peach flower and the plum flower have a beauty, + Which flourish in the warmth of sun and shower; + The snow's brief charm is purity and brightness, + It does not claim the sun tints of the flower. + + + + +_A Maiden's Reverie_ + +T'SIN DYNASTY, A.D. 265-419 + + + The plum-tree's flower awakens + Thoughts of my lover now, + And I would pluck some blossoms + And send to far Si-chow. + + But such a distant region + The flowers might never reach, + While if I go in person, + How great the joy to each! + + I'll brush my glossy tresses, + More dark than raven's plume; + I'll wear my plum silk mantle, + And banish tears and gloom. + + But where, alack, is Si-chow? + Far in the North, I know; + Oh, when I've crossed the river + I'll ask which way to go! + + Ah me, the sun is setting, + Si-chow is far away; + The birds are homeward turning, + I cannot start to-day. + + I'll keep an evening vigil + Beneath the cedar-tree + That stands outside the porch-way; + My love may come to me! + + The jewels my hair adorning + Are glistening with the dew; + But still my lover tarries;-- + What keeps him from my view? + + A gentle breeze is blowing, + The night is bright as day; + I'll go and gather lilies, + And meet him on the way. + + In the early Autumn season + The lotus lilies red + Are in the south pool growing, + And reach above my head. + + My thoughts on old times musing, + I stoop to pluck some seeds, + In their shimmering greenness + As water 'mongst the reeds. + + I put some in my bosom, + For the core is red as blood, + As the heart of a true lover, + When love is at the flood. + + Pressed to my bosom closely-- + No safer place, I wot, + For tokens of betrothal; + And yet my love comes not! + + Above my head in batches + The wild geese northward hie, + And they will pass o'er Si-chow! + Oh, would that I could fly! + + I'll mount the northern turret; + Perhaps from that lofty height + I'll see my lover coming, + The herald of the light. + + Although the tower is lofty, + I cannot see afar + To where my love is dwelling, + Beneath the Northern Star. + + From morn until the evening-- + How long the hours do seem!-- + I've paced around the turret, + As in a weary dream. + + Once more I'll raise the curtain, + And show my lamp's pale light; + My love may miss the pathway, + And wander in the night. + + How lofty are the heavens! + How vast the heaving sea! + Ah, life is sad and dreary + When love comes not to me! + + But though my heart is weary, + I trust my lover's vow; + The south wind knows my longings + And will bear them to Si-chow. + + And though the seas divide us + Our hearts are one for ay, + And in sweet dreams will mingle + Until the meeting day. + + + + +_A Song of the Marches_ + +BY LI TAI-PEH + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + The Tien-shan peaks still glisten + In robes of spotless white; + To songs of Spring I listen, + But see no flowers around. + + The ground is bare and dreary, + No voice of Spring I hear, + Save the 'Willow Song',[2] so eerie, + I play upon my flute. + + At morn the fight will follow + The sound of bugle call; + Each man, in sleep, the hollow[3] + Across his saddle clasps. + + And by his side unrusted, + His sword is closely laid, + With which he long has trusted + The tyrant foe[4] to slay. + + On noble chargers riding, + And fleeter than the wind, + All fears and risks deriding, + They cross the river Wei. + + Their bows are tautened tightly, + Their quivers full of shafts, + They face the danger lightly, + And charge the haughty foe. + + As rocks by lightning riven + Their ranks are rent apart; + As clouds by tempest driven + They break and flee away. + + Then on the sand, blood-streaming, + The weary victors sleep, + Their swords with hoar-frost gleaming, + Their bows dark shadows cast. + + The Pass has been defended, + The foes are scattered far, + The soldiers' wives untended + May seek their homes again. + +[2] The name of a tune. + +[3] The Chinese saddle is curved upwards both in front and at the back, +leaving a deep hollow in the centre where the rider sits. + +[4] Tartar tribes beyond the frontiers. + + + + +_The Cowherd and the Spinning-Maid_[5] + +BY LUH-KI + + + Brightly shines the Starry River + Flowing down the Heavenly glade; + From the north-west comes the 'Herd-Boy', + From the south-east looks the 'Maid'. + + Quickly waves a white hand shapely, + Sadly smiles her beauteous face, + When she sees her faithful lover + Far across the glittering space. + + Arms stretched out towards each other-- + With impulsive feet they stand; + Eyes with sorrow's tears bedewèd-- + On the Star-Stream's shining strand. + + But, alas, that bridgeless River + Is the cause of all their pain, + Dooming 'Spinning-Maid' and 'Herd-Boy' + Nevermore to meet again. + +[5] According to a Chinese legend the stars K'ien-Niu (Cowherd) and +Chih-Nü (Spinning-Maid) are two lovers, doomed by the gods to live on +opposite sides of the 'River of Stars' (Milky Way). As there is no +bridge over this river, the two lovers can only stand afar and gaze at +each other. (See note to 'The Swallow's Song'.) + + + + +_The Old Soldier's Return_ + +AN ANCIENT POEM: POET UNKNOWN + + + I was but fifteen when I left my friends + For distant climes to fight our Country's foe, + And now I'm eighty--back for the first time + To see the home I left so long ago. + + Where is the house? I should be near it now, + Yet possibly I may have gone astray; + Long years abroad have blurred the youthful brain, + I'll ask this countryman to point the way. + + 'The house is yonder--midst those grassy mounds, + Beneath the shade of fir and cypress trees, + And there lie buried all the kith and kin + Of former tillers of these fallow leas.' + + The veteran sighed and wandered to the house, + And found it overgrown and desolate; + A startled hare fled through the kennel's hole, + And pheasants flew from ceiling beams ornate. + + Exhausted by the journey and his grief, + The old man plucked some grain from patches wild, + And mallows from around the courtyard well, + As in the days when but a little child. + + But when the homely fare was cooked and spread, + And not a friend to cheer the lonely place, + He rose, and going out to eastward gazed, + While tears flowed down his worn and furrowed face. + + + + +_On the Lake near the Western Mountains_ + +BY CH'ANG KIEN. + +T'ANG DYNASTY (ANCIENT STYLE) + + + Here at the foot-hills of the Western Mountains + My boat rides idly on the current's trail, + And in the lengthening radiance of the sunset + It seems to chase its own reflected sail. + + While in the rarer light that heralds evening + The forms of all things clearer seem to grow; + The forests and the glades and mountain ranges + Catch added beauty from the afterglow. + + The graceful minarets in cloudland floating + From jadestone green take on a sombre hue, + But still flush rose tints in the darkness falling, + Although the sun has disappeared from view. + + The shadows of the islands and the islets + Stretch far across the surface of the lake; + The evening mists that float above the waters + Are bright as rain-clouds after showers break. + + In the distance Tsu's[6] abounding forests + Reveal their sombre outlines in the gloom; + While on the farther shore the gates of King-chow + Within the growing darkness faintly loom. + + The atmosphere with nightfall groweth clearer, + A north wind blows with shrill voice through the land; + While on the sandy stretches by the waters + The swan and stork in dreamy silence stand. + + The waters now have ceased from restless heaving, + My little boat is screened by rushes green; + The moon emerging from the lake's horizon + A soft light sheds upon the silent scene. + + Amid the silence and the ghostly beauty + I touch my lute to plaintive songs of old, + And soon the pleasant strains and long-drawn cadence + Have seized my senses in their subtle hold. + + Thus in such ecstasy the hours pass quickly, + And midnight comes with undetected speed; + But now the heavy dew upon me falling + Recalls my senses to the body's need. + + Ah me! my body's but a fragile vessel + Upon the ever-moving sea of life, + Where light and shade and fitful joys and sorrows + Control me in their everchanging strife. + +[6] The name of a large feudal State in the Cheu Dynasty; it included +Hupeh and Hunan and parts of Honan and Kiangsu. King-chow on the Yangtze +was the capital. + + + + +_The Happy Farmer_ + +BY CHU KWANG-HI + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + I've a hundred mulberry trees + And thirty 'mow' of grain, + With sufficient food and clothes, + And friends my wine to drain. + + The fragrant grain of 'Ku-mi' seed + Provides our Summer fare; + Our Autumn brew of aster wine + Is rich beyond compare. + + My goodwife comes with smiling face + To welcome all our guests; + My children run with willing feet + To carry my behests. + + When work is done and evening come, + We saunter to the park, + And there, 'neath elm and willow trees + We're blithe as soaring lark. + + With wine and song the hours fly by + Till each in cloudland roams, + And then, content with all the world, + We wander to our homes. + + Through lattice-window steals a breeze, + As on my couch I lie, + While overhead the 'Silver Stream' + Flows through a splendid sky. + + And as I gaze it comes to mind-- + A dozen jars at least + Of the aster-scented wine remain + To grace to-morrow's feast. + + + + +_An Old House Unroofed by an Autumn Gale_ + +BY TU FU + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + The roof of my house has been blown away + By the fiercest of Autumn winds to-day; + It was merely of grass and branches built-- + Yet my only shelter save a wadded quilt. + + Across the river it scurried and whirled, + In tangled tufts, by the hurricane hurled, + Ascending in gusts till caught by the trees, + Or falling in ponds and on furrowed leas. + + In great delight the village urchins shout, + And say I'm old and cannot run about; + And now before my face the rogues begin + To steal things, and then run away and grin. + + At last I drive them off and hobble back + To find my home is shelterless, alack! + My lips are parched, my tongue is stiff and dry; + My strength is gone, I can but rest and sigh. + + The wind has slackened but dark clouds affright, + And wintry is the fast approaching night; + My bed is worn and hard, my clothing spare, + I cannot sleep for pain and anxious care. + + The rain still drizzles through the rafters high, + 'Tween which I see the drifting stormy sky, + And everything is damp and comfortless: + What can be done to lighten such distress? + + Oh, would there were a mansion of delight, + A hundred million rooms both fair and bright, + To shelter all the poor beneath the skies, + And give the joy which lasting peace supplies. + + Could I but see this mansion rise sublime + Before my eyes at this, or any time; + My house and life to lose I'd be content, + Could such great blessing to the world be sent. + + + + +_The Lament of the Ladies of the Siang River_[7] + +BY YUEN I-SHAN + + + The rose and orchid deck the fragrant isles, + And white clouds fly towards the Northern strand; + But though a thousand autumns pass away, + Our 'Lord' will not return to mortal's land. + + The clouds are drifting to and fro in vain, + Across the river blows the autumn breeze, + And o'er the water floats a fine, white mist, + While moonlight falls on stream and wooded leas. + + Upon the lofty 'Kiu-e'[8] mountain range + Throughout the night the gibbons wail and call, + And from the voiceless boughs of tall bamboos + The tears so long retained in dewdrops fall. + +[7] According to a Chinese legend the Ladies of the Siang River are +Nü-Ying and Ngo-Hwang, the two wives of the Emperor Shun, and this poem +describes their lament for his death. + +[8] According to another legend the Emperor Shun was buried in the Kiu-i +Mountains. + + + + +_The Waters of the Mei-Pei_ + +BY TU FU + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + Two friends whose love of wonders led them oft + To leave the haunts and scenes of every day, + Invited me to join them in a voyage + Across the waters of the dread Mei-Pei![9] + + Where nature in her changeful moods is seen, + In grandeur and in terror side by side; + Where mighty forces alter heaven and earth, + And puny human strength and life deride. + + Will countless billows of the wide expanse + In ceaseless motion mount and roll afar? + Through fluid piles of seeming crystal rocks + Will our boat sail beyond the sheltering bar? + + Delightful is the venture that we take, + And yet dire fears will gather in our throat, + The gavial huge may come in search of prey, + The monster whales may overturn our boat! + + Fierce winds may rise and billows roll and break! + But our brave friends unloose the flowing sail, + And through the scattering flocks of duck and tern + The boat glides on--the white foam in our trail. + + The pure and bracing air inflates our lungs-- + Afar from towns where dust with cleanness vies; + The boatmen chant gay ditties as they work, + While sounds of lutes rise to the azure skies. + + As fresh as dew on early morning flowers + The leaves of water-lilies float around, + Upon the surface of the water clear, + Through which we peer in vain to find the ground. + + Then yielding to the current, broad and strong, + Toward the central flood we quickly forge; + The waters pure as those of Puh and Hsiai,[10] + Yet darkly deep as in the Chong-Nan gorge.[11] + + The mountain heights whose base abuts the lake + Are mirrored clearly in the southern end; + The Great Peace Temple, which in cloudland hangs, + Reflects its image in the eastern bend. + + The moon has risen, and its silver beams + Across the Lan-Tien Pass[12] in beauty glow, + While we sit idly on the vessel's side + And watch the nodding peaks in depths below. + + And as we view the mirage of the heights + Which tower in mighty strength above our heads, + The swift Li-Long[13] in prodigal display + A shower of pearls upon the water spreads. + + The Ruler of the Rivers[14] beats his drum, + And dragons haste the summons to obey; + The Consorts[15] of the ancient king descend, + Led by the Maiden of the Star-lit Way.[16] + + To branchèd instruments of beaten gold, + Adorned with pendants of sapphire and jade, + They sing, and dance, midst lights of many hues, + Which flash in splendour, then in darkness fade. + + In ecstasy we watch the wondrous scene, + But awe and joy are mingled in our mind, + For now far off we hear the thunder peal, + And lowering clouds with lurid lights are lined. + + The waters heave with burdensome unrest, + The air is full of shadows of the dead; + The Spirits of the Universe are near, + And we cannot divine their portents dread. + + And such is life--an hour of changing scenes + Of fitful joy and quickly following grief; + An hour of buoyant youth in rapid flight, + And then old age to end life--sad and brief! + +[9] A vast body of water in some wild and remote part of the Empire, +probably in the north-west; but the exact locality is disputed. + +[10] The names of two rivers, or the two words combined may mean the +clear water of a deep cove or inlet. + +[11] A deep gorge in the Chong-nan Mountains in Shen-si. + +[12] A famous Pass near Si-ngan, the provincial capital of Shen-si. + +[13] A fabulous Dragon whose mythological ancestry and habitat I am +unable to trace. + +[14] Ping-i, name of the Chinese God of Waters. + +[15] Nü-Ying and Ngo-Hwang, daughters of the Emperor Yao, and wives of +the Emperor Shun (2288 B.C.?). + +[16] The Spinning-Maid. See legend of Cowherd and Spinning-Maid. + + + + +_The Swallow's Song_[17] + +BY EMPEROR WEN + +OF THE WEI DYNASTY (A.D. 220-264) + + + The autumn winds are blowing, + The air is cool and drear, + The forest leaves are falling, + The grass is scant and sear. + + The dew to hoar-frost changes, + And swallows southward fly; + While from the North in batches + The wild swan cloud the sky. + + And I such signs discerning + Think of you, husband dear, + And long for your home-coming + From marches long and drear. + + Why do you longer tarry + In such a distant place? + Think of my lonely vigils, + Sad thoughts and tear-stained face! + + The harp I often finger, + And try to sing a song; + But soon I sigh and falter, + And for your coming long. + + The Moon's pure light is shining + Upon my lonely bed; + The 'Star-Stream's'[18] westward flowing, + The night is not far sped. + + The Cowherd and the Spinning-Girl[19] + Lament the doom that bars + The meeting of true lovers, + Across the Stream of Stars. + + What folly did they ponder + To meet so dire a fate? + I wonder if we also + Are doomed to trial as great! + +[17] In this poem the thoughts of a woman, whose husband is engaged in +the wars beyond the frontier, are described by the poet. + +[18] The Milky Way. + +[19] K'ien-Niu (Cowherd) and Chih-Nü (Spinning-Girl) are the names of +two stars and, according to a Chinese legend, these two stars are lovers +doomed to gaze at each other across the wide 'River of Stars'; i.e. the +Milky Way, but never meet. According to one version of the legend, +however, the lovers are allowed to meet once a year, on the seventh +night of the Seventh Month, when birds form a bridge over the 'River of +Stars' to enable the Spinning-Girl to meet her lover. + + + + +_Farewell to a Comrade_ + +BY CHEN KIA-CHOW + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + Cold gusts from Arctic regions sweep the ground, + And snowflakes countless fly through the wintry sky, + Covering with spotless robe the earth around, + While snow flowers frail on twigs and branches lie. + + As when a genial breeze in early Spring + Shakes open all the pear-trees' blossoms white, + And sombre-looking trees with leafless boughs + Are decked with radiance in a single night. + + Through crevices and slits in bamboo blinds, + Which shield the entrance to our hempen tent, + Snow-whirls and keen winds blow and chill the blood, + In spite of furs and wadded garments blent. + + Cold so intense is felt by all alike-- + The General cannot stretch his horn-tipped bow, + In coats of mail the Captains stiffly move, + While soldiers growl or mutter curses low. + + Far off the desert stretches as a sea, + In frozen ridges like to driven clouds, + Alas, the multitudes of warriors brave + The pathless waste of cruel sand enshrouds! + + But now our happy comrade homeward turns, + We'll drink his health to sound of viol and flute, + And see him safely on his journey start; + Another cup, and then the old salute! + + Falls thick the snow around the fortress walls, + The red flag frozen stirs not in the air, + As forth we ride from out the Eastern gate,-- + In jostling groups, or quietly pair by pair. + + Nearing the Tien-shan[20] road we draw in rein, + To bid our comrade there a last farewell, + And watch him upward climb the mountain path + To peaks that touch the clouds where genii dwell.[21] + + But soon the winding path conceals from view + The fading horsemen as they upward wend; + All we now see are footprints in the snow, + As 'ih-lu fuh-sing'[22] we towards them send. + +[20] The Tien Mountains; in many books of geography erroneously +described as Tien-Shan Mountains. + +[21] According to Chinese mythology, the top of the Tien Mountains touch +heaven and are the abode of the genii. + +[22] May the Star of Happiness accompany you to the end of the journey. + + + + +_Beauty's Fatal Snare_[23] + +BY LI HAN-LIN + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + The ravens roost upon the towers of Su, + While revels reign within the Court of Wu; + The rustic Si-Shi with her peerless face, + Her slender form, her witching smile and grace. + + Inflamed by wine, she now begins to sing + The songs of Wu to please the fatuous king; + And in the dance of Tsu she subtly blends + All rhythmic movements to her sensuous ends. + + Si-Shi o'er Wu her spell has surely cast, + The King of Yüeh has snared his foe at last; + With wine, and song, and dance, the hours fly by: + The water-clock[24] has dripped till almost dry. + + Behind the hills appears the flush of dawn, + Beyond the river sinks the moon forlorn; + And now the sun climbs up the towers of Su; + What of the revellers in the Halls of Wu! + +[23] The Prince of Yüeh wishing to ruin his rival, the Prince of Wu, +presented to him a very beautiful girl, named Si-Shi, who had been +taught all feminine accomplishments. Fu-Ch'a, the Prince of Wu, fell +into the snare, and besotted by dissolute pleasures, became an easy +victim to the Prince of Yüeh who annexed the State of Wu to his own +dominions. After his defeat Fu-Ch'a committed suicide. + +[24] Time was measured by the clepsydra, and the expression indicates +that the night was far spent and dawn near. + + + + +_A Reverie in a Summer-house_ + +BY MENG HAO-RAN + +T'ANG DYNASTY (A.D. 618-905) + + + The daylight fades behind the Western Mountains, + And in the east is seen the rising moon, + Which faintly mirrored in the garden fountains + Foretells that night and dreams are coming soon. + + With window open--hair unloosed and flowing,[25] + I lie in restful ease upon my bed; + The evening breeze across the lilies blowing + With fragrant coolness falls upon my head. + + And in the solemn stillness--all-prevailing, + The fall of dewdrops from the tall bamboos-- + Which grow in graceful rows along the railing-- + Sounds through the silence soft as dove's faint coos. + + On such an eve as this I would be singing, + And playing plaintive tunes upon the lute, + And thus to mind old friends and pleasures bringing; + But none are here to join with harp and flute! + + So in a pleasant stillness I lie dreaming + Of bygone days and trusty friends of old, + Among whom Sin-tze's[26] happy face is beaming; + I would my thoughts could now to him be told. + +[25] In ancient times the hair was worn long and knotted on the top of +the head. + +[26] The name of a genial companion of earlier days. + + + + +_The Flower-Seller_[27] + +BY TSING-NIEN + +TSING DYNASTY + + + The sun is sinking in the sky, + It scarcely reaches a flagstaff high; + And now the pretty flower-girl dares + Come out to sell her fragile wares. + Her voice rings out a message sweet, + As on she trips with lightsome feet, + To buy her musk and jessamine, + Her violets and white eglantine. + And the fresh perfumes of her flowers, + After last night's refreshing showers, + Borne on the gentle breeze soon find + An entrance through my lattice blind. + The windows of the rich and great + Are opened wide, and heads, ornate + With glossy hair and jewels bright, + Are thrust forth in the evening light + Of the setting sun, whose shadow falls + On the straight lines of brick-built walls, + By which men marked the time of day[28] + Ere clocks and watches came their way. + And many flowers of beauteous hue, + Still sparkling with the morning dew, + Are bought by ladies rich and fair, + To deck their deep black lustrous hair. + +[27] A modern poem composed by a successful student at a Government +Examination. + +[28] Formerly the time of day was roughly ascertained by such means. + + + + +_The Red-Flower Pear-Tree_ + +BY EO YANG SIU + +SONG DYNASTY + + + Posted to a distant mountain region, + The old Lang-Kwan,[29] grown grey in honest work, + Oft wandered through the valleys rough and dreary + In search of treasures which might therein lurk. + + One day, growing in a sheltered corner, + He found a red-flowered pear-tree in full bloom, + And before it stood transfixed with wonder, + As when a dazzling brightness shines through gloom. + + Wondering how so fair a plant could flourish + Away from genial clime and native earth, + Circled by a thousand mist-clad mountains, + And far from fragrant trees of kindred birth. + + High its beauty-laden branches rising + Above the gaudy brambles trailing there, + Standing lonely in its perfect grandeur, + With none, alas! to view the picture rare. + + Save the vernal breeze which strips its blossoms + And blows them open, year by year, again; + Or the feathered tribes of mountain ranges + In search of shelter from the mist or rain. + + Showing it has braved the storms for ages, + Its roots are curved and knotted with the fight; + Yet the Lang-Kwan is the first of mankind + To look with pleasure on so fair a sight. + + Drinking in the wealth of dewy fragrance, + He walked around the tree for many hours, + But held by reverential love and wonder, + He durst not raise a hand to pluck the flowers. + + To himself the old man murmured gently, + I wish I could remove the tree from here + To grace the garden of the King's demesne, + And find a royal consort for its peer. + + Such a task, alas! would be much harder + Than the long and toilsome journey of Chang-K`an,[30] + When he brought the beautiful pomegranate + From Western regions to the Land of Han. + +[29] A District Magistrate in ancient times. + +[30] Chang-K`an, or Chang-K`ien, a Minister of the Emperor Wu of the Han +Dynasty. In this poem it is said that he brought the pomegranate to +China, but other writers say the grape-vine. + + + + +_A Song of Princess Tze-Yuh_[31] + +BY HAN-CHONG + +(ANCIENT) + + + As Southern birds avoid a Northern snare, + My kin avoid alliances with thine; + And though my love for thee would greatly dare, + I know our clans the marriage would decline. + + I would have followed thee, but evil talk + Besmirched our names and sent us far apart; + But why the world its love of slander balk? + 'Tis evil fate that has despoiled my heart! + + I wept for thee and mourned for three long years, + As mourns the phoenix when her consort's dead; + And then death came and ended grief and tears; + For after thee no other could I wed. + + And now you stand before my grave and grieve, + My wraith's permitted for a moment's space, + The confines of the Spirit land to leave + And visit earth to see thee face to face. + + And, oh believe, though quick we part once more, + And in the body cannot meet and love, + Our souls are one till life and time are o'er, + And we united in the realms above. + +[31] Tze-Yuh, daughter of Fu-Chai, Prince of the Wu State, and Han-Chong +loved each other and wished to marry, but political feuds prevented +their union. Thereupon Han-Chong travelled abroad, and Tze-Yuh, after +three years of fruitless mourning, died of grief. When Han-Chong +returned and visited Tze-Yuh's grave to mourn there, he had a vision of +her beautiful face, which inspired him to compose this song. + + + + +_Distaste for Official Life_ + +BY TAO TSIEN + +T'SIN DYNASTY + + + For thirty years I read, and mused, and wrote, + Or idly angled from my fishing-boat; + Or wandered through the woods, or climbed the hills, + Listening to songsters and to murmuring rills; + + Or sauntering in my garden talked with flowers, + As friend with friend, for many happy hours; + Or working in my fields ablaze with golden grain, + And herbs and fruits which keep life clean and sane. + + Far from the busy mart and huckstering crowd, + Striving for gold or place with brawlings loud,-- + From youth to middle age I've passed my days + Midst flowers and fields hearing what Nature says. + + And now, alas! I'm on this boat and bound + For far King-chow, with rank and office crowned; + To village home and friends I've bid farewell, + And of life's peace, I fear, I've tolled the knell. + + From off the shore a pleasant breeze now blows, + And on and on the placid river flows; + While the pale shining of the Queen of Night + Floods the great universe with silvery light. + + I cannot sleep, the future weights my mind, + The calls of office--cares of every kind + Oppress me with a sense of coming woes-- + A forlorn hope against unnumbered foes! + + I fain would tune my harp and ballads sing, + Some comfort to my sinking heart to bring; + But such poor solace even is denied-- + My hands are nerveless and my tongue is tied. + + How can I leave my former happy life + To mingle in ambition's worldly strife! + What care I for the spoils of rank and power, + The petty triumphs of the passing hour! + + My office I'll resign and homeward turn + To till my farm beside the rippling burn, + Where I in happy freedom may once more + The Muses and the Book of Nature pore. + + There in my rustic lodge in leisure time, + I'll cherish every thought and scene sublime, + And following still the teachers of my youth + A name I'll build upon eternal truth. + + + + +_The Fragrant Tree_ + +BY WEI YING-WUH + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + In a far-off fragrant garden + Grows a tree of beauty rare, + Whose reflection on the brooklet + Makes a vision fair. + + But when now I see this vision, + Heart and mind are wrung with grief, + Mourning hours of blissful meeting-- + Every hour too brief. + + Rich as ever is the foliage, + Opal clouds the shimmering boughs, + And the dewy leaves still glisten + While the sun allows. + + But, alas, Her presence lacking, + What are all such things to me! + She will never more be plucking + Blossoms from this tree. + + Here beside the brook are traces + Of her light and gladsome feet; + But again we two shall never + In this garden meet. + + + + +_A Song of the Snow_ + +BY LUH FANG-WENG + + + Three days it snowed on Chang-an[32] plain, + With drifts the Pass[33] was stacked; + The iron cows[34] could not be moved, + The dew-pans[35] froze and cracked. + + A traveller of handsome mien, + And clad in white foxskin, + With curled moustache and strong of limb, + Came to the Pao-chan[36] inn. + + At night he supped and drank full well + Until he soundly slept; + But in the early dawn he woke + And on his strong horse leapt. + + Then riding through the drifts of snow + He reached the South Range bare, + And hunted for a tiger fierce + Which long had 'scaped the snare. + + And when the crafty beast was met, + An arrow from his bow + Transfixed its bounding body huge, + And reddened deep the snow. + + With dying strength it beat the air, + And uttered piercing yells, + Which shook the hills and forest trees, + And echoed through the dells. + + The carcase then he draggèd back + Along a crowded course; + The bones a pillow frame supplied, + The skin adorned his horse. + + But when confusion fills the land, + And peace is under ban, + Why don't such men of might come forth + To help the King of Han! + +[32] Now Si-ngan, the provincial capital of Shen-si, but in the Han +Dynasty the capital of China. + +[33] A very important mountain pass near Si-ngan. + +[34] Vessels used in the conservancy of the Yellow River. + +[35] Pans to hold dew, which was collected to provide the Emperor Wu of +the Han Dynasty with bathing-and drinking-water and thus promote +longevity. + +[36] 'The Precious Hairpin,' merely the sign of the inn. + + + + +_The Old Temple among the Mountains_ + +BY CHANG WEN-CHANG + +T'ANG DYNASTY (618-905 B.C.) + + + The temple courts with grasses rank abound, + And birds throng in the forest trees around; + But pilgrims few, though tablets still remain, + Come to the shrine while revolutions reign. + + The mice climb through the curtains--full of holes, + And thick dust overspreads the broidered stoles; + The temple pool in gloomy blackness lies + To which the sleeping dragon[37] sometimes hies. + +[37] The meaning of this expression is not clear; it has a political +signification. + + + + +_A Soldier's Farewell to his Wife_ + +BY SU-WU[38] + +HAN DYNASTY, OR EARLIER + + + My dear wife, you and I have been as one, + No doubt has marred the faith, which love has won, + Our chief desire throughout the married state + Has been of love and joy to give and take. + + But now, alas! the joy of Spring departs, + And sorrow's shafts must enter both our hearts; + I cannot sleep; I must arise and see + The time; ah me, how quick the hours do flee! + + Awake, my dearest, for the stars have set, + The grief of parting must be bravely met; + And yet the dreary marches weight my mind,-- + As through defiles and desert plains they wind. + + And then, at last, the awful battle-field, + Where I must fight and naught to foemen yield; + But, oh! the bitter, paralysing pain-- + To think that we may never meet again! + + I must let fall the long restrainèd tears + As, clasping hands, you calm my anxious fears; + If not, my heart will break with sighs repressed + To hear your love so tenderly confessed. + + But courage, we will think of Young Love's day, + And all the pleasures which therein did stay; + And this shall cheer me on the toilsome road, + And help you here to bear your weary load. + + Then with what joy we shall renew our life, + When I return safe from the dreadful strife; + But if, alas! the Fates should death decree, + My spirit shall for ever live with thee. + +[38] Chinese commentators regard this poem as Su's farewell to his own +wife, written when he was sent on an expedition to the land of the +Hsiung-nu, where he was captured and kept in captivity for many years. + + + + +_The Wanderer's Return_ + +BY TU FU + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + The setting sun beneath the red-lined clouds, + Which mass around the foot-hills in the west, + Still floods the valley with a rose-hued light, + And lures the chirping birds to seek their rest. + + The wayworn traveller pauses near the gate, + From which he sallied forth so long ago; + Unconscious then of what Fate held in store-- + The years of separation, loss, and woe. + + The neighbours press around the garden fence, + And gaze with mouth agape, or quietly sigh; + While wife and children awestruck, rigid stand, + And then tears flow and to his arms they fly. + + 'For years on revolution's waves I've tossed, + While wife and bairns mourned me in hopeless plight; + And now to-night, as in a dream, I sit + With all my loved ones 'neath the lamp's bright light.' + + + + +_The Pleasures of a Simple Life with Nature_ + +BY LI-SHANG-YIN + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + On these pleasant hills residing, + Far from worldly din and strife, + Leisurely with nature living, + Here I pass a happy life. + + Gently wave the bamboo copses, + Fanned by evening breezes light; + While the flowers and moon-beams mingle + In the ghostly hours of night. + + Through ravines the waters gurgle, + Stemmed by scattered rock and stone; + Round the bends the footpath wanders-- + By the mosses overgrown. + + Here with friends and habits simple, + And a cup of generous wine, + Fingering lute and old songs singing-- + For no other heaven I pine. + + + + +_Listening to the Playing on a Lute in a Boat_ + +BY SU-SHIH + + + In my boat I sat alone, + And the hours were fast in flight, + When the sound of music broke + The stillness of the night. + + Sighing winds through fir-trees swept, + Falling cascades murmured low, + As the master touched his lute-- + So lovingly and slow. + + Clutching fast my lapelled coat, + Rapture swayed me without bounds, + As with every nerve intent, + I listened to the sounds. + + Yet again I longed to hear + Ancient chimes on jadestone bell, + Drawn forth by the Master's hand + From lute he loved so well. + + Since the days of Chen and Wei,[39] + When confusion filled the land, + Music rare of ancient style + Has found but scant demand. + + Times and instruments alike, + For a thousand years and more, + Silent and forgotten lay, + And few the loss deplore! + + One alone--the priceless lute-- + Change and storm and wreck survives, + Watching nations rise and wane, + As god of mortal lives. + + Music old is now decried, + Light songs and ditties sought, + Strains insipid, jerky turns, + Light and crispy wrought. + + Instruments of wood remain, + Void of human feelings sweet, + Which the soul of ancient song + Never more may greet. + + Peaceful is the river now, + Moon-beams play upon the scene, + From the ceaseless din of life + Night provides a pleasant screen. + + In the silence of this hour, + Will you, Master, yet once more, + Wen-wang's[40] melodies revive, + As in the days of yore? + +[39] The Wei and Ch'en Dynasties. + +[40] Duke Chang, the virtual founder of the Chow Dynasty; Wen Wang being +his posthumous title. His son, Prince Wu, was the first ruler of the +Chow Dynasty. + + + + +_Reflections on the Past_[41] + +THIS IS ONLY ONE SECTION OF A LONG POEM BY TAO TSIEN. + + + The sun went down and cloudless came the night, + A gentle zephyr breathed through moonlit skies; + And bevies of fair women thronged the Court, + The beauty of the starlight in their eyes. + + With wine and singing swiftly flew the hours + Until the herald of the dawn appeared; + But when the music and the rapture ceased, + Deep sighs were heard and weird forebodings feared. + + Such beauty even in the Halls of T'sin + As on this fateful night was seldom seen,-- + A lustrous moon in fleecy clouds it shines! + A splendid flower amidst the foliage green! + + How fair the groups of revellers--fair the scene! + But pleasures such as these must pass away! + How keen the raptures of those fleeting hours! + What of the burdens of the coming day? + +[41] This poem probably refers to the revelries of the Court at the end +of the T'sin Dynasty 300-200 B.C., before it was overthrown by the +founder of the Han Dynasty. + + + + +_A Lowly Flower_ + +BY BAY SIE T'IAO + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + A flowering grass I rise + From the side of a far-spread lake, + Whose waters lave and fertilize, + And all my thirsty tissues slake. + + The dews of Spring with gentle power + Evolve my glossy emerald leaves; + The colours of my fragrant flower + The rime of early Autumn weaves. + + And yet in trembling fear I grow, + Lest root and stem should be uptorn + By sudden storm or rushing flow, + And leave me helpless and forlorn. + + So here contented will I lie, + Although a plant of humble birth; + Nor try to soar to realms on high + Above the confines of the earth. + + For never yet has living soul + By strength or wisdom changed his fate; + All things are under heaven's control, + Who allocates to each his state. + + + + +_On returning to a Country Life_ + +BY TAO TSIEN + + + My youth was spent amidst the simple charms + Of country scenes--secure from worldly din, + And then, alas! I fell into the net + Of public life, and struggled long therein. + + The captive bird laments its forest home; + The fish in tanks think of the sea's broad strands; + And I oft longed, amidst official cares, + To till a settler's plot in sunny lands. + + And now I have my plot of fifteen 'mow',[42] + With house thereon of rustic build and thatch; + The elm and willow cast a grateful shade, + While plum-and peach-trees fill the entrance patch. + + Away from busy towns and dusty marts, + The dog barks in the silent country lane; + While chickens cluck among the mulberry-trees, + And life is healthy and the mind is sane. + + Here in my house--with room for friend or two, + On my own farm--won from the barren plain, + Escaped from cares of office and routine, + I live a free and natural life again. + +[42] A Chinese acre, a measure of land equal to about one-fifth of an +English acre. + + + + +_The Brevity of Life_ + +POET UNKNOWN: HAN DYNASTY, OR EARLIER + + + Our years on earth are brief, + But few a hundred win; + A thousand years of grief + Are packed therein. + + The day quick takes its flight, + The dark is sad and long; + Then let us cheer the night + With feast and song. + + The niggard thinks it wise + To save and live by rule; + But sages may arise + To call him fool! + + + + +_Conscripts leaving for the Frontier_[43] + +BY TU-FU + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + Chariots rumbling; horses neighing; + Soldiers shouting martial cries; + Drums are sounding; trumpets braying; + Seas of glittering spears arise. + + On each warrior's back are hanging + Deadly arrows, mighty bows; + Pipes are blowing, gongs are clanging, + On they march in serried rows. + + Age-bowed parents, sons and daughters + Crowd beside in motley bands; + Here one stumbles, there one falters + Through the clouds of blinding sands. + + Wives and mothers sometimes clinging + To their loved ones in the ranks, + Or in grief their bodies flinging + On the dusty crowded flanks. + + Mothers', wives', and children's weeping + Rises sad above the din,-- + Through the clouds to Heaven creeping-- + Justice begging for their kin. + + 'To what region are they going?' + Asks a stranger passing by; + 'To the Yellow River, flowing + Through the desert bare and dry! + + 'Forced conscription daily snapping + Ties which bind us to our clan; + Forced conscription slowly sapping + All the manhood of the Han.' + + And the old man went on speaking + To the stranger from afar: + ''Tis the Emperor, glory seeking, + Drives them 'neath his baleful star. + + 'Guarding river; guarding passes + On the frontier, wild and drear; + Fighting foes in savage masses-- + Scant of mercy, void of fear. + + 'Proclamations, without pity, + Rain upon us day by day, + Till from village, town, and city + All our men are called away. + + 'Called away to swell the flowing + Of the streams of human blood, + Where the bitter north wind blowing + Petrifies the ghastly flood. + + 'Guarding passes through the mountains, + Guarding rivers in the plain; + While in sleep, in youth's clear fountain, + Scenes of home come back again. + + 'But, alas! the dream is leaded + With the morn's recurring grief, + Only few return--grey-headed-- + To their homes, for days too brief. + + 'For the Emperor, still unheeding + Starving homes and lands untilled, + On his fatuous course proceeding, + Swears his camps shall be refilled. + + 'Hence new levies are demanded, + And the war goes on apace, + Emperor and foemen banded + In the slaughter of the race. + + 'All the region is denuded + Of its men and hardy boys, + Only women left, deluded + Of life's promise and its joys. + + 'Yet the prefects clamour loudly + That the taxes must be paid,-- + Ride about and hector proudly! + How can gold from stones be made? + + 'Levy after levy driven, + Treated more like dogs than men, + Over mountains, tempest riven, + Through the salty desert fen. + + 'There by Hun and Tartar harried-- + Ever fighting, night or day; + Wounded, left to die, or carried + Far from kith and kin away. + + 'Better bring forth daughters only + Than male children doomed to death, + Slaughtered in the desert lonely, + Frozen by the north wind's breath. + + 'Where their bodies, left unburied, + Strew the plain from west to east, + While above in legions serried + Vultures hasten to the feast. + + 'Brave men's bones on desert bleaching, + Far away from home and love, + Spirits of the dead beseeching + Justice from the heaven above.' + +[43] This poem is an attempt to describe the miseries of the people +under compulsory military service during the long wars carried on by the +Emperor Hsüen-Tsung of the Han Dynasty. + + + + +_Estimating the Value of a Wife_ + +UNKNOWN: ANCIENT + + + Once upon a time a husband, weary + Of the selfsame face before him day by day, + Determined to dismiss his goodwife promptly, + And take a new one--to her great dismay! + + Without delay the little deal was settled,-- + The husband on his purpose being bent,-- + The new wife through the front door entered grandly, + The old one from a side-door sadly went. + + One day the old wife to her home returning + From gathering wild flowers on the mountain side, + Met with her quondam master in the valley, + And, kneeling, asked him how the new one vied. + + 'The new wife', said the husband very slowly, + 'Has beauty that is equal to your own, + But still her hands are not so deft and useful, + Nor can she compass so much work alone. + + 'The new wife's hands are very skilled in weaving + Embroidered satins with her dainty touch; + The old wife's fingers, faster and unwearied, + Of useful fabrics weave five times as much. + + 'So when I reckon up the charms and uses + Of goodwives, number One and number Two, + There's little room within my mind for doubting, + I had the better bargain when I'd you.' + + + + +_The Lady Lo-Fu_ + +HAN DYNASTY, OR EARLIER + + + On a bright and sunny morning, + From her mother's house there came, + One who needed no adorning,-- + Lo-Fu was the lady's name. + + On her arm a basket swinging, + Made of silk her own hand weaves, + Forth she wanders blithely singing, + Bent on gathering mulberry leaves. + + From her head in graceful tresses + Falls the fine and lustrous hair, + While each shapely ear caresses + Just one pearl of beauty rare. + + Purple bodice, broidered quaintly, + Silken skirt with amber lace, + Gave the touch demure and saintly + To her sweetly winsome face. + + Travellers dropped the loads they carried, + And in wonder stroked their chin; + Young men, whether free or married, + Doffed their hats a glance to win. + + Farmers stay their hand in ploughing, + Peasants stand as in a dream, + Now and then the trees allowing + Of the girl a passing gleam. + + On this morn an Envoy passing, + From a mission to the sea, + Where much wealth he'd been amassing, + Saw Lo-Fu beneath a tree. + + For her silkworms food providing, + Work she did with greatest zest; + All her friends around residing + Owned her silk was of the best. + + Near the tree the Envoy stopping + With his escort in array, + Soldiers boughs of mulberries lopping + Helped to make a fine display. + + From his retinue emerging + Came the Envoy's trusty man, + Who his master's message urging, + Gently asked her name and clan. + + 'Lo-Fu,' came the answer proudly, + 'Of the ancient house of T'sin!' + Adding, too, a little loudly, + 'And my age is seventeen.' + + 'Will you join me?' asked the Envoy, + 'Sharing all my wealth and power, + All the treasures of this convoy + Would not far exceed your dower!' + + 'You have a wife,' she answered coldly, + 'And most foolish are, I fear; + I,' she added firm and boldly, + 'Also have a husband dear. + + 'And my husband is the leader + Of a thousand horsemen brave, + Midst whom not one base seceder + Would another captain crave! + + 'On his charger, white and fiery, + 'Mongst the troop he's first espied, + Soldier-like, erect and wiry, + With his keen sword by his side. + + 'When but fifteen he enlisted + Without patronage or fame, + And at twenty, unassisted, + Officer at Court became. + + 'Then at thirty, unexpected, + Captain in the Royal Clan; + Now at forty he's selected + Chief commandant of Ch'ang-an. + + 'Gallant, but of gentle bearing, + When the battle's fought and won, + For the praise of men less caring + Than the meed for duty done. + + 'Yes, a clear-eyed, clean-souled hero + Is the man I'm praising now, + And your value sinks to zero + When compared with his, I vow. + + 'True, a lowly work I'm doing, + And the silk we use I spin, + But remember you are wooing + Lo-Fu of the House of T'sin.'[44] + +[44] The ancient State of T'sin, which finally embraced the whole of +Shen-si and Kansuh. In 221 B.C. this State under Shi Hwang Ti subdued +all China, and thereafter the ruling sovereigns are known as the T'sin +Dynasty. + + + + +_An Autumn Evening in the Garden_ + +BY LI YI + + + The Summer's gone, but summer heat remains, + And sleepless nights still leave us all repining; + So to the garden I have moved my couch, + And on it I am peacefully reclining. + + The white clouds spread themselves across the sky, + And through the rifts the moon's soft light is falling + On dewy grass and flowers and trees around, + While from the towers night birds are faintly calling. + + The gentle rustling of the tall bamboos + In subtle symphony of tone is blending + With the waters of the fountain and the brook, + Which flow and murmur on their ways unending. + + While through the gauzy garments which I wear + The cooling evening breeze is gently blowing, + My feeling of contentment is more deep + Than when I'm where the ruby wine is flowing. + + + + +_Muh-Lan_[45] + + + Muh-Lan's swift fingers flying to and fro + Crossed warp with woof in deft and even row, + As by the side of spinning-wheel and loom + She sat at work without the women's room.[46] + But tho' her hand the shuttle swiftly plies + The whir cannot be heard for Muh-Lan's sighs; + When neighbours asked what ills such mood had wrought, + And why she worked in all-absorbing thought; + She answered not, for in her ears did ring + The summons of last evening from the King, + Calling to arms more warriors for the west, + The name of Muh-Lan's father heading all the rest. + But he was ill--no son to take his place, + Excuses meant suspicion and disgrace; + Her father's honour must not be in doubt; + Nor friend, nor foe, his stainless name shall flout; + She would herself his duty undertake + And fight the Northern foe for honour's sake. + Her purpose fixed, the plan was soon evolved, + But none should know it, this she was resolved; + Alone, unknown, she would the danger face, + Relying on the prowess of her race. + A charger here, a saddle there, she bought, + And next a bridle and a whip she sought; + With these equipped she donned the soldier's gear, + Arming herself with bow and glittering spear. + And then before the sun began his journey steep + She kissed her parents in their troubled sleep, + Caressing them with fingers soft and light, + She quietly passed from their unconscious sight; + And mounting horse she with her comrades rode + Into the night to meet what fate forbode; + And as her secret not a comrade knew, + Her fears soon vanished as the morning dew. + That day they galloped westward fast and far, + Nor paused until they saw the evening star; + Then by the Yellow River's rushing flood + They stopped to rest and cool their fevered blood. + The turbid stream swept on with swirl and foam + Dispelling Muh-Lan's dreams of friends and home; + Muh-Lan! Muh-Lan! she heard her mother cry-- + The waters roared and thundered in reply! + Muh-Lan! Muh-Lan! she heard her father sigh-- + The river surged in angry billows by! + The second night they reach the River Black, + And on the range which feeds it, bivouac; + Muh-Lan! Muh-Lan! she hears her father pray-- + While on the ridge the Tartars' horses neigh; + Muh-Lan! Muh-Lan! her mother's lips let fall! + The Tartars' camp sends forth a bugle call! + The morning dawns on men in armed array + Aware that death may meet them on that day; + The Winter sun sends forth a pallid light + Through frosty air on knights in armour bright; + While bows strung tight, and spears in glittering rows, + Forebode the struggle of contending foes. + And soon the trumpets blare--the fight's begun; + A deadly _mêlée_--and the Pass is won! + The war went on, and many a battle-field + Revealed Muh-Lan both bow and spear could wield; + Her skill and courage won her widespread fame, + And comrades praised, and leaders of great name. + Then after several years of march and strife, + Muh-Lan and others, who had 'scaped with life + From fields of victory drenched with patriots' blood, + Returned again to see the land they loved. + And when at last the Capital[47] was reached, + The warriors, who so many forts had breached, + Were summoned to the presence of the King, + And courtiers many did their praises sing; + Money and presents on them, too, were showered, + And some with rank and office were empowered; + While Muh-Lan, singled out from all the rest, + Was offered fief and guerdon of the best. + But gifts and honours she would gladly lose + If she might only be allowed to choose + Some courier camels, strong and fleet of pace, + To bear her swiftly to her native place. + + * * * * * + + And now, at last, the journey nears the end, + And father's, mother's voices quickly blend + In--'Muh-Lan, Muh-Lan! welcome, welcome, dear!' + And this time there was naught but joy to fear. + Her younger sisters decked the house with flowers, + And loving words fell sweet as summer showers; + Her little brother shouted Muh-Lan's praise, + For many proud and happy boastful days! + The greetings o'er, she slipped into her room-- + Radiant with country flowers in fragrant bloom-- + And changed her soldier's garb for woman's dress: + Her head adorned with simple maiden's tress-- + A single flower enriched her lustrous hair-- + And forth she came, fresh, maidenly, and fair! + Some comrades in the war had now come in, + Who durst not mingle in the happy din; + But there in awe and admiration stood, + As brave men do before true womanhood; + For not the boldest there had ever dreamed, + On toilsome march, or when swords flashed and gleamed + In marshalled battle, or on sudden raid, + That their brave comrade was a beauteous maid. + +[45] Muh-Lan was a famous heroine of the Liang Dynasty (A.D. 502-556) +who, when her father was summoned to serve as a soldier in the wars on +the north-western frontier, and was unable to obey the order on account +of sickness, put on a soldier's dress and took his place in the army for +several years. She fought in many battles, winning great praise for her +bravery, and ever since she has been regarded as the ideal of daughterly +devotion and feminine courage. + +[46] In the porch of the women's apartment. + +[47] The capital of China at that time was Chang-an, now Si-an-Fu the +provincial capital of Shen-si. + + + + +_The Old Fisherman_ + +BY LUH FANG-WEN + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + While wandering up the river-side alone + To view the landscape of my new-found home, + Away from cities and the haunts of men + Where I midst nature's scenes can quietly roam, + + I came upon a fisher's lonely hut + Ensconced within a winding of the stream, + And in a boat the fisherman himself; + While on his sail the sunlight sent a gleam. + + Across the river stands a stately mountain + Which wandering artists oft have tried to paint, + But none could seize the subtle blend of colours-- + Of purple blues and rose-dawn flushes faint. + + Alas! the fisherman through summers many, + Has gazed upon the glory of this scene, + And yet his mind's unwakened to its beauty, + His hand unskilled to limn its tints and sheen. + + And my hand, too, alas! has lost its cunning + And cannot serve my brain as in my youth, + So men will lose another glorious picture + Of Nature with her beauty and her truth. + + + + +_Midnight in the Garden_ + +BY LIU TSONG-YUEN + +T'ANG DYNASTY (ANCIENT STYLE) + + + The midnight hours were passing + And sleep still past me flew; + My mind--so keenly working-- + Could hear the dropping dew. + + So from my bed arising + I open wide the door-- + The western park revealing, + And hills that heavenward soar. + + Across the Eastern ranges + The clear moon coldly shines + On bamboos, loosely scattered, + And trailing mountain vines. + + And so intense the stillness, + That from the distant hills + I hear the pigeons cooing, + And murmuring streams and rills. + + For hours I have been thinking, + As in a silent dream, + And now beyond the mountains + I see the dawn's first gleam. + + + + +_Reflections on the Brevity of Life_ + +POET'S NAME UNKNOWN: HAN DYNASTY OR EARLIER (206 B.C.-220 A.D.) + + + We sought the city by the Eastern gate, + Our chariot moving at a leisured rate, + Along the road on which the sunlight weaves + The trembling of the willow's rustling leaves. + + And far away are pine-trees towering high, + Beneath whose shade the graves of heroes lie; + In Hades now their last long sleep they take, + From which a mortal never more shall wake. + + How vast the gulf between the quick and dead! + Yet as the morning dew our life is sped; + The rocks and hills enduring strength retain, + But mortals pass in fast and endless train. + + Alas! the sages are inert to trace + Beyond the grave the future of our race; + Alchemic nostrums, too, are used in vain, + They cannot turn life's ills to endless gain. + + Then let us drain the goblet while we live, + And take the best the fleeting hour can give. + In life a little pleasure may be won, + To-morrow we must die and there'll be none. + + + + +_So-fei gathering Flowers_ + +BY WANG CHANG-LING + + + In a dress of gauzy fabric + Of the 'Lien' leaf's emerald hue + So-fei glides amongst the lilies + Sprinkled with the morning dew. + + Rose-hued are the lotus-blossoms, + Rose-hued, too, the maiden's cheeks; + Is it So-fei's form I follow, + Or the flowers she seeks? + + Now I hear a song arising + From the lotus bowers, + Which distinguishes the maiden + From her sister flowers. + + + + +_A Farewell_[48] + +BY LI TAI-PEH + + + Far up the Song-Yang's sacred mountain, + Unrestrained by lock or bridge, + Plows a pure and peaceful streamlet + 'Neath the 'Gem-Maid's' grassy ridge. + + There at eve midst pine-trees sombre + Looms the large and lustrous moon; + And within my ancient dwelling + You I hope to welcome soon. + + Yes, my friend, I'll come to see you + At the closing of the year, + In your home among the mountains, + Where you live without a fear. + + Deep in searching for the Chang-pu, + With its bloom-flushed purple flower, + Which endows the happy finder + With immortal life and power. + + Ere I come you may have found it, + And to realms where genii dwell + Winged your flight upon the dragon, + Bidding to our earth farewell. + +[48] Poems similar to this one are frequently written by literary men in +China when bidding farewell to a friend. + + + + +_The Khwun-ming Lake_ + +BY TU FU + + + In ancient times the flags of Wu[49] + Made gay the Khwun-ming Lake,[50] + On which his ships in mimic strife + The decks of foemen rake. + + But now deserted is the scene, + And in the moon's pale light, + The Spinning-Maid[51] upon the shore + Sits silent in the night. + + The Autumn breezes seem to move + The mammoth stony whales,[52] + And send a tremor through their frames + Vibrating all their scales. + + The Ku-mi[53] seeds float on the waste, + As clouds of sombre hue; + The lotus-flowers are crushed beneath + The weight of frozen dew. + + While from the cloud-capped Pass[54] above, + The eagle's eye aglow, + Sees but an aged fisherman + Midst lakes and streams below. + +[49] The Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty ascended the throne 140 B.C. + +[50] A lake probably situated to the south-west of Chang-an, the capital +of China in the Han Dynasty. This city is now the provincial capital of +Shen-si and better known as Si-an. + +[51] A stone image of the Spinning-Maid stood on one shore of the lake, +and another of the Cowherd on the opposite shore. + +[52] A stone image of an immense fish covered with finely carved scales +was also placed by the side of the lake. + +[53] A kind of rice. + +[54] Probably the celebrated 'Tung' Pass near Chang-an. + + The whole poem has a political signification implying that + revolution had turned the country into a wilderness, and + desolation taken the place of former prosperity and greatness. + + + + +_Reflections_ + +BY CHANG KIU-LING + + + The foliage of the lilies in the Spring + In glowing freshness shows its vernal birth; + While in the Autumn cassia-blossoms bright + Renew the beauty of the fading earth. + + In seasons such as these our hearts rejoice, + And deeper thoughts arise within the mind, + As Nature woos us in a tender mood, + And teaches lessons that are true and kind. + + Who would not be as grass and flowers and trees, + That denizen the forest and the hill, + And listening to the music of the winds, + With sympathy and mutual gladness thrill! + + For flowers have natures teaching them to live + In sweet content in glen, or glade, or field; + By plucking them fair women cannot add + Aught to the happiness their own lives yield. + + These four stanzas are but a section of a long poem. In this + allegory the poet reveals his own distaste for official life + and his love of Nature. Beautiful women cannot add to the + happiness of the flowers by plucking them, &c., implies that + the Emperor cannot increase the happiness of the poet by + appointing him to high official posts, and inviting him to the + Court. + + + + +_Pride and Humility_[55] + +BY CHANG-KIU-LING + +T'ANG DYNASTY (A.D. 618-905) + + + I'm but a sea-bird, wandering here alone, + And dare not call the ponds and lakes my own; + But what are those two lovely birds on high, + Shining resplendent 'gainst the morning sky? + + Upon the top bough of the San-Chu[56] tree, + Presumptuously they build that all may see; + Their feathers than the iris lovelier far, + What if a missile should their beauty mar! + + Such brilliant robes, which they with joy expose, + Might well excite the envy of their foes; + And even the gods may view with dire disdain + The high ambition of the proud and vain. + + Now I in quiet obscurity can roam + Far from my nest, flecked by the ocean's foam; + Yet, in a world where greed is always rife, + No one would raise a hand to take my life. + +[55] This translation is only a portion of a long poem. + +[56] A mythical tree of the genii; but in the poem it may mean a very +conspicuous tree. + + + + +_Dwellers in the Peach Stream Valley_[57] + +BY CHANG-HSÜEN + +T'SING DYNASTY + + + While the master was wrapped in slumber the fishing-boat slipped its + stake, + And drifted, and swirled, and drifted far over the broadening lake, + Till islets, and mainland, and forests came into view once more, + While the fisherman gazed and pondered the lay of the new-found + shore. + But erelong he espied an opening, shown by the broken wave, + And in venturous mood he steered his boat into a narrow cave, + Where an azure mist obscured the scenes through channels long and + low, + As the current bore him gently into a world of long ago. + In this old, flower-bestrewèd land, at first no path the eye could + tell, + For on the streams and on the banks the red rain of peach flowers + fell; + Yet from the purple-shadowed mountains which screened this favoured + land + Flowed forth the Peach-Fount river along its bed of silver sand; + But, winding with the stream, the thickset peach-tree groves with + red-veined flowers + Hid the cooling waters flowing in and out the shady bowers. + And here and there along the banks, set in nooks of calm repose, + Were cottage homes of rustic work from which the wreathed blue smoke + arose; + Showing that in this happy valley beyond the world's dull roar, + Life went on as sweet and simple as in the golden days of yore, + And the people of this valley in their ancient garments clad + Were courteous in their manners and rejoiced in all they had; + While the dogs and fowls beside them harmonized with all at hand, + And the mulberry-tree and flax-plant hid the former barren land. + When the dwellers in this favoured region saw the stranger guest, + They set before him food and wine and kindly bade him rest; + And when true courtesy allowed they asked of the things and men + In the world of sin and sorrow far beyond their quiet life's ken. + And when the time to leave them came, and the stranger could not + stay, + They led him through the cavern's channels and saw him sail away. + In after life the fisherman often tried again, but failed + To find the opening to the Valley through which he once had sailed; + But when the sand of life through the glass its course had nearly + run, + He thought he saw the way lay to it beyond the westering sun. + +[57] There are many versions of this legend both in poetry and prose. +The introductory and closing lines of the translation are partly based +on other versions of the story than that in the poem translated. + +This poem and 'The Fishermen's Song', and 'The Students' Ramble', are +taken from 'A Selection of Poems' written by successful graduates at the +Government Examinations during the present dynasty. + +Many of these prize poems are cleverly and beautifully written, and they +reveal considerable poetic talent, but not the power and genius found in +the work of ancient Chinese poets. + + + + +_The Five Sons_ + +BY TAO TSIEN + +T'SIN DYNASTY (A.D. 265-419) + + + I am wrinkled and gray, + And old before my day; + For on five sons I look, + And not one loves a book. + + Ah-Shu is sixteen years, + The sight of work he fears; + He is the laziest lout + You'd find the world throughout. + + Ah-süen has tried in vain + A little wit to gain; + He shirks the student's stool, + At grammar he's a fool! + + Yong-twan is thirteen now, + And yet I do avow + He can't discriminate + The figures six and eight![58] + + Tong-tze is only nine, + But clearly does opine + That life, with all its cares, + Consists of nuts and pears. + + Alas, that Fate so dour + On me her vials should pour! + What can I do but dine, + And drown my woes in wine! + +[58] Implies that he is a thorough dunce. + + + + +_The Journey Back_ + +BY A POET OF THE HAN DYNASTY + +NAME UNKNOWN[59] (206 B.C. TO A.D. 220) + + + The journey back has now begun, + The Chariot winds along the road-- + The road which seems for aye to run + To me with my sad load! + + How vast the wilderness around, + As o'er the endless track we pass; + The only moving thing and sound-- + The east wind through the grass! + + The things I see are not the old, + As mile on mile the way is won, + And quick as these things change are told + Our years--and age comes on. + + By nature's law each cycle brings + A time to flourish and decay, + And, with her perishable things, + We, too, must pass away. + + No power have we with time to brave, + As iron and stone, the grave's stern claim, + One treasure only can we save-- + An everlasting fame. + +[59] The poet's name is unknown, but he (or she?) lived during the Han +Dynasty (206 B.C. to A.D. 220), or earlier. + + + + +_The Gallant Captain and the Innkeeper's Wife_ + +BY SIN YEN-NIEN + +HAN DYNASTY (206 B.C. TO A.D. 220) + + + Among the near attendants of the famous General Ho,[60] + The Champion of the Emperor Wu and terror of his foe, + Was a gay and gilded youth of the name of Fung Tze-tu, + Who loved to slay the fair sex as the general did Hsiong-nu; + Presuming on his master's fame he bantered every girl, + And fancied he himself was great--he lived in such a whirl. + The landlord of the wine-shop was scarcely a man of means, + But had a young and pretty wife not yet out of her teens; + And with this charming lady Fung Tze-tu was wont to flirt; + But though so young and charming she was very much alert. + One day in Spring this hostess fair, in gracious serving mood, + Alone attended to the wants of guests for wine and food. + Attired in flowing skirt, and girdled loose with girlish wile, + Embroidered vest and wide-sleeved outer robe of ancient style; + Her slender head on either side with massive tresses graced, + And crowned with Lan-tien[61] jade, below with Ta-tsin[62] pearls + enlaced: + This young and dainty figure, said the gallants with a sigh, + Was a sight with which no other on this earth could ever vie; + And as they posed before her in their elegant attire, + She deftly filled their glasses, and allowed them to admire. + Just as this dainty hostess stood alone within the inn, + Preparing special vintages selected from the bin, + Up rode a gay young officer with canopy of rank, + Accompanied by attendants afoot on either flank; + His charger's handsome trappings richly bound at every joint, + And silver-mounted saddle burnished to the flashing point,-- + Alighting from his horse there stood the son of the Kin-Wu,[63] + The very gallant officer, the dashing Fung Tze-tu. + He called for wine in tasselled jug, and carp on golden plate, + And thought such lavish bravery the lady would elate; + Besides such show he offered her a mirror burnished bright, + Together with a red silk skirt of gauzy texture light; + All these, he thought, must surely daze the eyes of woman vain, + Who does not give her smiles for love, but for the greatest gain: + Alas! within the lady's mind quite other thoughts found vent, + More poignant when she spied within the red silk skirt a rent. + The rent within the skirt, she mused, no pang in you has wrought, + Nor would the loss of my good name cause you a serious thought; + For men soon tire of wives and seek their joys in faces new, + But wives are true to their first spouse and gallants do eschew; + Among the lowly born, as in the camp or royal abode, + Are women who are true to death to honour's stainless code: + I thank you for the favours shown, brave son of the Kin-Wu, + But this time you have loved in vain, my gallant Fung Tze-tu! + +[60] General Ho K'ü-ping, died 117 B.C., Commander of the Armies of Han +Wu Ti in several victorious campaigns against the Hsiung-nu. + +[61] Lan-tien, a district in Shên-si, famous for its jade. + +[62] Ta-tsin, the Roman Empire. + +[63] A military officer of the Han Dynasty, holding a rank similar to +that of Captain-General. + + + + +_The Lady Chao-Chiün_[64] + +BY EO YANG SIU + +SONG DYNASTY (A.D. 960-1278) + + + The Court of Han which shone with beauty rare + Of high-born women dowered with faces fair, + Had one within it, yet unknown to fame, + Of lowly fortune but of gentle name. + + Now every flower had spared some hue or grace + To form Chao-Chiün's divinely lovely face; + But courtier's greed had barred the Palace gate, + Which Chao-Chiün's father would not try to sate. + + Nor could the maid herself her beauty flaunt, + And hold her fair name light for gold or taunt; + Her Royal Master, therefore, did but jibe + At portraits of her, painted for a bribe. + + And so this peerless girl was left alone, + Who might have shared Yüen's imperial throne. + But Yen-Show's greed at last itself betrayed, + And charges grave against him were arrayed; + + Then traitor-like, as harried fox, or doe, + He fled the Court to help the Northern foe; + And with true portraits of the lovely maid, + He fired the Tartar Chief his plans to aid. + + Abetted by this courtier, wise and arch, + The Tartar armies crossed the Emperor's march, + And devastated all the country near, + From which the people fled in piteous fear. + + The Han King, conscious of his waning power, + Now sought for terms of peace in danger's hour; + And these were granted, if, with parlance brief + The Lady Wang would wed the Tartar chief. + + But ere the peerless maiden left her home, + To brave the mountains and the desert roam, + The Emperor saw her, and his heart stood still, + Yet basely feared to thwart the Tartar's will. + + The silence passed, he raved in passion's whirl, + And slew the painter who had limned the girl; + But useless were such puny acts, and cruel, + Which to a burning throne were added fuel. + + For how could monarch, who perceived no more, + Of things which happened near his Palace door, + Expect to force the Hun to own his sway, + Encamped in strength a thousand miles away? + + And so Chao-Chiün, beneath her weary load, + With royal guards began the endless road, + Watering with tears each lowly wayside flower, + The sport, alas! of beauty's fateful power. + +[64] Chao-Chiün, or Wang Chao-Chiün, was a very beautiful girl who was +precluded from entering the presence of the Emperor Yuan (Han Yuan Ti) +by an avaricious courtier, Mao Yen-sheo, who bribed the court painter +to present ugly portraits of Chao-Chiün to the Emperor, because her +family would not pay the large sums of money he demanded. Afterwards Mao +Yen-sheo's wiles became known to the Emperor, and he fled to the Khan of +the Hsiung-nu to whom he showed a true portrait of Chao-Chiün. Thereupon +the Khan invaded China with a great army, and demanded the Lady +Chao-Chiün as the price of peace. Afraid to refuse, the Chinese Emperor +surrendered Chao-Chiün to the Tartar chief who then retired beyond the +Wall. According to a popular but untrustworthy version of this story, +Chao-Chiün, when she reached the Heh-long Kiang (Amur River), jumped +into the stream rather than cross the boundary which separated her from +her native land. + + + + +_Night on the Lake_ + +BY SU TONG-PO + +SONG DYNASTY (A.D. 960-1278) + + + The breeze is sighing through the water grass, + As up and down the narrow deck I pass; + And through the rarest mist of Autumn night + The rain-moon floods the lake with pallid light. + + The boatmen and the water-fowl sleep sound, + And in their dreams see other worlds around; + The big fish startled sneak in haste away, + As flurried fox flees from the dawning day. + + In depths of night it seems the human soul + Its sway o'er other things has lost control; + I and my shadow play upon the strand + That marks the boundary of the silent land. + + We watch the secret tides in noiseless work, + Forming new isles where earthworms safely lurk; + And on the moon--a monstrous pearl--we gaze, + Looming through willow-trees in silver haze. + + Amidst our life of changing grief and woe, + A glimpse of purer worlds will come and go, + As on this lake when nature's holy power + Speaks to us in the dark and silent hour. + + But hark, the cock crows; rings the temple bell! + And birds awake in mountain, plain, and dell; + The guardship beats its drum, the boats unmoor, + While din and shouting on the hearer pour. + + + + +_The Fishermen's Song_ + +PRIZE POEM, BY CHENG-CHENG + +T'SING DYNASTY + + + The sun is sinking in the west, + Bidding the fishermen think of rest. + 'To-day,' they cry, 'no need to search, + The people rush to buy our perch; + Of shell-fish, too, we are bereft, + We've scarcely half a basket left!' + And at the piles of silver bright + They laugh, and shout, 'Good wine to-night!' + 'We'll with the village wits combine + And drink our fill of "Luh-e"[65] wine; + Then if we feel inclined to roam, + The fisher-boys shall lead us home.' + So off they go to the evening meal, + And 'Luh-e' wine is drunk with zeal; + And after draining every glass, + They doff the fishers' coat of grass, + And with wild shouts a net they seize + And rush out in the evening breeze, + Intent on catching the mirrored moon, + Bright in the sea as the sun at noon. + Tricked by the moon to their hearts' content, + Shoreward they move on music bent; + The pipes of Pan, and flutes, come out, + Wine and music have a fine bout; + Voices and instruments combined + Soon leave no discord undefined! + After the shouting and the din + Even fishermen had to turn in; + So spreading their sails in a sandy cave, + And soothed by the sound of the lapping wave, + Tired and languorous the reveller yields + To sleep, and dreams of Elysian fields! + +[65] 'Luh-e,' the name of a famous wine. + + + + +_The Students' Ramble_[66] + +BY LU-TEH + +T'SING DYNASTY + + + No longer could the blue-robed students cling + To essay, or angle, or such like thing; + The white-fleeced sky in depths of sapphire blue, + The mother-earth, in Spring's bewitching hue, + Enticed them forth to ponder fresher lore, + And gather strength from nature's boundless store, + So leaving college desk, and book, and file, + They tramp the green-robed country--mile on mile; + But resting oft within some shady nook, + By side of mountain rill or babbling brook. + The voice of streams, the sweet air after showers + On new-mown grass, and earth, and fragrant flowers; + The depths of space, the everlasting hills; + The unseen power that moves, and guides, and stills + All animated nature's varied life + And law reveals where all seemed useless strife-- + Their sense enthralled, and coursing with their blood + Through every vein in strong impetuous flood-- + Divine and human, on this radiant day, + Seemed nearer kin than even when we pray + In marble temples to the unknown God, + Or wayside fanes, by common people trod. + But homeward now reluctantly they turn, + Yet incense still to nature would they burn; + So as they wind through woods of pine-trees tall, + By willow-bordered streams where catkins fall, + Their pent-up feelings, buried deep and long, + Find voice in classic chants from ancient song. + As chorus sweet, and solo clear and rare, + Are wafted softly on the evening air, + The water-fowl on village ponds and streams + Are gently wakened from their summer dreams; + While mingled with the scholars' choral lay + The songs of peasants speed the closing day; + And bird, or insect,--each its anthem sings, + And little gift of praise to Heaven brings: + Then as the sun is sinking in the west, + And lighting up the regions of the blest, + From nature's altar falls the sacred fire, + And higher aims each student's heart inspire. + +[66] This is a free translation, yet nearly every word is implied in the +original. A crudely literal translation would not reveal the thoughts +aroused in the mind of a Chinese reader of the poem. + + + + +_The Priest of T'ien Mountain_ + +BY LI TAI-PEH + +T'ANG DYNASTY (A.D. 618-913) + + + I hear the distant baying of the hound + Amid the waters murmuring around; + I see the peach-flowers bearing crystal rain, + The sportive deer around the forest fane. + + The waving tops of bamboo groves aspire + In fleeting change the summer clouds to tire, + While from the emerald peaks of many hills + The sparkling cascades fall in fairy rills. + + Beneath the pines within this shady dell, + I list in vain to hear the noontide bell;[67] + The temple's empty, and the priest has gone, + And I am left to mourn my grief alone. + +[67] The temple bell. + + + + +_Maidens By the River-side_ + +BY YUH YONG + +THE NORTHERN WEI DYNASTY (A.D. 386-532) + + + Maidens robed in gauzy dresses, + Heads adorned with lustrous tresses, + Nestling pearls in soft caresses, + Trip along the river-side. + + Where the violet sweet reposes, + And the wild flowers group in posies, + Fairer than the queenly roses, + Through the flowers they conquering glide. + + Where the cooling water gushes, + Fitful shades of willow bushes + Flee and hide among the rushes, + Lest the maidens should deride. + + Tripping sylph-like, as the Graces, + East wind blowing on their faces, + Which it holds in soft embraces, + And would ever there abide. + + + + +_The Poet-Beggar_ + +BY TAO TSIEN + +T'SIN DYNASTY (A.D. 265-419) + + + Impelled by hunger, forth I strode, + But whither causing little care, + While feeling life's oppressive load-- + Too great for me to bear. + + At last your village here I reached, + By tramping many weary miles, + And knocking at an unknown door, + You welcomed me with smiles. + + And when I roughly asked for food, + Gave meat and wine my need to sate, + And in a kind and friendly mood + You chatted while I ate. + + Now having shared your generous cheer, + And drained the oft refillèd glass, + Revived and glad, unthanked I fear + To let such goodness pass. + + A linen-bleacher, poor and old, + Fed Han-Sin,[68] sprung of royal breed, + From out her hard-earned scanty store + In time of darkest need. + + Your kindly help to me this hour + Is fraught with equal love and grace, + Would I had Han-Sin's royal power, + Thy bounty to replace. + + Alas! the fullness of my heart + My tongue can only lamely tell, + So now in simple verse I write + Of kindness done so well. + + And though at last the muffled drum + Will beat the end of earthly days, + Throughout the cycles yet to come + My verse shall speak your praise. + +[68] Han-Sin was the grandson of a prince of Han, whose State was +annexed by the founder of the T'sin Dynasty. In early life Han-Sin +suffered great poverty, and for some time was befriended by a poor woman +who bleached flax. Afterwards he became the commander of the armies of +Liu-Pang, the founder of the Han Dynasty, and regained his ancestral +domain; he then sought out his friend, the flax-bleacher, and gave her +1,000 pieces of gold. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Chinese Poems, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHINESE POEMS *** + +***** This file should be named 37938-8.txt or 37938-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/9/3/37938/ + +Produced by Delphine Lettau, Matthew Wheaton and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Chinese Poems + +Author: Various + +Translator: Charles Budd + +Release Date: November 6, 2011 [EBook #37938] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHINESE POEMS *** + + + + +Produced by Delphine Lettau, Matthew Wheaton and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<h1 class="booktitle">CHINESE POEMS</h1> + +<p class="h4">TRANSLATED BY</p> + +<p class="h3">CHARLES BUDD</p> + +<p class="spacer"> </p> + +<p class="h4">HENRY FROWDE<br /> +OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS<br /> +LONDON, NEW YORK, TORONTO AND MELBOURNE<br /> +1912</p> + +<p class="spacer"> </p> + +<p class="h6">OXFORD: HORACE HART<br /> +PRINTER TO THE UNIVERSITY</p> + +<p class="spacer"> </p> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2><i>PREFACE</i></h2> + +<p><i>The initiative of this little book was accidental. One day in the early +part of last summer, feeling weary of translating commercial documents, +I opened a volume of Chinese poetry that was lying on my desk and +listlessly turned over the pages. As I was doing so my eye caught sight +of the phrase, 'Red rain of peach flowers fell.' That would be +refreshing, I said to myself, on such a day as this; and then I went on +with my work again. But in the evening I returned to the book of Chinese +poetry and made a free translation of the poem in which I had seen the +metaphor quoted above. The translation seemed to me and some friends +pleasantly readable; so in leisure hours I have translated some more +poems and ballads, and these I now venture to publish in this volume, +thinking that they may interest readers in other lands, and also call +forth criticism that will be useful in preparing a larger volume which +<span class="pagenum">[4]</span>I, or some better qualified</i> <i>scholar, may publish hereafter; for it +can hardly be said that the field of Chinese poetry has been widely +explored by foreign students of the Chinese language.</i></p> + +<p><i>Many of the translations in this book are nearly literal, excepting +adaptations to meet the exigencies of rhyme and rhythm; but some are +expanded to enable readers to understand what is implied, as well as +actually written, in the original; for, after all, the chief aim of the +translator of poetry should be to create around the mind of the reader +the sensory atmosphere in which the mind of the poet moved when he wrote +the poem. Whether I have attained a measure of success in such a very +difficult task must be decided by the readers of these translations.</i></p> + +<p><i>It should be borne in mind by students more or less familiar with the +Chinese language that there are many versions of the stories and legends +related in these poems, and these versions, again, have been variously +interpreted by Chinese poets. A little reflection of this kind will +often save a critic from stumbling into difficulties from which it is +not easy to extricate himself.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum">[5]</span></p><p><i>A few notes are given at the end of each poem to</i> <i>explain historical +names, &c., but not many other notes are required as the poems explain +themselves. Indeed, the truth of the saying, 'One touch of nature makes +the whole world kin,' has been impressed on my mind deeply by this +little excursion into the field of Chinese poetry, for the thoughts and +words of such poems as the 'Journey Back,' 'A Maiden's Reverie,' 'Only a +Fragrant Spray,' 'The Lady Lo-Fu, 'Conscripts leaving for the Frontier,' +'The River by Night in Spring,' 'Reflections on the Brevity of Life,' +'The Innkeeper's Wife,' 'A Soldier's Farewell to his Wife,' &c., show us +that human nature two or three thousand years ago differed not a whit +from human nature as it is to-day.</i></p> + +<p class="author"> +<i>CHARLES BUDD.</i></p> + +<p><i>Tung Wen Kwan Translation Office</i>,<br /> +<span class="in2"><i>Shanghai, March, 1912.</i></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum">[7]</span></p> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Table of Contents"> + <tr> + <td> </td> + <td class="tdrfirst">Page</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#A_FEW_REMARKS_ON_THE_HISTORY_AND_CONSTRUCTION_OF_CHINESE_POETRY">A FEW REMARKS ON THE HISTORY AND CONSTRUCTION OF CHINESE POETRY</a></td> + <td class="tdr">10</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#THE_TECHNIQUE_OF_CHINESE_POETRY">THE TECHNIQUE OF CHINESE POETRY</a></td> + <td class="tdr">18</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#BIOGRAPHICAL_NOTES_OF_A_FEW_OF_THE_MORE_EMINENT_CHINESE_POETS">BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES OF A FEW OF THE MORE EMINENT CHINESE POETS</a></td> + <td class="tdr">27</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdc" colspan="2"><a href="#CHINESE_POEMS">POEMS</a></td> + <td class="tdr"> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#Only_a_Fragrant_Spray">Only a Fragrant Spray</a></td> + <td class="tdr">35</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_River_By_Night_in_Spring">The River By Night in Spring</a></td> + <td class="tdr">37</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Beauty_of_Snow">The Beauty of Snow</a></td> + <td class="tdr">41</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#A_Maidens_Reverie">A Maiden's Reverie</a></td> + <td class="tdr">42</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#A_Song_of_the_Marches">A Song of the Marches</a></td> + <td class="tdr">47</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Cowherd_and_the_Spinning-Maid5">The Cowherd and the Spinning-Maid</a></td> + <td class="tdr">50</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Old_Soldiers_Return">The Old Soldier's Return</a></td> + <td class="tdr">52</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#On_the_Lake_near_the_Western_Mountains">On the Lake near the Western Mountains</a></td> + <td class="tdr">54</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Happy_Farmer">The Happy Farmer</a></td> + <td class="tdr">57</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#An_Old_House_Unroofed_by_an_Autumn_Gale">An Old House Unroofed by an Autumn Gale</a></td> + <td class="tdr">59</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Lament_of_the_Ladies_of_the_Siang_River7">The Lament of the Ladies of the Siang River</a></td> + <td class="tdr">61</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Waters_of_the_Mei-Pei">The Waters of the Mei-Pei</a></td> + <td class="tdr">63</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Swallows_Song17">The Swallow's Song</a></td> + <td class="tdr">68</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#Farewell_to_a_Comrade">Farewell to a Comrade</a></td> + <td class="tdr">71</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#Beautys_Fatal_Snare23">Beauty's Fatal Snare</a></td> + <td class="tdr">74</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#A_Reverie_in_a_Summer-house">A Reverie in a Summer-house</a></td> + <td class="tdr">76</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Flower-Seller27">The Flower-Seller</a></td> + <td class="tdr">78</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Red-Flower_Pear-Tree">The Red-Flower Pear-Tree</a></td> + <td class="tdr">80</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#A_Song_of_Princess_Tze-Yuh31">A Song of Princess Tze-Yuh</a></td> + <td class="tdr">83</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#Distaste_for_Official_Life">Distaste for Official Life</a></td> + <td class="tdr">85</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Fragrant_Tree">The Fragrant Tree</a></td> + <td class="tdr">88</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#A_Song_of_the_Snow">A Song of the Snow</a></td> + <td class="tdr">90</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Old_Temple_among_the_Mountains">The Old Temple among the Mountains</a></td> + <td class="tdr">93</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#A_Soldiers_Farewell_to_his_Wife">A Soldier's Farewell to his Wife</a></td> + <td class="tdr">94</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Wanderers_Return">The Wanderer's Return</a></td> + <td class="tdr">96</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Pleasures_of_a_Simple_Life_with_Nature">The Pleasures of a Simple Life with Nature</a></td> + <td class="tdr">98</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#Listening_to_the_Playing_on_a_Lute_in_a_Boat">Listening to the Playing on a Lute in a Boat</a></td> + <td class="tdr">100</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#Reflections_on_the_Past41">Reflections on the Past</a></td> + <td class="tdr">103</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#A_Lowly_Flower">A Lowly Flower</a></td> + <td class="tdr">105</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#On_returning_to_a_Country_Life">On returning to a Country Life</a></td> + <td class="tdr">107</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Brevity_of_Life">The Brevity of Life</a></td> + <td class="tdr">109</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#Conscripts_leaving_for_the_Frontier43">Conscripts leaving for the Frontier</a></td> + <td class="tdr">110</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#Estimating_the_Value_of_a_Wife">Estimating the Value of a Wife</a></td> + <td class="tdr">115</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Lady_Lo-Fu">The Lady Lo-Fu</a></td> + <td class="tdr">117</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#An_Autumn_Evening_in_the_Garden">An Autumn Evening in the Garden</a></td> + <td class="tdr">122</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#Muh-Lan45">Muh-Lan</a></td> + <td class="tdr">124</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Old_Fisherman">The Old Fisherman</a></td> + <td class="tdr">130</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#Midnight_in_the_Garden">Midnight in the Garden</a></td> + <td class="tdr">132</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#Reflections_on_the_Brevity_of_Life">Reflections on the Brevity of Life</a></td> + <td class="tdr">134</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#So-fei_gathering_Flowers">So-fei gathering Flowers</a></td> + <td class="tdr">136</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#A_Farewell48">A Farewell</a></td> + <td class="tdr">137</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Khwun-ming_Lake">The Khwun-ming Lake</a></td> + <td class="tdr">139</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#Reflections">Reflections</a></td> + <td class="tdr">141</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#Pride_and_Humility55">Pride and Humility</a></td> + <td class="tdr">143</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#Dwellers_in_the_Peach_Stream_Valley57">Dwellers in the Peach Stream Valley</a></td> + <td class="tdr">145</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Five_Sons">The Five Sons</a></td> + <td class="tdr">149</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Journey_Back">The Journey Back</a></td> + <td class="tdr">151</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Gallant_Captain_and_the_Innkeepers_Wife">The Gallant Captain and the Innkeeper's Wife</a></td> + <td class="tdr">153</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Lady_Chao-Chiun64">The Lady Chao-Chiün</a></td> + <td class="tdr">158</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#Night_on_the_Lake">Night on the Lake</a></td> + <td class="tdr">162</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Fishermens_Song">The Fishermen's Song</a></td> + <td class="tdr">164</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Students_Ramble66">The Students' Ramble</a></td> + <td class="tdr">166</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Priest_of_Tien_Mountain">The Priest of T'ien Mountain</a></td> + <td class="tdr">169</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#Maidens_By_the_River-side">Maidens By the River-side</a></td> + <td class="tdr">170</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdli"><a href="#The_Poet-Beggar">The Poet-Beggar</a></td> + <td class="tdr">172</td> + </tr> +</table></div> + +<p class="spacer"> </p> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum">[10]</span></p> + +<h2 id="A_FEW_REMARKS_ON_THE_HISTORY_AND_CONSTRUCTION_OF_CHINESE_POETRY">A FEW REMARKS ON THE HISTORY AND CONSTRUCTION OF CHINESE POETRY</h2> + +<p>The earliest Chinese poems which have been preserved and handed down to +posterity are contained in the 'Shi-King', or Book of Poetry. +Translations of this book were first made by Roman Catholic +missionaries, and later by Dr. Legge whose translation, being in +English, is better known.</p> + +<p>The Shi-King contains three hundred odd poetical compositions, or odes, +as they might more correctly be described, most of them being set to +music and sung on official and public occasions.</p> + +<p>But many more odes than those in the Shi-King existed at the dawn of +Chinese literature. Some native scholars think that several thousand +odes were composed by princes, chiefs, and other men of the numerous +petty States which were included in Ancient China; and that criticism +and rejection by later literary compilers, especially Confucius, reduced +the number deemed worthy of approval to 305, which make up the Shi-King. +It is, however, quite impossible to say how many odes were composed in +that early period; many more than those preserved<span class="pagenum">[11]</span> in the Shi-King +undoubtedly were made, and we can only regret that, when later scholars +began to collect and criticize these earliest poetical effusions of +their ancestors, political and other motives induced them to prune or +lop off whole branches of the nascent tree of poetry with such unsparing +hands. Fragments of a few early odes not contained in the Shi-King +remain, but such fragments are not numerous.</p> + +<p>As to the value of these early odes critics differ widely. By some +Western writers they have been compared favourably with the Psalms, the +Homeric poems, &c., while other writers think that they do not rise +above the most primitive simplicity. Some of the odes are undoubtedly of +considerable poetical value; and all critics must acknowledge that the +Shi-King contains a great deal of valuable information respecting the +States of Ancient China, and the people who inhabited them in the +earliest stages of their existence.</p> + +<p>It has been necessary to give this brief account of the Shi-King because +it has loomed so largely in the eyes of students of Chinese literature +as to exclude from their vision the vast field of Chinese poetry in +which hundreds of famous Chinese poets have, at different periods, +wandered, and mused, and sung, for two or three thousand years, and +their wanderings are described and their musings sung in thousands of<span class="pagenum">[12]</span> +poems which are unknown to foreign students of Chinese literature. They +have heard of the Shi-King, a few even have read it; but of the great +poets of China, who have in a long succession appeared and done immortal +work and passed away during nearly three thousand years, they know but +little or nothing at all. My object in publishing this little book is to +correct this false perspective, not by assailing the Shi-King, but by +bringing into view a few of the poets and a few of their poems (which +can only be very inadequately set forth in translations by a writer who +is not a poet), and thus make a beginning in an undertaking that will +be, I hope, continued and perfected by men who have more leisure and +greater poetical skill and inspiration than I possess.</p> + +<p>After the compilation of the 300 odes by Confucius, there was a period +of about one hundred years during which but little attention was given +to the making of poetry. The earliest poetical compositions handed down +after those preserved in the Shi-King are the 'Li-Sao' by Küh-Yuen, of +the Tsu State, 280 <span class="smcap">b.c.</span>, several poems by Su-Wu and Li-ling, and +nineteen poems by unknown writers. All these were composed during the +Han Dynasty or earlier, and they are regarded as poetical compositions +of great worth by native scholars, although they do not conform to the +rules which have guided Chinese poets in writing<span class="pagenum">[13]</span> poetry since the T'ang +Dynasty. Indeed, one commentator has described their perfection as 'the +seamless robe of heaven', i.e. the dome of heaven—the sky. These early +poetical compositions are marked by greater simplicity of language, +deeper feeling, and more naturalness than the poetry of later dynasties, +which is often cramped by the highly elaborate technique introduced by +the poets of the T'ang Dynasty.</p> + +<p>'The Journey Back,' 'Only a Fragrant Spray,' 'The Swallow's Song,' 'The +Innkeeper's Wife,' 'A Song of Tze-Yuh,' 'A Maiden's Reverie,' 'Su Wu's +Farewell to his Wife,' 'Reflections on the Brevity of Life,' are +specimens of this period.</p> + +<p>During the later Han Dynasty, especially in the reign of Kien-An (<span class="smcap">a.d.</span> +196), and in the reign of Hwang-T'su (<span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 220) of the Wei Dynasty, +several poets of conspicuous ability arose, and their compositions +compare favourably with the three hundred odes and the ancient poems +following the odes.</p> + +<p>From the Wei Dynasty to the T'sin Dynasty, and on through the 'Luh-Chao' +(Six Dynasties—the Wu, Tsing, Sung, T'si, Liang, and Chen, covering the +period from <span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 220 to 587), one poet after another gained an +ascendancy and each found many imitators; but the poetry of this period +is more elaborate and florid than deep and natural.<span class="pagenum">[14]</span></p> + +<p>From the Chen Dynasty (<span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 557-587) to the end of the Sui Dynasty (<span class="smcap">a.d.</span> +589-618) there was but little good poetry produced: it was, in fact, a +time of literary decadence which continued even into the beginning of +the T'ang Dynasty. Then a change took place, and great poets arose who +formed the T'ang School of Poetry, and the poetical technique of that +school has been more or less closely copied by all writers of poetry to +this day; and during the most flourishing years of the T'ang Dynasty the +production of poetry was so rich and abundant that that period is +regarded by the Chinese as the Golden Age of Poetry.</p> + +<p>One native commentator has likened the development of poetry to a tree: +'The three hundred odes of the Shi-King may be regarded as the root: the +poems of Su-Wu and Li-ling as the first sprout from the root, and those +of the Kien-An period as the increasing growth of the sprout into a +stem, while the poems of the Six Dynasties are the first branches and +leaves; then in the T'ang Dynasty the branches and leaves became more +and more abundant, and flowers and fruit appeared crowning the noble +tree of perfect poetry.' He then goes on to say: 'Students of poetry +should carefully study the matter, and form, and style of the poetry of +this period, as they show the source and development, the root and the +full-grown<span class="pagenum">[15]</span> flourishing tree of poetry. The root must not be lost sight +of in the profusion of branches and leaves, that is, students must not +read the poems of the T'ang period and neglect those of ancient times; +both must be studied together in order to understand the poetry of the +later periods.'</p> + +<p>Another native critic writes: 'The poets of the T'ang Dynasty developed +a style of their own in poetry different from those that preceded it.' +The leading poets of the T'ang period had ability to seize all that was +best in ancient poetry and embody it in a style of their own which is a +natural development and not a slavish imitation.</p> + +<p>The most prominent among the men of genius who effected this great +change were Chen Tze-ang, Chang Kiu-ling, Li-Peh, Wei Ying-wuh, Liu +Tsong-Yuen, Tu-Fu, Han-Yü, Tsen-T'san, Wang-Wei, Wang-Han, Li-Kiao and +Chang-Shoh; and of these Li-Peh is regarded by all Chinese as a +heaven-born genius—'an Immortal banished to earth,' while Tu Fu is the +scholarly poet, deeply versed in all branches of Chinese literature, +which gives depth, and breadth, and style, and infinite variety to his +poetical compositions, which, however, though very numerous, form but a +part of his contributions to the literature of his country.</p> + +<p>The glory of the T'ang poetry dimmed somewhat<span class="pagenum">[16]</span> towards the end of the +dynasty; but during the Song Dynasty (<span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 960-1278), which followed the +brief epoch of the Five Dynasties (<span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 907-960), Eo Yang Siu, +Wang-An-shih, Hwang Ting-kien, Ch'ao Pu-chi, Luh-Yu, and other poets +added fresh lustre to the glory of Chinese literature by producing many +poetical compositions which could not be omitted from a large anthology +containing all the best Chinese poems; but in this small book space for +two or three only can be found.</p> + +<p>It should be remembered that the great poets of the T'ang and later +dynasties did not always follow the new poetical technique of the T'ang +Dynasty. Many of their best poems are written in the ancient style; and +I have written 'ancient style' against a few of such poems among the +translations, but not against all of them.</p> + +<p>An introduction to Chinese poetry, reviewing extensively its rise and +progress, the style of each period, and the characteristics of the work +of each poet, would fill a large volume—several volumes indeed would +hardly suffice for an exhaustive review of such a vast field of work. +But the very brief review contained in the preceding pages will enable +readers to see that the three hundred odes are by no means the whole of +Chinese poetry; they are, indeed, only the beginning—the source of a +great river whose<span class="pagenum">[17]</span> countless branches, some deep and pure, others +shallow and sparkling, have flowed down the ages, fertilizing and +beautifying every period of Chinese life and thought, and producing a +vast reservoir of poetry which has inspired many in every generation +with higher sentiments of nature, country, love, friendship, and +literature.</p> + +<p>As this book of translations is chiefly intended for readers who do not +understand the Chinese language, no attempt has been made to insert the +Chinese characters for the names, &c., printed in the Romanized form; +but, following the advice of friends who are well versed in Chinese +themselves, I hope, hereafter, to publish a small volume containing the +Chinese text of the translated poems only, with a few notes which may be +useful to beginners. To reprint the Chinese text and notes with the +English translations in one volume would add considerably to the cost of +the book, while only a comparatively small number of readers—students +of the Chinese language—would find the Chinese text and notes useful.<span class="pagenum">[18]</span></p> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="THE_TECHNIQUE_OF_CHINESE_POETRY">THE TECHNIQUE OF CHINESE POETRY</h2> + +<p>Form of 7-character Lüh poem beginning in the Ping tone:</p> + +<p><b>A.</b></p> + +<p>Ping ping tseh tseh tseh ping ping<br /> +Tseh tseh ping ping tseh tseh ping<br /> +Tseh tseh ping ping ping tseh tseh<br /> +Ping ping tseh tseh tseh ping ping<br /> +Ping ping tseh tseh ping ping tseh<br /> +Tseh tseh ping ping tseh tseh ping<br /> +Tseh tseh ping ping ping tseh tseh<br /> +Ping ping tseh tseh tseh ping ping.<br /> +</p> + +<p>Form of 7-character Lüh poem beginning in the Tseh tone:</p> + +<p><b>B.</b></p> + +<p>Tseh tseh ping ping tseh tseh ping<br /> +Ping ping tseh tseh tseh ping ping<br /> +Ping ping tseh tseh ping ping tseh<br /> +Tseh tseh ping ping tseh tseh ping<br /> +Tseh tseh ping ping ping tseh tseh<br /> +Ping ping tseh tseh tseh ping ping<br /> +Ping ping tseh tseh ping ping tseh<br /> +Tseh tseh ping ping tseh tseh ping.<span class="pagenum">[19]</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>Form of 5-character Lüh poem beginning in the Ping tone:</p> + +<p><b>C.</b></p> + +<p>Ping ping tseh tseh ping<br /> +Tseh tseh tseh ping ping<br /> +Tseh tseh ping ping tseh<br /> +Ping ping tseh tseh ping<br /> +Ping ping ping tseh tseh<br /> +Tseh tseh tseh ping ping<br /> +Tseh tseh ping ping tseh<br /> +Ping ping tseh tseh ping.<br /> +</p> + +<p>Form of 5-character Lüh poem beginning in the Tseh tone:</p> + +<p><b>D.</b></p> + +<p>Tseh tseh tseh ping ping<br /> +Ping ping tseh tseh ping<br /> +Ping ping ping tseh tseh<br /> +Tseh tseh tseh ping ping<br /> +Tseh tseh ping ping tseh<br /> +Ping ping tseh tseh ping<br /> +Ping ping ping tseh tseh<br /> +Tseh tseh tseh ping ping.<br /> +</p> + +<p>In order to understand this arrangement of characters, it should be +borne in mind that Chinese characters are distinguished not only by the +phonetic sounds, but also by tones resembling musical notes.</p> + +<p>Of these only four are generally recognized in poetical compositions:</p> + +<p>(1) The Ping-sheng, or low and even note.<span class="pagenum">[20]</span></p> + +<p>(2) The Shang-sheng, or sharp and ascending note.</p> + +<p>(3) The Khü-sheng, or clear and far-reaching note.</p> + +<p>(4) The Ruh-sheng, or straight and abruptly finished note.</p> + +<p>These tones help to distinguish words which have the same phonetic sound +but different meanings. For instance, the word—</p> + +<p> +'li' (Ping-sheng) = black.<br /> +'li' (Shang-sheng) = village.<br /> +'li' (Khü-sheng) = sharp.<br /> +'li' (Ruh-sheng) = strength.<br /> +</p> + +<p>In written Chinese each of these words is distinguished by a different +character, and the tone is, therefore, of secondary importance; but +occasionally a character has two tones—a ping and a khü, for instance, +and then each tone indicates a difference of meaning, or distinguishes +the use of the word as a substantive from its use as a verb.</p> + +<p>But in poetry these tones are used to make rhythm as well as to express +meaning, and when used for this purpose they are divided into ping and +tseh, the ping representing the ping or low, even tone, and the tseh the +other three tones, Shang, Khü, and Ruh. This brief explanation will +enable the reader, I think, to perceive what is regarded by Chinese as +the rhythm of a poem. In the diagrams given above, the first line +consists of two ping tones, followed by three tseh tones, which are +followed by two ping<span class="pagenum">[21]</span> tones; and the arrangement of the characters in +each line in terms of ping and tseh forms the rhythm of Chinese poetry. +When compared, it will be seen that there are lines or couplets which +are in contrast to, or harmonize with, other lines, &c.</p> + +<p>But it is not necessary that the tones of all the characters in each +couplet should agree, excepting the first and last lines which always +agree exactly—tone for tone. In the other lines, the tones of the +first, third, and fifth characters in a seven-character line, and the +first and third in a five-character line, may be varied—ping for tseh, +or tseh for ping; but the second, fourth, and sixth characters in +seven-character poems, and the second and fourth in five-character poems +must not be changed; when the ping tone should be used it must be used, +the tseh may not be substituted for it, and when the tseh should be used +it must be used, the ping may not be substituted for it. And when the +opening tone of the first line is a ping, the opening tone of the line +following must be tseh, and vice versa.</p> + +<p>The following two poems are perfect specimens of the 'Tsüeh', or poem of +four lines, which may be regarded as the unit of Chinese poetical +composition. The first specimen shows a 'tsüeh' beginning in the Ping +tone; and the second specimen a 'tsüeh' beginning in the Tseh tone:<span class="pagenum">[22]</span></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Punctuation Summary"> +<tr><td class="tdc" colspan="7">(1)</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc">Ch'un</td><td class="tdc">fung</td><td class="tdc">tseh</td><td class="tdc">ye</td><td class="tdc">tao</td><td class="tdc">Yü</td><td class="tdc">Kwan</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdci"> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc">Ku</td><td class="tdc">kwoh</td><td class="tdc">yen</td><td class="tdc">hwa</td><td class="tdc">siang</td><td class="tdc">i</td><td class="tdc">tsan</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdci"> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc">Shao</td><td class="tdc">fu</td><td class="tdc">puh</td><td class="tdc">chi</td><td class="tdc">kwei</td><td class="tdc">wei</td><td class="tdc">teh</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdci"> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc">Chao</td><td class="tdc">chao</td><td class="tdc">ying</td><td class="tdc">shang</td><td class="tdc">wang</td><td class="tdc">fu</td><td class="tdc">shan.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdci"> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc" colspan="7">(2)</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc">Tze</td><td class="tdc">meh</td><td class="tdc">hong</td><td class="tdc">ch'en</td><td class="tdc">fuh</td><td class="tdc">mien</td><td class="tdc">lai</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdci"> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc">Wu</td><td class="tdc">ren</td><td class="tdc">puh</td><td class="tdc">tao</td><td class="tdc">k'un</td><td class="tdc">hwa</td><td class="tdc">hwei</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdci"> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc">Hsüen</td><td class="tdc">tu</td><td class="tdc">kwan</td><td class="tdc">li</td><td class="tdc">tao</td><td class="tdc">ts'ien</td><td class="tdc">shu</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdci"> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">ts.</td><td class="tdci">p.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc">Tsin</td><td class="tdc">shi</td><td class="tdc">liu</td><td class="tdc">lang</td><td class="tdc">ku</td><td class="tdc">heo</td><td class="tdc">tsai</td></tr> +</table> + +<p>As I have stated above the 'tsüeh' of four lines, whether the line is +composed of five or seven characters, may be regarded as the unit of +Chinese poetical composition. In order to make a 'lüh' poem four more +lines, composed exactly according to the ping-tseh arrangement of tones +in the tsüeh, are added to the tsüeh; while a 'p'ai-lüh' poem is made by +continuing this process beyond eight lines.</p> + +<p>Besides the ping and tseh arrangement of tones in<span class="pagenum">[23]</span> each line to form the +metre or rhythm, the final characters of the first, second, and fourth +lines of the tsüeh may rhyme with each other; but these rhymes are also +controlled by the ping-tseh tones. For instance, in the specimen of a +perfect tsüeh given above, the final characters of the first, second, +and fourth lines are kwan, ts'an, and shan, and these sounds rhyme in +Chinese; but it will be observed that all three words belong to the ping +tone, and this is the rule generally followed in the technique of modern +poetry, that is, poetry made according to the new rules introduced by +the poets of the T'ang Dynasty; but in ancient poetry, words both in +ping and tseh tones were used for rhymes; and poets of all periods have +used both systems—ancient and modern—in their poetical compositions. +The tendency in recent dynasties, however, has been to follow the +elaborate technique of the modern school of poetry in which great skill +in the art of poetical composition is too often more highly prized than +true poetry, and consequently mere cleverness is mistaken for genius.</p> + +<p>These few remarks on the use of the ping-tseh tones in the rhythm and +rhyme of Chinese poetry must not be regarded by readers as an exhaustive +summary of the system, which is much more intricate than it seems, owing +to many qualifying rules<span class="pagenum">[24]</span> and conditions as to its application in +relation to the other factors required to form a correct poetical +composition; they will, however, suffice to give a general conception of +the part played by the ping and tseh tones in the technique of Chinese +poetry, especially in modern poetical compositions. But although the +ping-tseh tones are indispensable to the rhythm of the modern poem, +there are, as I have remarked above, other factors required to form a +perfect 'tsüeh', or 'Lüh', or 'pai-lüh', and most elaborate instructions +as to the use of each character or line in relation to other characters +and lines in the same stanza must be mastered before a poem can be +constructed that would satisfy the eye and ear, and literary standard, +of the modern Chinese critic of poetry. But it must not be forgotten +that the scholarly Chinese poet is just as familiar as his Western +<i>confrère</i> with the metaphor, simile, allegory, epigram, climax, and all +other figures of speech which are common in the prose and poetry of a +literary people; and the skilful use of these in harmony with the rigid +ping-tseh rules concerning rhythm and rhyme is a task of considerable +difficulty for the conscientious poet. Fortunately the ancient poets did +not adhere very rigidly to technique; and not a few modern poets have in +many of their compositions imitated the ancient style. Besides the<span class="pagenum">[25]</span> +tsüeh and lüh there are many poetical compositions, such as the ko, +hsing, yin, tz'e, k'üh, p'ien, yong, yao, t'an, ai, yuen, and pieh—many +of them of very ancient origin, which are all put under the generic term +'yoh-fu', implying that they are compositions which can be set to music +and sung, chanted, recited, &c. Some of the most charming poetical +compositions are found in Chinese anthologies under the above-mentioned +headings; but in this brief introduction it is only possible just to +call the attention of readers to them without attempting to describe the +form of each separately. For the same reason I cannot attempt any +description of the ancient terms fung, ya, song, &c., to which, however, +translators of the Shi-King have given some attention.</p> + +<p>It is doubtful, indeed, whether the information which I can crowd into a +few introductory pages will help readers to gain an insight into Chinese +poetry in the making, or utterly confuse them; but I am loath to send +forth the translations without an introduction, and I must, therefore, +remind readers again that this introduction gives only the barest +outline of the rise and progress of Chinese poetry, and of a few of the +factors which are required by modern technique in the construction of +poetical compositions since the revival of literature and poetry in the +T'ang Dynasty.<span class="pagenum">[26]</span></p> + +<p>It should be observed that no attempt has been made to reproduce the +technique outlined above in the English translations of Chinese poems in +this book, as it would be impossible to restrict the translations to +lines of five and seven words. In Chinese each character is a word of +one syllable only, therefore a five-character line of poetry contains +only five monosyllabic words, and a seven-character line seven +monosyllabic words; but as many articles, pronouns, prepositions, +auxiliary verbs, &c., which are understood in the Chinese, must be +inserted in the English translation in order to connect the meaning of +the five or seven monosyllabic words which form a line of Chinese +poetry, it is obvious that, in most cases, the length of the line in the +translation must be longer than that in the original Chinese. Some +Chinese poems might be rendered into English in lines of five or seven +syllables without doing much violence to the meaning of the original, +but in most cases, the five or seven monosyllabic line in Chinese is +translated into English far more correctly and accurately by a line of +eight, ten, or more syllables, because the Chinese reader mentally +inserts connecting parts of speech which must be written in English to +make the grammar correct and the meaning of a line complete.<span class="pagenum">[27]</span></p> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="BIOGRAPHICAL_NOTES_OF_A_FEW_OF_THE_MORE_EMINENT_CHINESE_POETS">BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES OF A FEW OF THE MORE EMINENT CHINESE POETS</h2> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Li Peh.</span></p> + +<p>Li Peh (Tai Peh; Tsing Lien) lived during the T'ang Dynasty, probably +from <span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 699 to 762, and he is regarded as the most brilliant of all +Chinese poets.</p> + +<p>He was connected by descent in the ninth generation with the Imperial +family of the T'ang Dynasty, but was born in a remote part of the Empire +now included in the Szechwan Province.</p> + +<p>When but ten years old Li Peh was familiar with poetry and other +branches of literature, and, as he grew older, his ability and genius +attracted the attention and praise of the highest in the land. When +introduced to the Court at Chang-an, Ho Chi-chang, one of the courtiers, +exclaimed:—'He is one of the immortal genii banished to earth.' For a +short time, too, he was greatly favoured by the Emperor, Hsüen-Tsung, +but, having incurred the enmity of the Emperor's chief concubine, he had +to withdraw<span class="pagenum">[28]</span> from the Court and relinquish all hopes of official +promotion.</p> + +<p>He then travelled widely, writing many poems on the beauties of nature, +and also in praise of wine and music, to the former of which he was too +strongly addicted.</p> + +<p>In the later part of his life, it seems, he became involved in political +intrigues, for which offence he was banished to a distant region. But in +his old age he was allowed to return, and he ended his days peacefully +at T'ang-t'u (a place near the modern Nankin), whose governor was a +kinsman named Li Yang-ping.</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Chang Kiu-ling.</span></p> + +<p>Chang Kiu-ling (Tze Sheo) was the son of an official in the T'ang +Dynasty. At a very early age he displayed great ability, and while still +comparatively young, took a high literary degree (Tsintze), and then +held high office under the Emperor Hsüen-Tsung, with whom he sometimes +ventured to remonstrate for his licentious life. Once when all the +courtiers presented valuable gifts to the Emperor on his birthday, Chang +Kiu-ling presented him with a book written by himself and styled 'The +Thousand Year Mirror', showing the causes of success and failure in +former dynasties. His advice, however,<span class="pagenum">[29]</span> was not seriously heeded at the +time, but after his death his faithfulness was appreciated and he was +ennobled and afterwards canonized by the Emperor.</p> + +<p>It is recorded by one writer that Chang Kiu-ling, when a youth, trained +pigeons to carry letters to his friends.</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Wei Ying-wuh.</span></p> + +<p>Wei Ying-wuh was a native of Honan during the T'ang Dynasty, and his +poetical skill ranks very high even in that famous period. During the +Cheng-Yuen reign (<span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 785-804) he was appointed Prefect of Suchow, +where his beneficent rule and devotion to literature called forth the +gratitude and admiration of the people.</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Su Shi.</span></p> + +<p>Su Shi (Tze-Chan; Tong-Po), <span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 1036-1101, was a native of Mei-shan in +Szechwan. He won the highest literary degrees, and was advanced from one +official office to another until he became a Minister of State; but, +owing to political feuds and intrigues, he was degraded from his high +office in the capital and sent to fill inferior posts in distant parts +of the Empire, where he wrote poetry and diffused a love of literature +among the people he ruled.<span class="pagenum">[30]</span></p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Tu Fu</span> (<span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 712-770).</p> + +<p>Tu Fu (Tu Tze-Mei) was the son of Tu Fan-yen, a high official in the +T'ang Dynasty. In the estimation of his countrymen he ranks next to Li +Peh among the great poets of the Tang Dynasty, and a few critics would +give him a still higher place.</p> + +<p>When Tu Fu's literary ability and poetical genius were made known to the +Emperor, office and honours were bestowed on him.</p> + +<p>In the poetical composition known as the Seven-character Pai-lüh, Tu Fu +is the most famous of all the poets of the T'ang Dynasty, if not of all +Chinese poets.</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Eo Yang Siu</span> (<span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 1017-1072).</p> + +<p>Eo Yang Siu (Yong-Shuh) was a famous scholar of the Song Dynasty; and he +filled high official posts both in the capital and provinces, under the +Emperor Ren-Tsong.</p> + +<p>Being a man of integrity and independence he remonstrated with his +Imperial master on several occasions, and sometimes suffered temporarily +for his courage. His character, however, was appreciated by the Emperor, +and restoration to favour followed every temporary eclipse. After his +death he was canonized as Wen Chong Kong. His literary works are +numerous.<span class="pagenum">[31]</span></p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Su Wu</span> (200-100 <span class="smcap">b.c.</span>).</p> + +<p>Su Wu (Tze K'ing) lived in the Han Dynasty. When sent on a mission to +the Khan of the Hsiung-nu he was seized by that ruler and ordered to +renounce his allegiance to the Han Emperor; and on refusing to do this +he was cast into prison. Afterwards he was banished for many years to +the desert region around Lake Balkash, where he was compelled to tend +the flocks of the Hsiung-nu; but he persisted in his loyalty to the Han +Dynasty. On his return to China, when a grey-headed old man, he was +greatly honoured by the Emperor, and his portrait was hung up in the +Khi-lin Koh (Council Chamber).</p> + +<p>He is held up as a pattern of loyalty by Chinese writers. His poetical +compositions are ancient but not numerous.</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Li Ling</span> (First Century <span class="smcap">b.c.</span>).</p> + +<p>Li Ling was a military commander in the Han Dynasty. Given command of an +army in the war against the Hsiung-nu he rashly advanced into the +enemy's country with only a few thousand soldiers, who were surrounded +and all but three or four hundred killed, and Li Ling was captured, and<span class="pagenum">[32]</span> +spent the rest of his life in exile. His name is mentioned in the +Introduction to this book of translations.</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Chu Kwang-hi.</span></p> + +<p>Chu Kwang-hi was a soldier of the T'ang Dynasty. He passed the highest +literary examinations, and was appointed a member of the Censorate by +the Emperor Hsüen Tsong.</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Chen Tze-ang.</span></p> + +<p>A celebrated scholar of the T'ang Dynasty. He filled various official +offices, but is most famous for the work he did in advancing the +renaissance of literature during the T'ang Dynasty. Wang Shih, a learned +writer of the same period, said that Chen Tze-ang was the most famous +scholar in the Empire of that time.</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'ao Yuen-ming</span> (<span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 365-427).</p> + +<p>T'ao T'sien (T'ao Yuen-ming) was a scholar and poet of the Song Dynasty. +He was appointed Magistrate of a district, but after filling the office +only a short time he resigned it and retired into private life, spending +the remainder of his years in writing poetry and in musical pursuits.</p> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum">[33]</span></p> + +<h2 id="CHINESE_POEMS">CHINESE POEMS</h2> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum">[35]</span></p> + +<h2 id="Only_a_Fragrant_Spray"><i>Only a Fragrant Spray</i></h2> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Name of poet unknown (Han Dynasty or earlier)</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Ah me, the day you left me<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Was full of weary hours;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But the tree 'neath which we parted<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Was rich with leaves and flowers.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And from its fragrant branches<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I plucked a tiny spray,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And hid it in my bosom<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In memory of that day.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I know the endless distance<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Must shut you from my view,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But the flower's gentle fragrance<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Brings sweetest thoughts of you.<span class="pagenum">[36]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And, though it's but a trifle,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Which none would prize for gain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">It oft renews our parting,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">With all the love and pain.<span class="pagenum">[37]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_River_By_Night_in_Spring"><i>The River By Night in Spring</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY CHANG POH-HSÜ</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In Spring the flooded river meets the tide<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Which from the ocean surges to the land;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The moon across the rolling water shines<br /></span> +<span class="i2">From wave to wave to reach the distant strand.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And when the heaving sea and river meet,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The latter turns and floods the fragrant fields;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While in the moon's pale light as shimmering sleet<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Alike seem sandy shores and wooded wealds.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">For sky and river in one colour blend,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Without a spot of dust to mar the scene;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While in the heavens above the full-orbed moon<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In white and lustrous beauty hangs serene.<span class="pagenum">[38]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And men and women, as the fleeting years,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Are born into this world and pass away;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And still the river flows, the moon shines fair,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And will their courses surely run for ay.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But who was he who first stood here and gazed<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Upon the river and the heavenly light?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And when did moon and river first behold<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The solitary watcher in the night?<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The maples sigh upon the river's bank,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">A white cloud drifts across the azure dome;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In yonder boat some traveller sails to-night<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Beneath the moon which links his thoughts with home.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Above the home it seems to hover long,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And peep through chinks within her chamber blind;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The moon-borne message she cannot escape,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Alas, the husband tarries far behind!<span class="pagenum">[39]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">She looks across the gulf but hears no voice,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Until her heart with longing leaps apace,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And fain would she the silvery moonbeams follow<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Until they shine upon her loved one's face.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Last night,' she murmured sadly to herself,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">'I dreamt of falling flowers by shady ponds;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My Spring, ah me! half through its course has sped,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">But you return not to your wedded bonds.'<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">For ever onward flows the mighty stream;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The Spring, half gone, is gliding to its rest;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While on the river and the silent pools<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The moonbeams fall obliquely from the west.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And now the moon descending to the verge<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Has disappeared beneath the sea-borne dew;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While stretch the waters of the 'Siao and Siang',<a id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i2">And rocks and cliffs, in never-ending view.<span class="pagenum">[40]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">How many wanderers by to-night's pale moon<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Have met with those from whom so long apart:—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As on the shore midst flowerless trees I stand<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Thoughts old and new surge through my throbbing heart!<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Two streams flowing into the Yangtze River.<span class="pagenum">[41]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Beauty_of_Snow"><i>The Beauty of Snow</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY PAO-CHAO</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A thousand miles across the Dragon Mountains<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The North Wind blows the whirling flakes of snow,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Until they gather on my terraced garden,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And drift before the gate in furrowed row.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Unlike the coloured plum and fragrant peach trees,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Whose buds stretch forth to greet the warm Spring days,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At dawn the snow lies in unsullied whiteness,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">But flees to shelter from the sun's bright rays.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The peach flower and the plum flower have a beauty,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Which flourish in the warmth of sun and shower;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The snow's brief charm is purity and brightness,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">It does not claim the sun tints of the flower.<span class="pagenum">[42]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="A_Maidens_Reverie"><i>A Maiden's Reverie</i></h2> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'sin Dynasty</span>, <span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 265-419</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The plum-tree's flower awakens<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Thoughts of my lover now,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And I would pluck some blossoms<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And send to far Si-chow.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But such a distant region<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The flowers might never reach,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While if I go in person,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">How great the joy to each!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I'll brush my glossy tresses,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">More dark than raven's plume;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I'll wear my plum silk mantle,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And banish tears and gloom.<span class="pagenum">[43]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But where, alack, is Si-chow?<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Far in the North, I know;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oh, when I've crossed the river<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I'll ask which way to go!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Ah me, the sun is setting,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Si-chow is far away;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The birds are homeward turning,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I cannot start to-day.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I'll keep an evening vigil<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Beneath the cedar-tree<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That stands outside the porch-way;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">My love may come to me!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The jewels my hair adorning<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Are glistening with the dew;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But still my lover tarries;—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">What keeps him from my view?<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A gentle breeze is blowing,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The night is bright as day;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I'll go and gather lilies,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And meet him on the way.<span class="pagenum">[44]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In the early Autumn season<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The lotus lilies red<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Are in the south pool growing,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And reach above my head.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">My thoughts on old times musing,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I stoop to pluck some seeds,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In their shimmering greenness<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As water 'mongst the reeds.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I put some in my bosom,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">For the core is red as blood,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As the heart of a true lover,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">When love is at the flood.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Pressed to my bosom closely—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">No safer place, I wot,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For tokens of betrothal;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And yet my love comes not!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Above my head in batches<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The wild geese northward hie,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And they will pass o'er Si-chow!<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Oh, would that I could fly!<span class="pagenum">[45]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I'll mount the northern turret;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Perhaps from that lofty height<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I'll see my lover coming,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The herald of the light.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Although the tower is lofty,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I cannot see afar<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To where my love is dwelling,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Beneath the Northern Star.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">From morn until the evening—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">How long the hours do seem!—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I've paced around the turret,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As in a weary dream.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Once more I'll raise the curtain,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And show my lamp's pale light;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My love may miss the pathway,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And wander in the night.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">How lofty are the heavens!<br /></span> +<span class="i2">How vast the heaving sea!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ah, life is sad and dreary<br /></span> +<span class="i2">When love comes not to me!<span class="pagenum">[46]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But though my heart is weary,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I trust my lover's vow;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The south wind knows my longings<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And will bear them to Si-chow.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And though the seas divide us<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Our hearts are one for ay,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And in sweet dreams will mingle<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Until the meeting day.<span class="pagenum">[47]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="A_Song_of_the_Marches"><i>A Song of the Marches</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY LI TAI-PEH</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'ang Dynasty</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The Tien-shan peaks still glisten<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In robes of spotless white;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To songs of Spring I listen,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">But see no flowers around.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The ground is bare and dreary,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">No voice of Spring I hear,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Save the 'Willow Song',<a id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> so eerie,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I play upon my flute.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">At morn the fight will follow<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The sound of bugle call;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Each man, in sleep, the hollow<a id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i2">Across his saddle clasps.<span class="pagenum">[48]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And by his side unrusted,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">His sword is closely laid,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With which he long has trusted<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The tyrant foe<a id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> to slay.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">On noble chargers riding,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And fleeter than the wind,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All fears and risks deriding,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">They cross the river Wei.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Their bows are tautened tightly,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Their quivers full of shafts,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They face the danger lightly,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And charge the haughty foe.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">As rocks by lightning riven<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Their ranks are rent apart;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As clouds by tempest driven<br /></span> +<span class="i2">They break and flee away.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then on the sand, blood-streaming,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The weary victors sleep,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Their swords with hoar-frost gleaming,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Their bows dark shadows cast.<span class="pagenum">[49]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The Pass has been defended,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The foes are scattered far,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The soldiers' wives untended<br /></span> +<span class="i2">May seek their homes again.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> The name of a tune.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> The Chinese saddle is curved upwards both in front and at +the back, leaving a deep hollow in the centre where the rider sits.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> Tartar tribes beyond the frontiers.<span class="pagenum">[50]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Cowherd_and_the_Spinning-Maid5"><i>The Cowherd and the Spinning-Maid</i><a id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY LUH-KI</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Brightly shines the Starry River<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Flowing down the Heavenly glade;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From the north-west comes the 'Herd-Boy',<br /></span> +<span class="i2">From the south-east looks the 'Maid'.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Quickly waves a white hand shapely,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Sadly smiles her beauteous face,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When she sees her faithful lover<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Far across the glittering space.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Arms stretched out towards each other—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">With impulsive feet they stand;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Eyes with sorrow's tears bedewèd—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">On the Star-Stream's shining strand.<span class="pagenum">[51]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But, alas, that bridgeless River<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Is the cause of all their pain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Dooming 'Spinning-Maid' and 'Herd-Boy'<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Nevermore to meet again.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> According to a Chinese legend the stars K'ien-Niu (Cowherd) +and Chih-Nü (Spinning-Maid) are two lovers, doomed by the gods to live +on opposite sides of the 'River of Stars' (Milky Way). As there is no +bridge over this river, the two lovers can only stand afar and gaze at +each other. (See note to 'The Swallow's Song'.)<span class="pagenum">[52]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Old_Soldiers_Return"><i>The Old Soldier's Return</i></h2> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">An Ancient Poem: Poet unknown</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I was but fifteen when I left my friends<br /></span> +<span class="i2">For distant climes to fight our Country's foe,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And now I'm eighty—back for the first time<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To see the home I left so long ago.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Where is the house? I should be near it now,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Yet possibly I may have gone astray;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Long years abroad have blurred the youthful brain,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I'll ask this countryman to point the way.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'The house is yonder—midst those grassy mounds,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Beneath the shade of fir and cypress trees,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And there lie buried all the kith and kin<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of former tillers of these fallow leas.'<span class="pagenum">[53]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The veteran sighed and wandered to the house,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And found it overgrown and desolate;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A startled hare fled through the kennel's hole,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And pheasants flew from ceiling beams ornate.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Exhausted by the journey and his grief,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The old man plucked some grain from patches wild,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And mallows from around the courtyard well,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As in the days when but a little child.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But when the homely fare was cooked and spread,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And not a friend to cheer the lonely place,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He rose, and going out to eastward gazed,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">While tears flowed down his worn and furrowed face.<span class="pagenum">[54]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="On_the_Lake_near_the_Western_Mountains"><i>On the Lake near the Western Mountains</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY CH'ANG KIEN.</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'ang Dynasty (Ancient Style)</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Here at the foot-hills of the Western Mountains<br /></span> +<span class="i2">My boat rides idly on the current's trail,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And in the lengthening radiance of the sunset<br /></span> +<span class="i2">It seems to chase its own reflected sail.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">While in the rarer light that heralds evening<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The forms of all things clearer seem to grow;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The forests and the glades and mountain ranges<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Catch added beauty from the afterglow.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The graceful minarets in cloudland floating<br /></span> +<span class="i2">From jadestone green take on a sombre hue,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But still flush rose tints in the darkness falling,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Although the sun has disappeared from view.<span class="pagenum">[55]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The shadows of the islands and the islets<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Stretch far across the surface of the lake;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The evening mists that float above the waters<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Are bright as rain-clouds after showers break.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In the distance Tsu's<a id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> abounding forests<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Reveal their sombre outlines in the gloom;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While on the farther shore the gates of King-chow<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Within the growing darkness faintly loom.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The atmosphere with nightfall groweth clearer,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">A north wind blows with shrill voice through the land;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While on the sandy stretches by the waters<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The swan and stork in dreamy silence stand.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The waters now have ceased from restless heaving,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">My little boat is screened by rushes green;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The moon emerging from the lake's horizon<br /></span> +<span class="i2">A soft light sheds upon the silent scene.<span class="pagenum">[56]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Amid the silence and the ghostly beauty<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I touch my lute to plaintive songs of old,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And soon the pleasant strains and long-drawn cadence<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Have seized my senses in their subtle hold.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Thus in such ecstasy the hours pass quickly,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And midnight comes with undetected speed;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But now the heavy dew upon me falling<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Recalls my senses to the body's need.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Ah me! my body's but a fragile vessel<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Upon the ever-moving sea of life,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where light and shade and fitful joys and sorrows<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Control me in their everchanging strife.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> The name of a large feudal State in the Cheu Dynasty; it +included Hupeh and Hunan and parts of Honan and Kiangsu. King-chow on +the Yangtze was the capital.<span class="pagenum">[57]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Happy_Farmer"><i>The Happy Farmer</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY CHU KWANG-HI</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'ang Dynasty</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I've a hundred mulberry trees<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And thirty 'mow' of grain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With sufficient food and clothes,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And friends my wine to drain.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The fragrant grain of 'Ku-mi' seed<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Provides our Summer fare;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Our Autumn brew of aster wine<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Is rich beyond compare.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">My goodwife comes with smiling face<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To welcome all our guests;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My children run with willing feet<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To carry my behests.<span class="pagenum">[58]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">When work is done and evening come,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">We saunter to the park,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And there, 'neath elm and willow trees<br /></span> +<span class="i2">We're blithe as soaring lark.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">With wine and song the hours fly by<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Till each in cloudland roams,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And then, content with all the world,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">We wander to our homes.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Through lattice-window steals a breeze,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As on my couch I lie,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While overhead the 'Silver Stream'<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Flows through a splendid sky.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And as I gaze it comes to mind—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">A dozen jars at least<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of the aster-scented wine remain<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To grace to-morrow's feast.<span class="pagenum">[59]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="An_Old_House_Unroofed_by_an_Autumn_Gale"><i>An Old House Unroofed by an Autumn Gale</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY TU FU</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'ang Dynasty</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The roof of my house has been blown away<br /></span> +<span class="i2">By the fiercest of Autumn winds to-day;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">It was merely of grass and branches built—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Yet my only shelter save a wadded quilt.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Across the river it scurried and whirled,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In tangled tufts, by the hurricane hurled,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ascending in gusts till caught by the trees,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or falling in ponds and on furrowed leas.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In great delight the village urchins shout,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And say I'm old and cannot run about;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And now before my face the rogues begin<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To steal things, and then run away and grin.<span class="pagenum">[60]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">At last I drive them off and hobble back<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To find my home is shelterless, alack!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My lips are parched, my tongue is stiff and dry;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">My strength is gone, I can but rest and sigh.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The wind has slackened but dark clouds affright,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And wintry is the fast approaching night;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My bed is worn and hard, my clothing spare,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I cannot sleep for pain and anxious care.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The rain still drizzles through the rafters high,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">'Tween which I see the drifting stormy sky,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And everything is damp and comfortless:<br /></span> +<span class="i2">What can be done to lighten such distress?<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Oh, would there were a mansion of delight,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">A hundred million rooms both fair and bright,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To shelter all the poor beneath the skies,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And give the joy which lasting peace supplies.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Could I but see this mansion rise sublime<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Before my eyes at this, or any time;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My house and life to lose I'd be content,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Could such great blessing to the world be sent.<span class="pagenum">[61]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Lament_of_the_Ladies_of_the_Siang_River7"><i>The Lament of the Ladies of the Siang River</i><a id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY YUEN I-SHAN</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The rose and orchid deck the fragrant isles,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And white clouds fly towards the Northern strand;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But though a thousand autumns pass away,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Our 'Lord' will not return to mortal's land.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The clouds are drifting to and fro in vain,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Across the river blows the autumn breeze,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And o'er the water floats a fine, white mist,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">While moonlight falls on stream and wooded leas.<span class="pagenum">[62]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Upon the lofty 'Kiu-e'<a id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> mountain range<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Throughout the night the gibbons wail and call,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And from the voiceless boughs of tall bamboos<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The tears so long retained in dewdrops fall.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> According to a Chinese legend the Ladies of the Siang River +are Nü-Ying and Ngo-Hwang, the two wives of the Emperor Shun, and this +poem describes their lament for his death.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> According to another legend the Emperor Shun was buried in +the Kiu-i Mountains.<span class="pagenum">[63]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Waters_of_the_Mei-Pei"><i>The Waters of the Mei-Pei</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY TU FU</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'ang Dynasty</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Two friends whose love of wonders led them oft<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To leave the haunts and scenes of every day,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Invited me to join them in a voyage<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Across the waters of the dread Mei-Pei!<a id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Where nature in her changeful moods is seen,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In grandeur and in terror side by side;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where mighty forces alter heaven and earth,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And puny human strength and life deride.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Will countless billows of the wide expanse<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In ceaseless motion mount and roll afar?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through fluid piles of seeming crystal rocks<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Will our boat sail beyond the sheltering bar?<span class="pagenum">[64]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Delightful is the venture that we take,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And yet dire fears will gather in our throat,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The gavial huge may come in search of prey,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The monster whales may overturn our boat!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Fierce winds may rise and billows roll and break!<br /></span> +<span class="i2">But our brave friends unloose the flowing sail,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And through the scattering flocks of duck and tern<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The boat glides on—the white foam in our trail.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The pure and bracing air inflates our lungs—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Afar from towns where dust with cleanness vies;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The boatmen chant gay ditties as they work,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">While sounds of lutes rise to the azure skies.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">As fresh as dew on early morning flowers<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The leaves of water-lilies float around,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Upon the surface of the water clear,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Through which we peer in vain to find the ground.<span class="pagenum">[65]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then yielding to the current, broad and strong,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Toward the central flood we quickly forge;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The waters pure as those of Puh and Hsiai,<a id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i2">Yet darkly deep as in the Chong-Nan gorge.<a id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The mountain heights whose base abuts the lake<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Are mirrored clearly in the southern end;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Great Peace Temple, which in cloudland hangs,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Reflects its image in the eastern bend.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The moon has risen, and its silver beams<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Across the Lan-Tien Pass<a id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> in beauty glow,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While we sit idly on the vessel's side<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And watch the nodding peaks in depths below.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And as we view the mirage of the heights<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Which tower in mighty strength above our heads,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The swift Li-Long<a id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> in prodigal display<br /></span> +<span class="i2">A shower of pearls upon the water spreads.<span class="pagenum">[66]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The Ruler of the Rivers<a id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> beats his drum,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And dragons haste the summons to obey;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Consorts<a id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> of the ancient king descend,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Led by the Maiden of the Star-lit Way.<a id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">To branchèd instruments of beaten gold,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Adorned with pendants of sapphire and jade,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They sing, and dance, midst lights of many hues,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Which flash in splendour, then in darkness fade.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In ecstasy we watch the wondrous scene,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">But awe and joy are mingled in our mind,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For now far off we hear the thunder peal,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And lowering clouds with lurid lights are lined.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The waters heave with burdensome unrest,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The air is full of shadows of the dead;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Spirits of the Universe are near,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And we cannot divine their portents dread.<span class="pagenum">[67]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And such is life—an hour of changing scenes<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of fitful joy and quickly following grief;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">An hour of buoyant youth in rapid flight,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And then old age to end life—sad and brief!<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> A vast body of water in some wild and remote part of the +Empire, probably in the north-west; but the exact locality is disputed.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> The names of two rivers, or the two words combined may +mean the clear water of a deep cove or inlet.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> A deep gorge in the Chong-nan Mountains in Shen-si.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> A famous Pass near Si-ngan, the provincial capital of +Shen-si.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> A fabulous Dragon whose mythological ancestry and habitat +I am unable to trace.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> Ping-i, name of the Chinese God of Waters.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> Nü-Ying and Ngo-Hwang, daughters of the Emperor Yao, and +wives of the Emperor Shun (2288 <span class="smcap">b.c.</span>?).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> The Spinning-Maid. See legend of Cowherd and +Spinning-Maid.<span class="pagenum">[68]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Swallows_Song17"><i>The Swallow's Song</i><a id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY EMPEROR WEN</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Of the Wei Dynasty</span> (<span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 220-264)</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The autumn winds are blowing,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The air is cool and drear,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The forest leaves are falling,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The grass is scant and sear.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The dew to hoar-frost changes,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And swallows southward fly;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While from the North in batches<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The wild swan cloud the sky.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And I such signs discerning<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Think of you, husband dear,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And long for your home-coming<br /></span> +<span class="i2">From marches long and drear.<span class="pagenum">[69]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Why do you longer tarry<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In such a distant place?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Think of my lonely vigils,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Sad thoughts and tear-stained face!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The harp I often finger,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And try to sing a song;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But soon I sigh and falter,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And for your coming long.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The Moon's pure light is shining<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Upon my lonely bed;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The 'Star-Stream's'<a id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> westward flowing,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The night is not far sped.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The Cowherd and the Spinning-Girl<a id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i2">Lament the doom that bars<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The meeting of true lovers,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Across the Stream of Stars.<span class="pagenum">[70]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">What folly did they ponder<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To meet so dire a fate?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I wonder if we also<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Are doomed to trial as great!<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> In this poem the thoughts of a woman, whose husband is +engaged in the wars beyond the frontier, are described by the poet.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> The Milky Way.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> K'ien-Niu (Cowherd) and Chih-Nü (Spinning-Girl) are the +names of two stars and, according to a Chinese legend, these two stars +are lovers doomed to gaze at each other across the wide 'River of +Stars'; i.e. the Milky Way, but never meet. According to one version of +the legend, however, the lovers are allowed to meet once a year, on the +seventh night of the Seventh Month, when birds form a bridge over the +'River of Stars' to enable the Spinning-Girl to meet her lover.<span class="pagenum">[71]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="Farewell_to_a_Comrade"><i>Farewell to a Comrade</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY CHEN KIA-CHOW</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'ang Dynasty</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Cold gusts from Arctic regions sweep the ground,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And snowflakes countless fly through the wintry sky,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Covering with spotless robe the earth around,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">While snow flowers frail on twigs and branches lie.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">As when a genial breeze in early Spring<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Shakes open all the pear-trees' blossoms white,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And sombre-looking trees with leafless boughs<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Are decked with radiance in a single night.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Through crevices and slits in bamboo blinds,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Which shield the entrance to our hempen tent,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Snow-whirls and keen winds blow and chill the blood,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In spite of furs and wadded garments blent.<span class="pagenum">[72]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Cold so intense is felt by all alike—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The General cannot stretch his horn-tipped bow,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In coats of mail the Captains stiffly move,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">While soldiers growl or mutter curses low.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Far off the desert stretches as a sea,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In frozen ridges like to driven clouds,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Alas, the multitudes of warriors brave<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The pathless waste of cruel sand enshrouds!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But now our happy comrade homeward turns,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">We'll drink his health to sound of viol and flute,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And see him safely on his journey start;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Another cup, and then the old salute!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Falls thick the snow around the fortress walls,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The red flag frozen stirs not in the air,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As forth we ride from out the Eastern gate,—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In jostling groups, or quietly pair by pair.<span class="pagenum">[73]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Nearing the Tien-shan<a id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> road we draw in rein,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To bid our comrade there a last farewell,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And watch him upward climb the mountain path<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To peaks that touch the clouds where genii dwell.<a id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But soon the winding path conceals from view<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The fading horsemen as they upward wend;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All we now see are footprints in the snow,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As 'ih-lu fuh-sing'<a id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> we towards them send.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> The Tien Mountains; in many books of geography erroneously +described as Tien-Shan Mountains.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> According to Chinese mythology, the top of the Tien +Mountains touch heaven and are the abode of the genii.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> May the Star of Happiness accompany you to the end of the +journey.<span class="pagenum">[74]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="Beautys_Fatal_Snare23"><i>Beauty's Fatal Snare</i><a id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY LI HAN-LIN</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'ang Dynasty</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i2">The ravens roost upon the towers of Su,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">While revels reign within the Court of Wu;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The rustic Si-Shi with her peerless face,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her slender form, her witching smile and grace.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i2">Inflamed by wine, she now begins to sing<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The songs of Wu to please the fatuous king;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And in the dance of Tsu she subtly blends<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All rhythmic movements to her sensuous ends.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i2">Si-Shi o'er Wu her spell has surely cast,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The King of Yüeh has snared his foe at last;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With wine, and song, and dance, the hours fly by:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The water-clock<a id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a> has dripped till almost dry.<span class="pagenum">[75]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i2">Behind the hills appears the flush of dawn,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Beyond the river sinks the moon forlorn;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And now the sun climbs up the towers of Su;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What of the revellers in the Halls of Wu!<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> The Prince of Yüeh wishing to ruin his rival, the Prince +of Wu, presented to him a very beautiful girl, named Si-Shi, who had +been taught all feminine accomplishments. Fu-Ch'a, the Prince of Wu, +fell into the snare, and besotted by dissolute pleasures, became an easy +victim to the Prince of Yüeh who annexed the State of Wu to his own +dominions. After his defeat Fu-Ch'a committed suicide.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> Time was measured by the clepsydra, and the expression +indicates that the night was far spent and dawn near.<span class="pagenum">[76]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="A_Reverie_in_a_Summer-house"><i>A Reverie in a Summer-house</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY MENG HAO-RAN</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'ang Dynasty</span> (<span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 618-905)</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The daylight fades behind the Western Mountains,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And in the east is seen the rising moon,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which faintly mirrored in the garden fountains<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Foretells that night and dreams are coming soon.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">With window open—hair unloosed and flowing,<a id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i2">I lie in restful ease upon my bed;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The evening breeze across the lilies blowing<br /></span> +<span class="i2">With fragrant coolness falls upon my head.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And in the solemn stillness—all-prevailing,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The fall of dewdrops from the tall bamboos—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which grow in graceful rows along the railing—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Sounds through the silence soft as dove's faint coos.<span class="pagenum">[77]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">On such an eve as this I would be singing,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And playing plaintive tunes upon the lute,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And thus to mind old friends and pleasures bringing;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">But none are here to join with harp and flute!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">So in a pleasant stillness I lie dreaming<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of bygone days and trusty friends of old,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Among whom Sin-tze's<a id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> happy face is beaming;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I would my thoughts could now to him be told.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> In ancient times the hair was worn long and knotted on the +top of the head.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> The name of a genial companion of earlier days.<span class="pagenum">[78]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Flower-Seller27"><i>The Flower-Seller</i><a id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY TSING-NIEN</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Tsing Dynasty</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The sun is sinking in the sky,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">It scarcely reaches a flagstaff high;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And now the pretty flower-girl dares<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Come out to sell her fragile wares.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her voice rings out a message sweet,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As on she trips with lightsome feet,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To buy her musk and jessamine,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her violets and white eglantine.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the fresh perfumes of her flowers,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">After last night's refreshing showers,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Borne on the gentle breeze soon find<br /></span> +<span class="i0">An entrance through my lattice blind.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The windows of the rich and great<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Are opened wide, and heads, ornate<span class="pagenum">[79]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">With glossy hair and jewels bright,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Are thrust forth in the evening light<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of the setting sun, whose shadow falls<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On the straight lines of brick-built walls,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By which men marked the time of day<a id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ere clocks and watches came their way.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And many flowers of beauteous hue,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Still sparkling with the morning dew,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Are bought by ladies rich and fair,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To deck their deep black lustrous hair.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> A modern poem composed by a successful student at a +Government Examination.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> Formerly the time of day was roughly ascertained by such +means.<span class="pagenum">[80]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Red-Flower_Pear-Tree"><i>The Red-Flower Pear-Tree</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY EO YANG SIU</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Song Dynasty</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Posted to a distant mountain region,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The old Lang-Kwan,<a id="FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a> grown grey in honest work,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oft wandered through the valleys rough and dreary<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In search of treasures which might therein lurk.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">One day, growing in a sheltered corner,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">He found a red-flowered pear-tree in full bloom,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And before it stood transfixed with wonder,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As when a dazzling brightness shines through gloom.<span class="pagenum">[81]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Wondering how so fair a plant could flourish<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Away from genial clime and native earth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Circled by a thousand mist-clad mountains,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And far from fragrant trees of kindred birth.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">High its beauty-laden branches rising<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Above the gaudy brambles trailing there,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Standing lonely in its perfect grandeur,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">With none, alas! to view the picture rare.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Save the vernal breeze which strips its blossoms<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And blows them open, year by year, again;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or the feathered tribes of mountain ranges<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In search of shelter from the mist or rain.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Showing it has braved the storms for ages,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Its roots are curved and knotted with the fight;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet the Lang-Kwan is the first of mankind<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To look with pleasure on so fair a sight.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Drinking in the wealth of dewy fragrance,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">He walked around the tree for many hours,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But held by reverential love and wonder,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">He durst not raise a hand to pluck the flowers.<span class="pagenum">[82]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">To himself the old man murmured gently,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I wish I could remove the tree from here<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To grace the garden of the King's demesne,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And find a royal consort for its peer.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Such a task, alas! would be much harder<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Than the long and toilsome journey of Chang-K`an,<a id="FNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">When he brought the beautiful pomegranate<br /></span> +<span class="i2">From Western regions to the Land of Han.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> A District Magistrate in ancient times.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> Chang-K`an, or Chang-K`ien, a Minister of the Emperor Wu +of the Han Dynasty. In this poem it is said that he brought the +pomegranate to China, but other writers say the grape-vine.<span class="pagenum">[83]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="A_Song_of_Princess_Tze-Yuh31"><i>A Song of Princess Tze-Yuh</i><a id="FNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY HAN-CHONG</p> + +<p class="h3">(<span class="smcap">Ancient</span>)</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">As Southern birds avoid a Northern snare,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">My kin avoid alliances with thine;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And though my love for thee would greatly dare,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I know our clans the marriage would decline.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I would have followed thee, but evil talk<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Besmirched our names and sent us far apart;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But why the world its love of slander balk?<br /></span> +<span class="i2">'Tis evil fate that has despoiled my heart!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I wept for thee and mourned for three long years,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As mourns the phoenix when her consort's dead;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And then death came and ended grief and tears;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">For after thee no other could I wed.<span class="pagenum">[84]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And now you stand before my grave and grieve,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">My wraith's permitted for a moment's space,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The confines of the Spirit land to leave<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And visit earth to see thee face to face.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And, oh believe, though quick we part once more,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And in the body cannot meet and love,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Our souls are one till life and time are o'er,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And we united in the realms above.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> Tze-Yuh, daughter of Fu-Chai, Prince of the Wu State, and +Han-Chong loved each other and wished to marry, but political feuds +prevented their union. Thereupon Han-Chong travelled abroad, and +Tze-Yuh, after three years of fruitless mourning, died of grief. When +Han-Chong returned and visited Tze-Yuh's grave to mourn there, he had a +vision of her beautiful face, which inspired him to compose this song.<span class="pagenum">[85]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="Distaste_for_Official_Life"><i>Distaste for Official Life</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY TAO TSIEN</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'sin Dynasty</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">For thirty years I read, and mused, and wrote,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or idly angled from my fishing-boat;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or wandered through the woods, or climbed the hills,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Listening to songsters and to murmuring rills;<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Or sauntering in my garden talked with flowers,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As friend with friend, for many happy hours;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or working in my fields ablaze with golden grain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And herbs and fruits which keep life clean and sane.<span class="pagenum">[86]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Far from the busy mart and huckstering crowd,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Striving for gold or place with brawlings loud,—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From youth to middle age I've passed my days<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Midst flowers and fields hearing what Nature says.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And now, alas! I'm on this boat and bound<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For far King-chow, with rank and office crowned;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To village home and friends I've bid farewell,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And of life's peace, I fear, I've tolled the knell.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">From off the shore a pleasant breeze now blows,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And on and on the placid river flows;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While the pale shining of the Queen of Night<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Floods the great universe with silvery light.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I cannot sleep, the future weights my mind,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The calls of office—cares of every kind<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oppress me with a sense of coming woes—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A forlorn hope against unnumbered foes!<span class="pagenum">[87]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I fain would tune my harp and ballads sing,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some comfort to my sinking heart to bring;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But such poor solace even is denied—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My hands are nerveless and my tongue is tied.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">How can I leave my former happy life<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To mingle in ambition's worldly strife!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What care I for the spoils of rank and power,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The petty triumphs of the passing hour!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">My office I'll resign and homeward turn<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To till my farm beside the rippling burn,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where I in happy freedom may once more<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Muses and the Book of Nature pore.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">There in my rustic lodge in leisure time,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I'll cherish every thought and scene sublime,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And following still the teachers of my youth<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A name I'll build upon eternal truth.<span class="pagenum">[88]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Fragrant_Tree"><i>The Fragrant Tree</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY WEI YING-WUH</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'ang Dynasty</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In a far-off fragrant garden<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Grows a tree of beauty rare,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whose reflection on the brooklet<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Makes a vision fair.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But when now I see this vision,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Heart and mind are wrung with grief,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mourning hours of blissful meeting—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Every hour too brief.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Rich as ever is the foliage,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Opal clouds the shimmering boughs,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the dewy leaves still glisten<br /></span> +<span class="i2">While the sun allows.<span class="pagenum">[89]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But, alas, Her presence lacking,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">What are all such things to me!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She will never more be plucking<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Blossoms from this tree.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Here beside the brook are traces<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of her light and gladsome feet;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But again we two shall never<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In this garden meet.<span class="pagenum">[90]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="A_Song_of_the_Snow"><i>A Song of the Snow</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY LUH FANG-WENG</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Three days it snowed on Chang-an<a id="FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a> plain,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">With drifts the Pass<a id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> was stacked;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The iron cows<a id="FNanchor_34_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a> could not be moved,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The dew-pans<a id="FNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a> froze and cracked.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A traveller of handsome mien,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And clad in white foxskin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With curled moustache and strong of limb,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Came to the Pao-chan<a id="FNanchor_36_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a> inn.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">At night he supped and drank full well<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Until he soundly slept;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But in the early dawn he woke<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And on his strong horse leapt.<span class="pagenum">[91]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then riding through the drifts of snow<br /></span> +<span class="i2">He reached the South Range bare,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And hunted for a tiger fierce<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Which long had 'scaped the snare.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And when the crafty beast was met,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">An arrow from his bow<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Transfixed its bounding body huge,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And reddened deep the snow.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">With dying strength it beat the air,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And uttered piercing yells,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which shook the hills and forest trees,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And echoed through the dells.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The carcase then he draggèd back<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Along a crowded course;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The bones a pillow frame supplied,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The skin adorned his horse.<span class="pagenum">[92]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But when confusion fills the land,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And peace is under ban,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Why don't such men of might come forth<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To help the King of Han!<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> Now Si-ngan, the provincial capital of Shen-si, but in the +Han Dynasty the capital of China.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> A very important mountain pass near Si-ngan.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_34_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> Vessels used in the conservancy of the Yellow River.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_35_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> Pans to hold dew, which was collected to provide the +Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty with bathing-and drinking-water and thus +promote longevity.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_36_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> 'The Precious Hairpin,' merely the sign of the inn.<span class="pagenum">[93]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Old_Temple_among_the_Mountains"><i>The Old Temple among the Mountains</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY CHANG WEN-CHANG</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'ang Dynasty</span> (618-905 <span class="smcap">b.c.</span>)</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The temple courts with grasses rank abound,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And birds throng in the forest trees around;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But pilgrims few, though tablets still remain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Come to the shrine while revolutions reign.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The mice climb through the curtains—full of holes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And thick dust overspreads the broidered stoles;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The temple pool in gloomy blackness lies<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To which the sleeping dragon<a id="FNanchor_37_37"></a><a href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a> sometimes hies.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_37_37"></a><a href="#FNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> The meaning of this expression is not clear; it has a +political signification.<span class="pagenum">[94]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="A_Soldiers_Farewell_to_his_Wife"><i>A Soldier's Farewell to his Wife</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY SU-WU<a id="FNanchor_38_38"></a><a href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a></p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Han Dynasty, or earlier</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">My dear wife, you and I have been as one,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No doubt has marred the faith, which love has won,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Our chief desire throughout the married state<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Has been of love and joy to give and take.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But now, alas! the joy of Spring departs,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And sorrow's shafts must enter both our hearts;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I cannot sleep; I must arise and see<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The time; ah me, how quick the hours do flee!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Awake, my dearest, for the stars have set,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The grief of parting must be bravely met;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And yet the dreary marches weight my mind,—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As through defiles and desert plains they wind.<span class="pagenum">[95]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And then, at last, the awful battle-field,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where I must fight and naught to foemen yield;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But, oh! the bitter, paralysing pain—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To think that we may never meet again!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I must let fall the long restrainèd tears<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As, clasping hands, you calm my anxious fears;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If not, my heart will break with sighs repressed<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To hear your love so tenderly confessed.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But courage, we will think of Young Love's day,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And all the pleasures which therein did stay;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And this shall cheer me on the toilsome road,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And help you here to bear your weary load.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then with what joy we shall renew our life,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When I return safe from the dreadful strife;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But if, alas! the Fates should death decree,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My spirit shall for ever live with thee.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_38_38"></a><a href="#FNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> Chinese commentators regard this poem as Su's farewell to +his own wife, written when he was sent on an expedition to the land of +the Hsiung-nu, where he was captured and kept in captivity for many +years.<span class="pagenum">[96]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Wanderers_Return"><i>The Wanderer's Return</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY TU FU</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'ang Dynasty</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The setting sun beneath the red-lined clouds,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Which mass around the foot-hills in the west,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Still floods the valley with a rose-hued light,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And lures the chirping birds to seek their rest.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The wayworn traveller pauses near the gate,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">From which he sallied forth so long ago;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Unconscious then of what Fate held in store—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The years of separation, loss, and woe.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The neighbours press around the garden fence,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And gaze with mouth agape, or quietly sigh;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While wife and children awestruck, rigid stand,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And then tears flow and to his arms they fly.<span class="pagenum">[97]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'For years on revolution's waves I've tossed,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">While wife and bairns mourned me in hopeless plight;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And now to-night, as in a dream, I sit<br /></span> +<span class="i2">With all my loved ones 'neath the lamp's bright light.'<span class="pagenum">[98]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Pleasures_of_a_Simple_Life_with_Nature"><i>The Pleasures of a Simple Life with Nature</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY LI-SHANG-YIN</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'ang Dynasty</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">On these pleasant hills residing,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Far from worldly din and strife,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Leisurely with nature living,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Here I pass a happy life.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Gently wave the bamboo copses,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Fanned by evening breezes light;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While the flowers and moon-beams mingle<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In the ghostly hours of night.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Through ravines the waters gurgle,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Stemmed by scattered rock and stone;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Round the bends the footpath wanders—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">By the mosses overgrown.<span class="pagenum">[99]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Here with friends and habits simple,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And a cup of generous wine,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fingering lute and old songs singing—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">For no other heaven I pine.<span class="pagenum">[100]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="Listening_to_the_Playing_on_a_Lute_in_a_Boat"><i>Listening to the Playing on a Lute in a Boat</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY SU-SHIH</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In my boat I sat alone,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And the hours were fast in flight,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When the sound of music broke<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The stillness of the night.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Sighing winds through fir-trees swept,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Falling cascades murmured low,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As the master touched his lute—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">So lovingly and slow.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Clutching fast my lapelled coat,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Rapture swayed me without bounds,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As with every nerve intent,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I listened to the sounds.<span class="pagenum">[101]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Yet again I longed to hear<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Ancient chimes on jadestone bell,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Drawn forth by the Master's hand<br /></span> +<span class="i2">From lute he loved so well.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Since the days of Chen and Wei,<a id="FNanchor_39_39"></a><a href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i2">When confusion filled the land,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Music rare of ancient style<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Has found but scant demand.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Times and instruments alike,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">For a thousand years and more,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Silent and forgotten lay,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And few the loss deplore!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">One alone—the priceless lute—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Change and storm and wreck survives,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Watching nations rise and wane,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As god of mortal lives.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Music old is now decried,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Light songs and ditties sought,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Strains insipid, jerky turns,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Light and crispy wrought.<span class="pagenum">[102]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Instruments of wood remain,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Void of human feelings sweet,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which the soul of ancient song<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Never more may greet.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Peaceful is the river now,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Moon-beams play upon the scene,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From the ceaseless din of life<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Night provides a pleasant screen.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In the silence of this hour,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Will you, Master, yet once more,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wen-wang's<a id="FNanchor_40_40"></a><a href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a> melodies revive,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As in the days of yore?<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_39_39"></a><a href="#FNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> The Wei and Ch'en Dynasties.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_40_40"></a><a href="#FNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> Duke Chang, the virtual founder of the Chow Dynasty; Wen +Wang being his posthumous title. His son, Prince Wu, was the first ruler +of the Chow Dynasty.<span class="pagenum">[103]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="Reflections_on_the_Past41"><i>Reflections on the Past</i><a id="FNanchor_41_41"></a><a href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a></h2> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">This is only one section of a long poem by Tao Tsien.</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The sun went down and cloudless came the night,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">A gentle zephyr breathed through moonlit skies;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And bevies of fair women thronged the Court,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The beauty of the starlight in their eyes.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">With wine and singing swiftly flew the hours<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Until the herald of the dawn appeared;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But when the music and the rapture ceased,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Deep sighs were heard and weird forebodings feared.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Such beauty even in the Halls of T'sin<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As on this fateful night was seldom seen,—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A lustrous moon in fleecy clouds it shines!<br /></span> +<span class="i2">A splendid flower amidst the foliage green!<span class="pagenum">[104]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">How fair the groups of revellers—fair the scene!<br /></span> +<span class="i2">But pleasures such as these must pass away!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How keen the raptures of those fleeting hours!<br /></span> +<span class="i2">What of the burdens of the coming day?<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_41_41"></a><a href="#FNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">[41]</span></a> This poem probably refers to the revelries of the Court at +the end of the T'sin Dynasty 300-200 <span class="smcap">b.c.</span>, before it was overthrown by +the founder of the Han Dynasty.<span class="pagenum">[105]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="A_Lowly_Flower"><i>A Lowly Flower</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY BAY SIE T'IAO</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'ang Dynasty</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A flowering grass I rise<br /></span> +<span class="i2">From the side of a far-spread lake,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whose waters lave and fertilize,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And all my thirsty tissues slake.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The dews of Spring with gentle power<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Evolve my glossy emerald leaves;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The colours of my fragrant flower<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The rime of early Autumn weaves.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And yet in trembling fear I grow,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Lest root and stem should be uptorn<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By sudden storm or rushing flow,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And leave me helpless and forlorn.<span class="pagenum">[106]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">So here contented will I lie,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Although a plant of humble birth;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor try to soar to realms on high<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Above the confines of the earth.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">For never yet has living soul<br /></span> +<span class="i2">By strength or wisdom changed his fate;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All things are under heaven's control,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Who allocates to each his state.<span class="pagenum">[107]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="On_returning_to_a_Country_Life"><i>On returning to a Country Life</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY TAO TSIEN</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">My youth was spent amidst the simple charms<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of country scenes—secure from worldly din,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And then, alas! I fell into the net<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of public life, and struggled long therein.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The captive bird laments its forest home;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The fish in tanks think of the sea's broad strands;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And I oft longed, amidst official cares,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To till a settler's plot in sunny lands.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And now I have my plot of fifteen 'mow',<a id="FNanchor_42_42"></a><a href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i2">With house thereon of rustic build and thatch;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The elm and willow cast a grateful shade,<br /></span> +<span class="pagenum">[108]</span><span class="i2">While plum-and peach-trees fill the entrance patch.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Away from busy towns and dusty marts,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The dog barks in the silent country lane;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While chickens cluck among the mulberry-trees,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And life is healthy and the mind is sane.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Here in my house—with room for friend or two,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">On my own farm—won from the barren plain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Escaped from cares of office and routine,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I live a free and natural life again.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_42_42"></a><a href="#FNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">[42]</span></a> A Chinese acre, a measure of land equal to about one-fifth +of an English acre.<span class="pagenum">[109]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Brevity_of_Life"><i>The Brevity of Life</i></h2> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Poet unknown: Han Dynasty, or earlier</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Our years on earth are brief,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">But few a hundred win;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A thousand years of grief<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Are packed therein.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The day quick takes its flight,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The dark is sad and long;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then let us cheer the night<br /></span> +<span class="i2">With feast and song.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The niggard thinks it wise<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To save and live by rule;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But sages may arise<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To call him fool!<span class="pagenum">[110]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="Conscripts_leaving_for_the_Frontier43"><i>Conscripts leaving for the Frontier</i><a id="FNanchor_43_43"></a><a href="#Footnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY TU-FU</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'ang Dynasty</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Chariots rumbling; horses neighing;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Soldiers shouting martial cries;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Drums are sounding; trumpets braying;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Seas of glittering spears arise.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">On each warrior's back are hanging<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Deadly arrows, mighty bows;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pipes are blowing, gongs are clanging,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">On they march in serried rows.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Age-bowed parents, sons and daughters<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Crowd beside in motley bands;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Here one stumbles, there one falters<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Through the clouds of blinding sands.<span class="pagenum">[111]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Wives and mothers sometimes clinging<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To their loved ones in the ranks,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or in grief their bodies flinging<br /></span> +<span class="i2">On the dusty crowded flanks.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Mothers', wives', and children's weeping<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Rises sad above the din,—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through the clouds to Heaven creeping—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Justice begging for their kin.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'To what region are they going?'<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Asks a stranger passing by;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'To the Yellow River, flowing<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Through the desert bare and dry!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Forced conscription daily snapping<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Ties which bind us to our clan;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Forced conscription slowly sapping<br /></span> +<span class="i2">All the manhood of the Han.'<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And the old man went on speaking<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To the stranger from afar:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">''Tis the Emperor, glory seeking,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Drives them 'neath his baleful star.<span class="pagenum">[112]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Guarding river; guarding passes<br /></span> +<span class="i2">On the frontier, wild and drear;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fighting foes in savage masses—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Scant of mercy, void of fear.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Proclamations, without pity,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Rain upon us day by day,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Till from village, town, and city<br /></span> +<span class="i2">All our men are called away.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Called away to swell the flowing<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of the streams of human blood,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where the bitter north wind blowing<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Petrifies the ghastly flood.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Guarding passes through the mountains,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Guarding rivers in the plain;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While in sleep, in youth's clear fountain,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Scenes of home come back again.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'But, alas! the dream is leaded<br /></span> +<span class="i2">With the morn's recurring grief,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Only few return—grey-headed—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To their homes, for days too brief.<span class="pagenum">[113]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'For the Emperor, still unheeding<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Starving homes and lands untilled,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On his fatuous course proceeding,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Swears his camps shall be refilled.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Hence new levies are demanded,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And the war goes on apace,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Emperor and foemen banded<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In the slaughter of the race.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'All the region is denuded<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of its men and hardy boys,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Only women left, deluded<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of life's promise and its joys.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Yet the prefects clamour loudly<br /></span> +<span class="i2">That the taxes must be paid,—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ride about and hector proudly!<br /></span> +<span class="i2">How can gold from stones be made?<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Levy after levy driven,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Treated more like dogs than men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Over mountains, tempest riven,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Through the salty desert fen.<span class="pagenum">[114]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'There by Hun and Tartar harried—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Ever fighting, night or day;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wounded, left to die, or carried<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Far from kith and kin away.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Better bring forth daughters only<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Than male children doomed to death,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Slaughtered in the desert lonely,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Frozen by the north wind's breath.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Where their bodies, left unburied,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Strew the plain from west to east,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While above in legions serried<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Vultures hasten to the feast.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Brave men's bones on desert bleaching,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Far away from home and love,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Spirits of the dead beseeching<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Justice from the heaven above.'<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_43_43"></a><a href="#FNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">[43]</span></a> This poem is an attempt to describe the miseries of the +people under compulsory military service during the long wars carried on +by the Emperor Hsüen-Tsung of the Han Dynasty.<span class="pagenum">[115]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="Estimating_the_Value_of_a_Wife"><i>Estimating the Value of a Wife</i></h2> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Unknown: Ancient</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Once upon a time a husband, weary<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of the selfsame face before him day by day,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Determined to dismiss his goodwife promptly,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And take a new one—to her great dismay!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Without delay the little deal was settled,—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The husband on his purpose being bent,—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The new wife through the front door entered grandly,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The old one from a side-door sadly went.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">One day the old wife to her home returning<br /></span> +<span class="i2">From gathering wild flowers on the mountain side,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Met with her quondam master in the valley,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And, kneeling, asked him how the new one vied.<span class="pagenum">[116]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'The new wife', said the husband very slowly,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">'Has beauty that is equal to your own,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But still her hands are not so deft and useful,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Nor can she compass so much work alone.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'The new wife's hands are very skilled in weaving<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Embroidered satins with her dainty touch;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The old wife's fingers, faster and unwearied,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of useful fabrics weave five times as much.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'So when I reckon up the charms and uses<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of goodwives, number One and number Two,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There's little room within my mind for doubting,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I had the better bargain when I'd you.'<span class="pagenum">[117]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Lady_Lo-Fu"><i>The Lady Lo-Fu</i></h2> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Han Dynasty, or earlier</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">On a bright and sunny morning,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">From her mother's house there came,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One who needed no adorning,—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Lo-Fu was the lady's name.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">On her arm a basket swinging,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Made of silk her own hand weaves,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Forth she wanders blithely singing,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Bent on gathering mulberry leaves.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">From her head in graceful tresses<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Falls the fine and lustrous hair,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While each shapely ear caresses<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Just one pearl of beauty rare.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Purple bodice, broidered quaintly,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Silken skirt with amber lace,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gave the touch demure and saintly<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To her sweetly winsome face.<span class="pagenum">[118]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Travellers dropped the loads they carried,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And in wonder stroked their chin;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Young men, whether free or married,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Doffed their hats a glance to win.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Farmers stay their hand in ploughing,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Peasants stand as in a dream,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Now and then the trees allowing<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of the girl a passing gleam.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">On this morn an Envoy passing,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">From a mission to the sea,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where much wealth he'd been amassing,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Saw Lo-Fu beneath a tree.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">For her silkworms food providing,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Work she did with greatest zest;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All her friends around residing<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Owned her silk was of the best.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Near the tree the Envoy stopping<br /></span> +<span class="i2">With his escort in array,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Soldiers boughs of mulberries lopping<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Helped to make a fine display.<span class="pagenum">[119]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">From his retinue emerging<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Came the Envoy's trusty man,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who his master's message urging,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Gently asked her name and clan.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Lo-Fu,' came the answer proudly,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">'Of the ancient house of T'sin!'<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Adding, too, a little loudly,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">'And my age is seventeen.'<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Will you join me?' asked the Envoy,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">'Sharing all my wealth and power,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the treasures of this convoy<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Would not far exceed your dower!'<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'You have a wife,' she answered coldly,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">'And most foolish are, I fear;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I,' she added firm and boldly,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">'Also have a husband dear.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'And my husband is the leader<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of a thousand horsemen brave,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Midst whom not one base seceder<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Would another captain crave!<span class="pagenum">[120]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'On his charger, white and fiery,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">'Mongst the troop he's first espied,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Soldier-like, erect and wiry,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">With his keen sword by his side.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'When but fifteen he enlisted<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Without patronage or fame,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And at twenty, unassisted,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Officer at Court became.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Then at thirty, unexpected,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Captain in the Royal Clan;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Now at forty he's selected<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Chief commandant of Ch'ang-an.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Gallant, but of gentle bearing,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">When the battle's fought and won,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For the praise of men less caring<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Than the meed for duty done.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Yes, a clear-eyed, clean-souled hero<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Is the man I'm praising now,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And your value sinks to zero<br /></span> +<span class="i2">When compared with his, I vow.<span class="pagenum">[121]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'True, a lowly work I'm doing,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And the silk we use I spin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But remember you are wooing<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Lo-Fu of the House of T'sin.'<a id="FNanchor_44_44"></a><a href="#Footnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_44_44"></a><a href="#FNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">[44]</span></a> The ancient State of T'sin, which finally embraced the +whole of Shen-si and Kansuh. In 221 <span class="smcap">b.c.</span> this State under Shi Hwang Ti +subdued all China, and thereafter the ruling sovereigns are known as the +T'sin Dynasty.<span class="pagenum">[122]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="An_Autumn_Evening_in_the_Garden"><i>An Autumn Evening in the Garden</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY LI YI</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The Summer's gone, but summer heat remains,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And sleepless nights still leave us all repining;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So to the garden I have moved my couch,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And on it I am peacefully reclining.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The white clouds spread themselves across the sky,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And through the rifts the moon's soft light is falling<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On dewy grass and flowers and trees around,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">While from the towers night birds are faintly calling.<span class="pagenum">[123]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The gentle rustling of the tall bamboos<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In subtle symphony of tone is blending<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With the waters of the fountain and the brook,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Which flow and murmur on their ways unending.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">While through the gauzy garments which I wear<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The cooling evening breeze is gently blowing,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My feeling of contentment is more deep<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Than when I'm where the ruby wine is flowing.<span class="pagenum">[124]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="Muh-Lan45"><i>Muh-Lan</i><a id="FNanchor_45_45"></a><a href="#Footnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a></h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Muh-Lan's swift fingers flying to and fro<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Crossed warp with woof in deft and even row,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As by the side of spinning-wheel and loom<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She sat at work without the women's room.<a id="FNanchor_46_46"></a><a href="#Footnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">But tho' her hand the shuttle swiftly plies<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The whir cannot be heard for Muh-Lan's sighs;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When neighbours asked what ills such mood had wrought,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And why she worked in all-absorbing thought;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She answered not, for in her ears did ring<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The summons of last evening from the King,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Calling to arms more warriors for the west,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The name of Muh-Lan's father heading all the rest.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But he was ill—no son to take his place,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Excuses meant suspicion and disgrace;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her father's honour must not be in doubt;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor friend, nor foe, his stainless name shall flout;<span class="pagenum">[125]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">She would herself his duty undertake<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And fight the Northern foe for honour's sake.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her purpose fixed, the plan was soon evolved,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But none should know it, this she was resolved;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Alone, unknown, she would the danger face,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Relying on the prowess of her race.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A charger here, a saddle there, she bought,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And next a bridle and a whip she sought;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With these equipped she donned the soldier's gear,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Arming herself with bow and glittering spear.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And then before the sun began his journey steep<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She kissed her parents in their troubled sleep,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Caressing them with fingers soft and light,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She quietly passed from their unconscious sight;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And mounting horse she with her comrades rode<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Into the night to meet what fate forbode;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And as her secret not a comrade knew,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her fears soon vanished as the morning dew.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That day they galloped westward fast and far,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor paused until they saw the evening star;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then by the Yellow River's rushing flood<span class="pagenum">[126]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">They stopped to rest and cool their fevered blood.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The turbid stream swept on with swirl and foam<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Dispelling Muh-Lan's dreams of friends and home;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Muh-Lan! Muh-Lan! she heard her mother cry—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The waters roared and thundered in reply!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Muh-Lan! Muh-Lan! she heard her father sigh—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The river surged in angry billows by!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The second night they reach the River Black,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And on the range which feeds it, bivouac;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Muh-Lan! Muh-Lan! she hears her father pray—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While on the ridge the Tartars' horses neigh;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Muh-Lan! Muh-Lan! her mother's lips let fall!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Tartars' camp sends forth a bugle call!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The morning dawns on men in armed array<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Aware that death may meet them on that day;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Winter sun sends forth a pallid light<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through frosty air on knights in armour bright;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While bows strung tight, and spears in glittering rows,<span class="pagenum">[127]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Forebode the struggle of contending foes.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And soon the trumpets blare—the fight's begun;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A deadly <i>mêlée</i>—and the Pass is won!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The war went on, and many a battle-field<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Revealed Muh-Lan both bow and spear could wield;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her skill and courage won her widespread fame,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And comrades praised, and leaders of great name.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then after several years of march and strife,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Muh-Lan and others, who had 'scaped with life<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From fields of victory drenched with patriots' blood,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Returned again to see the land they loved.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And when at last the Capital<a id="FNanchor_47_47"></a><a href="#Footnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a> was reached,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The warriors, who so many forts had breached,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Were summoned to the presence of the King,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And courtiers many did their praises sing;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Money and presents on them, too, were showered,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And some with rank and office were empowered;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While Muh-Lan, singled out from all the rest,<span class="pagenum">[128]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Was offered fief and guerdon of the best.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But gifts and honours she would gladly lose<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If she might only be allowed to choose<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some courier camels, strong and fleet of pace,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To bear her swiftly to her native place.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<hr class="tb" /> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And now, at last, the journey nears the end,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And father's, mother's voices quickly blend<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In—'Muh-Lan, Muh-Lan! welcome, welcome, dear!'<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And this time there was naught but joy to fear.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her younger sisters decked the house with flowers,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And loving words fell sweet as summer showers;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her little brother shouted Muh-Lan's praise,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For many proud and happy boastful days!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The greetings o'er, she slipped into her room—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Radiant with country flowers in fragrant bloom—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And changed her soldier's garb for woman's dress:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her head adorned with simple maiden's tress<span class="pagenum">[129]</span>—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A single flower enriched her lustrous hair—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And forth she came, fresh, maidenly, and fair!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some comrades in the war had now come in,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who durst not mingle in the happy din;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But there in awe and admiration stood,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As brave men do before true womanhood;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For not the boldest there had ever dreamed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On toilsome march, or when swords flashed and gleamed<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In marshalled battle, or on sudden raid,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That their brave comrade was a beauteous maid.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_45_45"></a><a href="#FNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">[45]</span></a> Muh-Lan was a famous heroine of the Liang Dynasty (<span class="smcap">a.d.</span> +502-556) who, when her father was summoned to serve as a soldier in the +wars on the north-western frontier, and was unable to obey the order on +account of sickness, put on a soldier's dress and took his place in the +army for several years. She fought in many battles, winning great praise +for her bravery, and ever since she has been regarded as the ideal of +daughterly devotion and feminine courage.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_46_46"></a><a href="#FNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">[46]</span></a> In the porch of the women's apartment.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_47_47"></a><a href="#FNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">[47]</span></a> The capital of China at that time was Chang-an, now +Si-an-Fu the provincial capital of Shen-si.<span class="pagenum">[130]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Old_Fisherman"><i>The Old Fisherman</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY LUH FANG-WEN</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'ang Dynasty</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">While wandering up the river-side alone<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To view the landscape of my new-found home,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Away from cities and the haunts of men<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Where I midst nature's scenes can quietly roam,<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I came upon a fisher's lonely hut<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Ensconced within a winding of the stream,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And in a boat the fisherman himself;<br /></span> +<span class="i2">While on his sail the sunlight sent a gleam.<span class="pagenum">[131]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Across the river stands a stately mountain<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Which wandering artists oft have tried to paint,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But none could seize the subtle blend of colours—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of purple blues and rose-dawn flushes faint.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Alas! the fisherman through summers many,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Has gazed upon the glory of this scene,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And yet his mind's unwakened to its beauty,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">His hand unskilled to limn its tints and sheen.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And my hand, too, alas! has lost its cunning<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And cannot serve my brain as in my youth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So men will lose another glorious picture<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of Nature with her beauty and her truth.<span class="pagenum">[132]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="Midnight_in_the_Garden"><i>Midnight in the Garden</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY LIU TSONG-YUEN</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'ang Dynasty (Ancient Style)</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The midnight hours were passing<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And sleep still past me flew;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My mind—so keenly working—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Could hear the dropping dew.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">So from my bed arising<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I open wide the door—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The western park revealing,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And hills that heavenward soar.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Across the Eastern ranges<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The clear moon coldly shines<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On bamboos, loosely scattered,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And trailing mountain vines.<span class="pagenum">[133]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And so intense the stillness,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">That from the distant hills<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I hear the pigeons cooing,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And murmuring streams and rills.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">For hours I have been thinking,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As in a silent dream,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And now beyond the mountains<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I see the dawn's first gleam.<span class="pagenum">[134]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="Reflections_on_the_Brevity_of_Life"><i>Reflections on the Brevity of Life</i></h2> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Poet's name unknown: Han Dynasty or earlier</span> (206 <span class="smcap">b.c.</span>-220 <span class="smcap">a.d.</span>)</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">We sought the city by the Eastern gate,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Our chariot moving at a leisured rate,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Along the road on which the sunlight weaves<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The trembling of the willow's rustling leaves.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And far away are pine-trees towering high,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Beneath whose shade the graves of heroes lie;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In Hades now their last long sleep they take,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From which a mortal never more shall wake.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">How vast the gulf between the quick and dead!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet as the morning dew our life is sped;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The rocks and hills enduring strength retain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But mortals pass in fast and endless train.<span class="pagenum">[135]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Alas! the sages are inert to trace<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Beyond the grave the future of our race;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Alchemic nostrums, too, are used in vain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They cannot turn life's ills to endless gain.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then let us drain the goblet while we live,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And take the best the fleeting hour can give.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In life a little pleasure may be won,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To-morrow we must die and there'll be none.<span class="pagenum">[136]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="So-fei_gathering_Flowers"><i>So-fei gathering Flowers</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY WANG CHANG-LING</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In a dress of gauzy fabric<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of the 'Lien' leaf's emerald hue<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So-fei glides amongst the lilies<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Sprinkled with the morning dew.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Rose-hued are the lotus-blossoms,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Rose-hued, too, the maiden's cheeks;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Is it So-fei's form I follow,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Or the flowers she seeks?<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Now I hear a song arising<br /></span> +<span class="i2">From the lotus bowers,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which distinguishes the maiden<br /></span> +<span class="i2">From her sister flowers.<span class="pagenum">[137]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="A_Farewell48"><i>A Farewell</i><a id="FNanchor_48_48"></a><a href="#Footnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY LI TAI-PEH</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Far up the Song-Yang's sacred mountain,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Unrestrained by lock or bridge,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Plows a pure and peaceful streamlet<br /></span> +<span class="i2">'Neath the 'Gem-Maid's' grassy ridge.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">There at eve midst pine-trees sombre<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Looms the large and lustrous moon;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And within my ancient dwelling<br /></span> +<span class="i2">You I hope to welcome soon.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Yes, my friend, I'll come to see you<br /></span> +<span class="i2">At the closing of the year,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In your home among the mountains,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Where you live without a fear.<span class="pagenum">[138]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Deep in searching for the Chang-pu,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">With its bloom-flushed purple flower,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which endows the happy finder<br /></span> +<span class="i2">With immortal life and power.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Ere I come you may have found it,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And to realms where genii dwell<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Winged your flight upon the dragon,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Bidding to our earth farewell.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_48_48"></a><a href="#FNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">[48]</span></a> Poems similar to this one are frequently written by +literary men in China when bidding farewell to a friend.<span class="pagenum">[139]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Khwun-ming_Lake"><i>The Khwun-ming Lake</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY TU FU</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In ancient times the flags of Wu<a id="FNanchor_49_49"></a><a href="#Footnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i2">Made gay the Khwun-ming Lake,<a id="FNanchor_50_50"></a><a href="#Footnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">On which his ships in mimic strife<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The decks of foemen rake.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But now deserted is the scene,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And in the moon's pale light,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Spinning-Maid<a id="FNanchor_51_51"></a><a href="#Footnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a> upon the shore<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Sits silent in the night.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The Autumn breezes seem to move<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The mammoth stony whales,<a id="FNanchor_52_52"></a><a href="#Footnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And send a tremor through their frames<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Vibrating all their scales.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The Ku-mi<a id="FNanchor_53_53"></a><a href="#Footnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a> seeds float on the waste,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As clouds of sombre hue;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The lotus-flowers are crushed beneath<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The weight of frozen dew.<span class="pagenum">[140]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">While from the cloud-capped Pass<a id="FNanchor_54_54"></a><a href="#Footnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a> above,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The eagle's eye aglow,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sees but an aged fisherman<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Midst lakes and streams below.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_49_49"></a><a href="#FNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">[49]</span></a> The Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty ascended the throne 140 +<span class="smcap">b.c.</span></p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_50_50"></a><a href="#FNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">[50]</span></a> A lake probably situated to the south-west of Chang-an, +the capital of China in the Han Dynasty. This city is now the provincial +capital of Shen-si and better known as Si-an.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_51_51"></a><a href="#FNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">[51]</span></a> A stone image of the Spinning-Maid stood on one shore of +the lake, and another of the Cowherd on the opposite shore.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_52_52"></a><a href="#FNanchor_52_52"><span class="label">[52]</span></a> A stone image of an immense fish covered with finely +carved scales was also placed by the side of the lake.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_53_53"></a><a href="#FNanchor_53_53"><span class="label">[53]</span></a> A kind of rice.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_54_54"></a><a href="#FNanchor_54_54"><span class="label">[54]</span></a> Probably the celebrated 'Tung' Pass near Chang-an.</p></div> + +<blockquote><p>The whole poem has a political signification implying that +revolution had turned the country into a wilderness, and +desolation taken the place of former prosperity and greatness. </p></blockquote><p><span class="pagenum">[141]</span></p> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="Reflections"><i>Reflections</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY CHANG KIU-LING</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The foliage of the lilies in the Spring<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In glowing freshness shows its vernal birth;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While in the Autumn cassia-blossoms bright<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Renew the beauty of the fading earth.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In seasons such as these our hearts rejoice,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And deeper thoughts arise within the mind,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As Nature woos us in a tender mood,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And teaches lessons that are true and kind.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Who would not be as grass and flowers and trees,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">That denizen the forest and the hill,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And listening to the music of the winds,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">With sympathy and mutual gladness thrill!<span class="pagenum">[142]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">For flowers have natures teaching them to live<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In sweet content in glen, or glade, or field;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By plucking them fair women cannot add<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Aught to the happiness their own lives yield.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<blockquote><p>These four stanzas are but a section of a long poem. In this +allegory the poet reveals his own distaste for official life +and his love of Nature. Beautiful women cannot add to the +happiness of the flowers by plucking them, &c., implies that +the Emperor cannot increase the happiness of the poet by +appointing him to high official posts, and inviting him to the +Court. </p></blockquote><p><span class="pagenum">[143]</span></p> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="Pride_and_Humility55"><i>Pride and Humility</i><a id="FNanchor_55_55"></a><a href="#Footnote_55_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY CHANG-KIU-LING</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'ang Dynasty</span> (<span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 618-905)</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I'm but a sea-bird, wandering here alone,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And dare not call the ponds and lakes my own;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But what are those two lovely birds on high,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Shining resplendent 'gainst the morning sky?<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Upon the top bough of the San-Chu<a id="FNanchor_56_56"></a><a href="#Footnote_56_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a> tree,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Presumptuously they build that all may see;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Their feathers than the iris lovelier far,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What if a missile should their beauty mar!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Such brilliant robes, which they with joy expose,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Might well excite the envy of their foes;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And even the gods may view with dire disdain<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The high ambition of the proud and vain.<span class="pagenum">[144]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Now I in quiet obscurity can roam<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Far from my nest, flecked by the ocean's foam;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet, in a world where greed is always rife,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No one would raise a hand to take my life.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_55_55"></a><a href="#FNanchor_55_55"><span class="label">[55]</span></a> This translation is only a portion of a long poem.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_56_56"></a><a href="#FNanchor_56_56"><span class="label">[56]</span></a> A mythical tree of the genii; but in the poem it may mean +a very conspicuous tree.<span class="pagenum">[145]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="Dwellers_in_the_Peach_Stream_Valley57"><i>Dwellers in the Peach Stream Valley</i><a id="FNanchor_57_57"></a><a href="#Footnote_57_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY CHANG-HSÜEN</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'sing Dynasty</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">While the master was wrapped in slumber the fishing-boat slipped its stake,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And drifted, and swirled, and drifted far over the broadening lake,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Till islets, and mainland, and forests came into view once more,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While the fisherman gazed and pondered the lay of the new-found shore.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But erelong he espied an opening, shown by the broken wave,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And in venturous mood he steered his boat into a narrow cave,<span class="pagenum">[146]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where an azure mist obscured the scenes through channels long and low,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As the current bore him gently into a world of long ago.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In this old, flower-bestrewèd land, at first no path the eye could tell,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For on the streams and on the banks the red rain of peach flowers fell;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet from the purple-shadowed mountains which screened this favoured land<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Flowed forth the Peach-Fount river along its bed of silver sand;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But, winding with the stream, the thickset peach-tree groves with red-veined flowers<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hid the cooling waters flowing in and out the shady bowers.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And here and there along the banks, set in nooks of calm repose,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Were cottage homes of rustic work from which the wreathed blue smoke arose;<span class="pagenum">[147]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Showing that in this happy valley beyond the world's dull roar,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Life went on as sweet and simple as in the golden days of yore,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the people of this valley in their ancient garments clad<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Were courteous in their manners and rejoiced in all they had;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While the dogs and fowls beside them harmonized with all at hand,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the mulberry-tree and flax-plant hid the former barren land.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When the dwellers in this favoured region saw the stranger guest,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They set before him food and wine and kindly bade him rest;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And when true courtesy allowed they asked of the things and men<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the world of sin and sorrow far beyond their quiet life's ken.<span class="pagenum">[148]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And when the time to leave them came, and the stranger could not stay,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They led him through the cavern's channels and saw him sail away.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In after life the fisherman often tried again, but failed<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To find the opening to the Valley through which he once had sailed;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But when the sand of life through the glass its course had nearly run,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He thought he saw the way lay to it beyond the westering sun.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_57_57"></a><a href="#FNanchor_57_57"><span class="label">[57]</span></a> There are many versions of this legend both in poetry and +prose. The introductory and closing lines of the translation are partly +based on other versions of the story than that in the poem translated. +</p><p> +This poem and 'The Fishermen's Song', and 'The Students' Ramble', are +taken from 'A Selection of Poems' written by successful graduates at the +Government Examinations during the present dynasty. +</p><p> +Many of these prize poems are cleverly and beautifully written, and they +reveal considerable poetic talent, but not the power and genius found in +the work of ancient Chinese poets.<span class="pagenum">[149]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Five_Sons"><i>The Five Sons</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY TAO TSIEN</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'sin Dynasty</span> (<span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 265-419)</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I am wrinkled and gray,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And old before my day;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For on five sons I look,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And not one loves a book.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Ah-Shu is sixteen years,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The sight of work he fears;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He is the laziest lout<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You'd find the world throughout.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Ah-süen has tried in vain<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A little wit to gain;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He shirks the student's stool,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At grammar he's a fool!<span class="pagenum">[150]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Yong-twan is thirteen now,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And yet I do avow<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He can't discriminate<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The figures six and eight!<a id="FNanchor_58_58"></a><a href="#Footnote_58_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Tong-tze is only nine,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But clearly does opine<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That life, with all its cares,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Consists of nuts and pears.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Alas, that Fate so dour<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On me her vials should pour!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What can I do but dine,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And drown my woes in wine!<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_58_58"></a><a href="#FNanchor_58_58"><span class="label">[58]</span></a> Implies that he is a thorough dunce.<span class="pagenum">[151]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Journey_Back"><i>The Journey Back</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY A POET OF THE HAN DYNASTY</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Name unknown<a id="FNanchor_59_59"></a><a href="#Footnote_59_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a> (206 b.c. to a.d. 220)</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The journey back has now begun,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The Chariot winds along the road—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The road which seems for aye to run<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To me with my sad load!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">How vast the wilderness around,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As o'er the endless track we pass;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The only moving thing and sound—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The east wind through the grass!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The things I see are not the old,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As mile on mile the way is won,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And quick as these things change are told<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Our years—and age comes on.<span class="pagenum">[152]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">By nature's law each cycle brings<br /></span> +<span class="i2">A time to flourish and decay,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And, with her perishable things,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">We, too, must pass away.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">No power have we with time to brave,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As iron and stone, the grave's stern claim,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One treasure only can we save—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">An everlasting fame.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_59_59"></a><a href="#FNanchor_59_59"><span class="label">[59]</span></a> The poet's name is unknown, but he (or she?) lived during +the Han Dynasty (206 <span class="smcap">b.c.</span> to <span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 220), or earlier.<span class="pagenum">[153]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Gallant_Captain_and_the_Innkeepers_Wife"><i>The Gallant Captain and the Innkeeper's Wife</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY SIN YEN-NIEN</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Han Dynasty (206 b.c. to a.d. 220)</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Among the near attendants of the famous General Ho,<a id="FNanchor_60_60"></a><a href="#Footnote_60_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Champion of the Emperor Wu and terror of his foe,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Was a gay and gilded youth of the name of Fung Tze-tu,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who loved to slay the fair sex as the general did Hsiong-nu;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Presuming on his master's fame he bantered every girl,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And fancied he himself was great—he lived in such a whirl.<span class="pagenum">[154]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">The landlord of the wine-shop was scarcely a man of means,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But had a young and pretty wife not yet out of her teens;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And with this charming lady Fung Tze-tu was wont to flirt;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But though so young and charming she was very much alert.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One day in Spring this hostess fair, in gracious serving mood,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Alone attended to the wants of guests for wine and food.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Attired in flowing skirt, and girdled loose with girlish wile,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Embroidered vest and wide-sleeved outer robe of ancient style;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her slender head on either side with massive tresses graced,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And crowned with Lan-tien<a id="FNanchor_61_61"></a><a href="#Footnote_61_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a> jade, below with Ta-tsin<a id="FNanchor_62_62"></a><a href="#Footnote_62_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a> pearls enlaced:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This young and dainty figure, said the gallants with a sigh,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Was a sight with which no other on this earth could ever vie;<span class="pagenum">[155]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And as they posed before her in their elegant attire,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She deftly filled their glasses, and allowed them to admire.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Just as this dainty hostess stood alone within the inn,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Preparing special vintages selected from the bin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Up rode a gay young officer with canopy of rank,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Accompanied by attendants afoot on either flank;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His charger's handsome trappings richly bound at every joint,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And silver-mounted saddle burnished to the flashing point,—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Alighting from his horse there stood the son of the Kin-Wu,<a id="FNanchor_63_63"></a><a href="#Footnote_63_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">The very gallant officer, the dashing Fung Tze-tu.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He called for wine in tasselled jug, and carp on golden plate,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And thought such lavish bravery the lady would elate;<span class="pagenum">[156]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Besides such show he offered her a mirror burnished bright,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Together with a red silk skirt of gauzy texture light;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All these, he thought, must surely daze the eyes of woman vain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who does not give her smiles for love, but for the greatest gain:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Alas! within the lady's mind quite other thoughts found vent,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">More poignant when she spied within the red silk skirt a rent.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The rent within the skirt, she mused, no pang in you has wrought,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor would the loss of my good name cause you a serious thought;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For men soon tire of wives and seek their joys in faces new,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But wives are true to their first spouse and gallants do eschew;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Among the lowly born, as in the camp or royal abode,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Are women who are true to death to honour's stainless code:<span class="pagenum">[157]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">I thank you for the favours shown, brave son of the Kin-Wu,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But this time you have loved in vain, my gallant Fung Tze-tu!<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_60_60"></a><a href="#FNanchor_60_60"><span class="label">[60]</span></a> General Ho K'ü-ping, died 117 <span class="smcap">b.c.</span>, Commander of the +Armies of Han Wu Ti in several victorious campaigns against the +Hsiung-nu.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_61_61"></a><a href="#FNanchor_61_61"><span class="label">[61]</span></a> Lan-tien, a district in Shên-si, famous for its jade.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_62_62"></a><a href="#FNanchor_62_62"><span class="label">[62]</span></a> Ta-tsin, the Roman Empire.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_63_63"></a><a href="#FNanchor_63_63"><span class="label">[63]</span></a> A military officer of the Han Dynasty, holding a rank +similar to that of Captain-General.<span class="pagenum">[158]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Lady_Chao-Chiun64"><i>The Lady Chao-Chiün</i><a id="FNanchor_64_64"></a><a href="#Footnote_64_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY EO YANG SIU</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Song Dynasty (a.d. 960-1278)</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The Court of Han which shone with beauty rare<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of high-born women dowered with faces fair,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Had one within it, yet unknown to fame,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of lowly fortune but of gentle name.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Now every flower had spared some hue or grace<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To form Chao-Chiün's divinely lovely face;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But courtier's greed had barred the Palace gate,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which Chao-Chiün's father would not try to sate.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Nor could the maid herself her beauty flaunt,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And hold her fair name light for gold or taunt;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her Royal Master, therefore, did but jibe<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At portraits of her, painted for a bribe.<span class="pagenum">[159]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And so this peerless girl was left alone,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who might have shared Yüen's imperial throne.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But Yen-Show's greed at last itself betrayed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And charges grave against him were arrayed;<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then traitor-like, as harried fox, or doe,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He fled the Court to help the Northern foe;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And with true portraits of the lovely maid,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He fired the Tartar Chief his plans to aid.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Abetted by this courtier, wise and arch,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Tartar armies crossed the Emperor's march,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And devastated all the country near,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From which the people fled in piteous fear.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The Han King, conscious of his waning power,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Now sought for terms of peace in danger's hour;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And these were granted, if, with parlance brief<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Lady Wang would wed the Tartar chief.<span class="pagenum">[160]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But ere the peerless maiden left her home,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To brave the mountains and the desert roam,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Emperor saw her, and his heart stood still,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet basely feared to thwart the Tartar's will.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The silence passed, he raved in passion's whirl,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And slew the painter who had limned the girl;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But useless were such puny acts, and cruel,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which to a burning throne were added fuel.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">For how could monarch, who perceived no more,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of things which happened near his Palace door,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Expect to force the Hun to own his sway,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Encamped in strength a thousand miles away?<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And so Chao-Chiün, beneath her weary load,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With royal guards began the endless road,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Watering with tears each lowly wayside flower,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The sport, alas! of beauty's fateful power.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_64_64"></a><a href="#FNanchor_64_64"><span class="label">[64]</span></a> Chao-Chiün, or Wang Chao-Chiün, was a very beautiful girl +who was precluded from entering the presence of the Emperor Yuan (Han +Yuan Ti) by an avaricious courtier, Mao Yen-sheo, who bribed the court<span class="pagenum">[161]</span> +painter to present ugly portraits of Chao-Chiün to the Emperor, because +her family would not pay the large sums of money he demanded. Afterwards +Mao Yen-sheo's wiles became known to the Emperor, and he fled to the +Khan of the Hsiung-nu to whom he showed a true portrait of Chao-Chiün. +Thereupon the Khan invaded China with a great army, and demanded the +Lady Chao-Chiün as the price of peace. Afraid to refuse, the Chinese +Emperor surrendered Chao-Chiün to the Tartar chief who then retired +beyond the Wall. According to a popular but untrustworthy version of +this story, Chao-Chiün, when she reached the Heh-long Kiang (Amur +River), jumped into the stream rather than cross the boundary which +separated her from her native land.<span class="pagenum">[162]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="Night_on_the_Lake"><i>Night on the Lake</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY SU TONG-PO</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">Song Dynasty (a.d. 960-1278)</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The breeze is sighing through the water grass,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As up and down the narrow deck I pass;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And through the rarest mist of Autumn night<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The rain-moon floods the lake with pallid light.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The boatmen and the water-fowl sleep sound,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And in their dreams see other worlds around;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The big fish startled sneak in haste away,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As flurried fox flees from the dawning day.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In depths of night it seems the human soul<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Its sway o'er other things has lost control;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I and my shadow play upon the strand<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That marks the boundary of the silent land.<span class="pagenum">[163]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">We watch the secret tides in noiseless work,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Forming new isles where earthworms safely lurk;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And on the moon—a monstrous pearl—we gaze,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Looming through willow-trees in silver haze.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Amidst our life of changing grief and woe,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A glimpse of purer worlds will come and go,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As on this lake when nature's holy power<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Speaks to us in the dark and silent hour.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But hark, the cock crows; rings the temple bell!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And birds awake in mountain, plain, and dell;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The guardship beats its drum, the boats unmoor,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While din and shouting on the hearer pour.<span class="pagenum">[164]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Fishermens_Song"><i>The Fishermen's Song</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">PRIZE POEM, BY CHENG-CHENG</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'sing Dynasty</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The sun is sinking in the west,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bidding the fishermen think of rest.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'To-day,' they cry, 'no need to search,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The people rush to buy our perch;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of shell-fish, too, we are bereft,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We've scarcely half a basket left!'<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And at the piles of silver bright<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They laugh, and shout, 'Good wine to-night!'<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'We'll with the village wits combine<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And drink our fill of "Luh-e"<a id="FNanchor_65_65"></a><a href="#Footnote_65_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a> wine;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then if we feel inclined to roam,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The fisher-boys shall lead us home.'<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So off they go to the evening meal,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And 'Luh-e' wine is drunk with zeal;<span class="pagenum">[165]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And after draining every glass,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They doff the fishers' coat of grass,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And with wild shouts a net they seize<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And rush out in the evening breeze,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Intent on catching the mirrored moon,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bright in the sea as the sun at noon.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Tricked by the moon to their hearts' content,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Shoreward they move on music bent;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The pipes of Pan, and flutes, come out,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wine and music have a fine bout;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Voices and instruments combined<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Soon leave no discord undefined!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">After the shouting and the din<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Even fishermen had to turn in;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So spreading their sails in a sandy cave,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And soothed by the sound of the lapping wave,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Tired and languorous the reveller yields<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To sleep, and dreams of Elysian fields!<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_65_65"></a><a href="#FNanchor_65_65"><span class="label">[65]</span></a> 'Luh-e,' the name of a famous wine.<span class="pagenum">[166]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Students_Ramble66"><i>The Students' Ramble</i><a id="FNanchor_66_66"></a><a href="#Footnote_66_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY LU-TEH</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'sing Dynasty</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">No longer could the blue-robed students cling<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To essay, or angle, or such like thing;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The white-fleeced sky in depths of sapphire blue,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The mother-earth, in Spring's bewitching hue,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Enticed them forth to ponder fresher lore,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And gather strength from nature's boundless store,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So leaving college desk, and book, and file,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They tramp the green-robed country—mile on mile;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But resting oft within some shady nook,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By side of mountain rill or babbling brook.<span class="pagenum">[167]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">The voice of streams, the sweet air after showers<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On new-mown grass, and earth, and fragrant flowers;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The depths of space, the everlasting hills;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The unseen power that moves, and guides, and stills<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All animated nature's varied life<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And law reveals where all seemed useless strife—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Their sense enthralled, and coursing with their blood<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through every vein in strong impetuous flood—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Divine and human, on this radiant day,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Seemed nearer kin than even when we pray<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In marble temples to the unknown God,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or wayside fanes, by common people trod.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But homeward now reluctantly they turn,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet incense still to nature would they burn;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So as they wind through woods of pine-trees tall,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By willow-bordered streams where catkins fall,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Their pent-up feelings, buried deep and long,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Find voice in classic chants from ancient song.<span class="pagenum">[168]</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">As chorus sweet, and solo clear and rare,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Are wafted softly on the evening air,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The water-fowl on village ponds and streams<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Are gently wakened from their summer dreams;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While mingled with the scholars' choral lay<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The songs of peasants speed the closing day;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And bird, or insect,—each its anthem sings,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And little gift of praise to Heaven brings:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then as the sun is sinking in the west,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And lighting up the regions of the blest,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From nature's altar falls the sacred fire,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And higher aims each student's heart inspire.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_66_66"></a><a href="#FNanchor_66_66"><span class="label">[66]</span></a> This is a free translation, yet nearly every word is +implied in the original. A crudely literal translation would not reveal +the thoughts aroused in the mind of a Chinese reader of the poem.<span class="pagenum">[169]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Priest_of_Tien_Mountain"><i>The Priest of T'ien Mountain</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY LI TAI-PEH</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'ang Dynasty (a.d. 618-913)</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I hear the distant baying of the hound<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Amid the waters murmuring around;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I see the peach-flowers bearing crystal rain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The sportive deer around the forest fane.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The waving tops of bamboo groves aspire<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In fleeting change the summer clouds to tire,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While from the emerald peaks of many hills<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The sparkling cascades fall in fairy rills.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Beneath the pines within this shady dell,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I list in vain to hear the noontide bell;<a id="FNanchor_67_67"></a><a href="#Footnote_67_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">The temple's empty, and the priest has gone,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And I am left to mourn my grief alone.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_67_67"></a><a href="#FNanchor_67_67"><span class="label">[67]</span></a> The temple bell.<span class="pagenum">[170]</span></p></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="Maidens_By_the_River-side"><i>Maidens By the River-side</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY YUH YONG</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">The Northern Wei Dynasty (a.d. 386-532)</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Maidens robed in gauzy dresses,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Heads adorned with lustrous tresses,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nestling pearls in soft caresses,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Trip along the river-side.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Where the violet sweet reposes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the wild flowers group in posies,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fairer than the queenly roses,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Through the flowers they conquering glide.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Where the cooling water gushes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fitful shades of willow bushes<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Flee and hide among the rushes,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Lest the maidens should deride.<span class="pagenum">[171]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Tripping sylph-like, as the Graces,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">East wind blowing on their faces,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which it holds in soft embraces,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And would ever there abide.<span class="pagenum">[172]</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="chapter" /> + +<h2 id="The_Poet-Beggar"><i>The Poet-Beggar</i></h2> + +<p class="h3">BY TAO TSIEN</p> + +<p class="h3"><span class="smcap">T'sin Dynasty (a.d. 265-419)</span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Impelled by hunger, forth I strode,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">But whither causing little care,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While feeling life's oppressive load—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Too great for me to bear.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">At last your village here I reached,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">By tramping many weary miles,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And knocking at an unknown door,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">You welcomed me with smiles.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And when I roughly asked for food,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Gave meat and wine my need to sate,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And in a kind and friendly mood<br /></span> +<span class="i2">You chatted while I ate.<span class="pagenum">[173]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Now having shared your generous cheer,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And drained the oft refillèd glass,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Revived and glad, unthanked I fear<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To let such goodness pass.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A linen-bleacher, poor and old,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Fed Han-Sin,<a id="FNanchor_68_68"></a><a href="#Footnote_68_68" class="fnanchor">[68]</a> sprung of royal breed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From out her hard-earned scanty store<br /></span> +<span class="i2">In time of darkest need.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Your kindly help to me this hour<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Is fraught with equal love and grace,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Would I had Han-Sin's royal power,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Thy bounty to replace.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Alas! the fullness of my heart<br /></span> +<span class="i2">My tongue can only lamely tell,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So now in simple verse I write<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of kindness done so well.<span class="pagenum">[174]</span><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And though at last the muffled drum<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Will beat the end of earthly days,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Throughout the cycles yet to come<br /></span> +<span class="i2">My verse shall speak your praise.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_68_68"></a><a href="#FNanchor_68_68"><span class="label">[68]</span></a> Han-Sin was the grandson of a prince of Han, whose State +was annexed by the founder of the T'sin Dynasty. In early life Han-Sin +suffered great poverty, and for some time was befriended by a poor woman +who bleached flax. Afterwards he became the commander of the armies of +Liu-Pang, the founder of the Han Dynasty, and regained his ancestral +domain; he then sought out his friend, the flax-bleacher, and gave her +1,000 pieces of gold.</p></div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Chinese Poems, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHINESE POEMS *** + +***** This file should be named 37938-h.htm or 37938-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/9/3/37938/ + +Produced by Delphine Lettau, Matthew Wheaton and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Chinese Poems + +Author: Various + +Translator: Charles Budd + +Release Date: November 6, 2011 [EBook #37938] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHINESE POEMS *** + + + + +Produced by Delphine Lettau, Matthew Wheaton and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + CHINESE POEMS + + TRANSLATED BY + + CHARLES BUDD + + HENRY FROWDE + OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS + LONDON, NEW YORK, TORONTO AND MELBOURNE + 1912 + + OXFORD: HORACE HART + PRINTER TO THE UNIVERSITY + + + + +_PREFACE_ + + +_The initiative of this little book was accidental. One day in the early +part of last summer, feeling weary of translating commercial documents, +I opened a volume of Chinese poetry that was lying on my desk and +listlessly turned over the pages. As I was doing so my eye caught sight +of the phrase, 'Red rain of peach flowers fell.' That would be +refreshing, I said to myself, on such a day as this; and then I went on +with my work again. But in the evening I returned to the book of Chinese +poetry and made a free translation of the poem in which I had seen the +metaphor quoted above. The translation seemed to me and some friends +pleasantly readable; so in leisure hours I have translated some more +poems and ballads, and these I now venture to publish in this volume, +thinking that they may interest readers in other lands, and also call +forth criticism that will be useful in preparing a larger volume which +I, or some better qualified scholar, may publish hereafter; for it +can hardly be said that the field of Chinese poetry has been widely +explored by foreign students of the Chinese language._ + +_Many of the translations in this book are nearly literal, excepting +adaptations to meet the exigencies of rhyme and rhythm; but some are +expanded to enable readers to understand what is implied, as well as +actually written, in the original; for, after all, the chief aim of the +translator of poetry should be to create around the mind of the reader +the sensory atmosphere in which the mind of the poet moved when he wrote +the poem. Whether I have attained a measure of success in such a very +difficult task must be decided by the readers of these translations._ + +_It should be borne in mind by students more or less familiar with the +Chinese language that there are many versions of the stories and legends +related in these poems, and these versions, again, have been variously +interpreted by Chinese poets. A little reflection of this kind will +often save a critic from stumbling into difficulties from which it is +not easy to extricate himself._ + +_A few notes are given at the end of each poem to explain historical +names, &c., but not many other notes are required as the poems explain +themselves. Indeed, the truth of the saying, 'One touch of nature makes +the whole world kin,' has been impressed on my mind deeply by this +little excursion into the field of Chinese poetry, for the thoughts and +words of such poems as the 'Journey Back,' 'A Maiden's Reverie,' 'Only a +Fragrant Spray,' 'The Lady Lo-Fu, 'Conscripts leaving for the Frontier,' +'The River by Night in Spring,' 'Reflections on the Brevity of Life,' +'The Innkeeper's Wife,' 'A Soldier's Farewell to his Wife,' &c., show us +that human nature two or three thousand years ago differed not a whit +from human nature as it is to-day._ + + _CHARLES BUDD._ + + _Tung Wen Kwan Translation Office,_ + _Shanghai, March, 1912._ + + + + +CONTENTS + + + A FEW REMARKS ON THE HISTORY AND CONSTRUCTION OF CHINESE POETRY + + THE TECHNIQUE OF CHINESE POETRY + + BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES OF A FEW OF THE MORE EMINENT CHINESE POETS + + _POEMS_ + + _Only a Fragrant Spray_ + _The River by Night in Spring_ + _The Beauty of Snow_ + _A Maiden's Reverie_ + _A Song of the Marches_ + _The Cowherd and the Spinning-Maid_ + _The Old Soldier's Return_ + _On the Lake near the Western Mountains_ + _The Happy Farmer_ + _An Old House Unroofed by an Autumn Gale_ + _The Lament of the Ladies of the Siang River_ + _The Waters of the Mei-Pei_ + _The Swallow's Song_ + _Farewell to a Comrade_ + _Beauty's Fatal Snare_ + _A Reverie in a Summer-house_ + _The Flower-Seller_ + _The Red-Flower Pear-Tree_ + _A Song of Princess Tze-Yuh_ + _Distaste for Official Life_ + _The Fragrant Tree_ + _A Song of the Snow_ + _The Old Temple among the Mountains_ + _A Soldier's Farewell to his Wife_ + _The Wanderer's Return_ + _The Pleasures of a Simple Life with Nature_ + _Listening to the Playing on a Lute in a Boat_ + _Reflections on the Past_ + _A Lowly Flower_ + _On returning to a Country Life_ + _The Brevity of Life_ + _Conscripts leaving for the Frontier_ + _Estimating the Value of a Wife_ + _The Lady Lo-Fu_ + _An Autumn Evening in the Garden_ + _Muh-Lan_ + _The Old Fisherman_ + _Midnight in the Garden_ + _Reflections on the Brevity of Life_ + _So-fei gathering Flowers_ + _A Farewell_ + _The Khwun-ming Lake_ + _Reflections_ + _Pride and Humility_ + _Dwellers in the Peach Stream Valley_ + _The Five Sons_ + _The Journey Back_ + _The Gallant Captain and the Innkeeper's Wife_ + _The Lady Chao-Chiuen_ + _Night on the Lake_ + _The Fisherman's Song_ + _The Students' Ramble_ + _The Priest of T'ien Mountain_ + _Maidens by the River-side_ + _The Poet-Beggar_ + + + + +A FEW REMARKS ON THE HISTORY AND CONSTRUCTION OF CHINESE POETRY + + +The earliest Chinese poems which have been preserved and handed down to +posterity are contained in the 'Shi-King', or Book of Poetry. +Translations of this book were first made by Roman Catholic +missionaries, and later by Dr. Legge whose translation, being in +English, is better known. + +The Shi-King contains three hundred odd poetical compositions, or odes, +as they might more correctly be described, most of them being set to +music and sung on official and public occasions. + +But many more odes than those in the Shi-King existed at the dawn of +Chinese literature. Some native scholars think that several thousand +odes were composed by princes, chiefs, and other men of the numerous +petty States which were included in Ancient China; and that criticism +and rejection by later literary compilers, especially Confucius, reduced +the number deemed worthy of approval to 305, which make up the Shi-King. +It is, however, quite impossible to say how many odes were composed in +that early period; many more than those preserved in the Shi-King +undoubtedly were made, and we can only regret that, when later scholars +began to collect and criticize these earliest poetical effusions of +their ancestors, political and other motives induced them to prune or +lop off whole branches of the nascent tree of poetry with such unsparing +hands. Fragments of a few early odes not contained in the Shi-King +remain, but such fragments are not numerous. + +As to the value of these early odes critics differ widely. By some +Western writers they have been compared favourably with the Psalms, the +Homeric poems, &c., while other writers think that they do not rise +above the most primitive simplicity. Some of the odes are undoubtedly of +considerable poetical value; and all critics must acknowledge that the +Shi-King contains a great deal of valuable information respecting the +States of Ancient China, and the people who inhabited them in the +earliest stages of their existence. + +It has been necessary to give this brief account of the Shi-King because +it has loomed so largely in the eyes of students of Chinese literature +as to exclude from their vision the vast field of Chinese poetry in +which hundreds of famous Chinese poets have, at different periods, +wandered, and mused, and sung, for two or three thousand years, and +their wanderings are described and their musings sung in thousands of +poems which are unknown to foreign students of Chinese literature. They +have heard of the Shi-King, a few even have read it; but of the great +poets of China, who have in a long succession appeared and done immortal +work and passed away during nearly three thousand years, they know but +little or nothing at all. My object in publishing this little book is to +correct this false perspective, not by assailing the Shi-King, but by +bringing into view a few of the poets and a few of their poems (which +can only be very inadequately set forth in translations by a writer who +is not a poet), and thus make a beginning in an undertaking that will +be, I hope, continued and perfected by men who have more leisure and +greater poetical skill and inspiration than I possess. + +After the compilation of the 300 odes by Confucius, there was a period +of about one hundred years during which but little attention was given +to the making of poetry. The earliest poetical compositions handed down +after those preserved in the Shi-King are the 'Li-Sao' by Kueh-Yuen, of +the Tsu State, 280 B.C., several poems by Su-Wu and Li-ling, and +nineteen poems by unknown writers. All these were composed during the +Han Dynasty or earlier, and they are regarded as poetical compositions +of great worth by native scholars, although they do not conform to the +rules which have guided Chinese poets in writing poetry since the T'ang +Dynasty. Indeed, one commentator has described their perfection as 'the +seamless robe of heaven', i.e. the dome of heaven--the sky. These early +poetical compositions are marked by greater simplicity of language, +deeper feeling, and more naturalness than the poetry of later dynasties, +which is often cramped by the highly elaborate technique introduced by +the poets of the T'ang Dynasty. + +'The Journey Back,' 'Only a Fragrant Spray,' 'The Swallow's Song,' 'The +Innkeeper's Wife,' 'A Song of Tze-Yuh,' 'A Maiden's Reverie,' 'Su Wu's +Farewell to his Wife,' 'Reflections on the Brevity of Life,' are +specimens of this period. + +During the later Han Dynasty, especially in the reign of Kien-An (A.D. +196), and in the reign of Hwang-T'su (A.D. 220) of the Wei Dynasty, +several poets of conspicuous ability arose, and their compositions +compare favourably with the three hundred odes and the ancient poems +following the odes. + +From the Wei Dynasty to the T'sin Dynasty, and on through the 'Luh-Chao' +(Six Dynasties--the Wu, Tsing, Sung, T'si, Liang, and Chen, covering the +period from A.D. 220 to 587), one poet after another gained an +ascendancy and each found many imitators; but the poetry of this period +is more elaborate and florid than deep and natural. + +From the Chen Dynasty (A.D. 557-587) to the end of the Sui Dynasty (A.D. +589-618) there was but little good poetry produced: it was, in fact, a +time of literary decadence which continued even into the beginning of +the T'ang Dynasty. Then a change took place, and great poets arose who +formed the T'ang School of Poetry, and the poetical technique of that +school has been more or less closely copied by all writers of poetry to +this day; and during the most flourishing years of the T'ang Dynasty the +production of poetry was so rich and abundant that that period is +regarded by the Chinese as the Golden Age of Poetry. + +One native commentator has likened the development of poetry to a tree: +'The three hundred odes of the Shi-King may be regarded as the root: the +poems of Su-Wu and Li-ling as the first sprout from the root, and those +of the Kien-An period as the increasing growth of the sprout into a +stem, while the poems of the Six Dynasties are the first branches and +leaves; then in the T'ang Dynasty the branches and leaves became more +and more abundant, and flowers and fruit appeared crowning the noble +tree of perfect poetry.' He then goes on to say: 'Students of poetry +should carefully study the matter, and form, and style of the poetry of +this period, as they show the source and development, the root and the +full-grown flourishing tree of poetry. The root must not be lost sight +of in the profusion of branches and leaves, that is, students must not +read the poems of the T'ang period and neglect those of ancient times; +both must be studied together in order to understand the poetry of the +later periods.' + +Another native critic writes: 'The poets of the T'ang Dynasty developed +a style of their own in poetry different from those that preceded it.' +The leading poets of the T'ang period had ability to seize all that was +best in ancient poetry and embody it in a style of their own which is a +natural development and not a slavish imitation. + +The most prominent among the men of genius who effected this great +change were Chen Tze-ang, Chang Kiu-ling, Li-Peh, Wei Ying-wuh, Liu +Tsong-Yuen, Tu-Fu, Han-Yue, Tsen-T'san, Wang-Wei, Wang-Han, Li-Kiao and +Chang-Shoh; and of these Li-Peh is regarded by all Chinese as a +heaven-born genius--'an Immortal banished to earth,' while Tu Fu is the +scholarly poet, deeply versed in all branches of Chinese literature, +which gives depth, and breadth, and style, and infinite variety to his +poetical compositions, which, however, though very numerous, form but a +part of his contributions to the literature of his country. + +The glory of the T'ang poetry dimmed somewhat towards the end of the +dynasty; but during the Song Dynasty (A.D. 960-1278), which followed the +brief epoch of the Five Dynasties (A.D. 907-960), Eo Yang Siu, +Wang-An-shih, Hwang Ting-kien, Ch'ao Pu-chi, Luh-Yu, and other poets +added fresh lustre to the glory of Chinese literature by producing many +poetical compositions which could not be omitted from a large anthology +containing all the best Chinese poems; but in this small book space for +two or three only can be found. + +It should be remembered that the great poets of the T'ang and later +dynasties did not always follow the new poetical technique of the T'ang +Dynasty. Many of their best poems are written in the ancient style; and +I have written 'ancient style' against a few of such poems among the +translations, but not against all of them. + +An introduction to Chinese poetry, reviewing extensively its rise and +progress, the style of each period, and the characteristics of the work +of each poet, would fill a large volume--several volumes indeed would +hardly suffice for an exhaustive review of such a vast field of work. +But the very brief review contained in the preceding pages will enable +readers to see that the three hundred odes are by no means the whole of +Chinese poetry; they are, indeed, only the beginning--the source of a +great river whose countless branches, some deep and pure, others +shallow and sparkling, have flowed down the ages, fertilizing and +beautifying every period of Chinese life and thought, and producing a +vast reservoir of poetry which has inspired many in every generation +with higher sentiments of nature, country, love, friendship, and +literature. + +As this book of translations is chiefly intended for readers who do not +understand the Chinese language, no attempt has been made to insert the +Chinese characters for the names, &c., printed in the Romanized form; +but, following the advice of friends who are well versed in Chinese +themselves, I hope, hereafter, to publish a small volume containing the +Chinese text of the translated poems only, with a few notes which may be +useful to beginners. To reprint the Chinese text and notes with the +English translations in one volume would add considerably to the cost of +the book, while only a comparatively small number of readers--students +of the Chinese language--would find the Chinese text and notes useful. + + + + +THE TECHNIQUE OF CHINESE POETRY + + +Form of 7-character Lueh poem beginning in the Ping tone: + + A. Ping ping tseh tseh tseh ping ping + Tseh tseh ping ping tseh tseh ping + Tseh tseh ping ping ping tseh tseh + Ping ping tseh tseh tseh ping ping + Ping ping tseh tseh ping ping tseh + Tseh tseh ping ping tseh tseh ping + Tseh tseh ping ping ping tseh tseh + Ping ping tseh tseh tseh ping ping. + +Form of 7-character Lueh poem beginning in the Tseh tone: + + B. Tseh tseh ping ping tseh tseh ping + Ping ping tseh tseh tseh ping ping + Ping ping tseh tseh ping ping tseh + Tseh tseh ping ping tseh tseh ping + Tseh tseh ping ping ping tseh tseh + Ping ping tseh tseh tseh ping ping + Ping ping tseh tseh ping ping tseh + Tseh tseh ping ping tseh tseh ping. + +Form of 5-character Lueh poem beginning in the Ping tone: + + C. Ping ping tseh tseh ping + Tseh tseh tseh ping ping + Tseh tseh ping ping tseh + Ping ping tseh tseh ping + Ping ping ping tseh tseh + Tseh tseh tseh ping ping + Tseh tseh ping ping tseh + Ping ping tseh tseh ping. + +Form of 5-character Lueh poem beginning in the Tseh tone: + + D. Tseh tseh tseh ping ping + Ping ping tseh tseh ping + Ping ping ping tseh tseh + Tseh tseh tseh ping ping + Tseh tseh ping ping tseh + Ping ping tseh tseh ping + Ping ping ping tseh tseh + Tseh tseh tseh ping ping. + +In order to understand this arrangement of characters, it should be +borne in mind that Chinese characters are distinguished not only by the +phonetic sounds, but also by tones resembling musical notes. + +Of these only four are generally recognized in poetical compositions: + +(1) The Ping-sheng, or low and even note. + +(2) The Shang-sheng, or sharp and ascending note. + +(3) The Khue-sheng, or clear and far-reaching note. + +(4) The Ruh-sheng, or straight and abruptly finished note. + +These tones help to distinguish words which have the same phonetic sound +but different meanings. For instance, the word-- + + 'li' (Ping-sheng) = black. + 'li' (Shang-sheng) = village. + 'li' (Khue-sheng) = sharp. + 'li' (Ruh-sheng) = strength. + +In written Chinese each of these words is distinguished by a different +character, and the tone is, therefore, of secondary importance; but +occasionally a character has two tones--a ping and a khue, for instance, +and then each tone indicates a difference of meaning, or distinguishes +the use of the word as a substantive from its use as a verb. + +But in poetry these tones are used to make rhythm as well as to express +meaning, and when used for this purpose they are divided into ping and +tseh, the ping representing the ping or low, even tone, and the tseh the +other three tones, Shang, Khue, and Ruh. This brief explanation will +enable the reader, I think, to perceive what is regarded by Chinese as +the rhythm of a poem. In the diagrams given above, the first line +consists of two ping tones, followed by three tseh tones, which are +followed by two ping tones; and the arrangement of the characters in +each line in terms of ping and tseh forms the rhythm of Chinese poetry. +When compared, it will be seen that there are lines or couplets which +are in contrast to, or harmonize with, other lines, &c. + +But it is not necessary that the tones of all the characters in each +couplet should agree, excepting the first and last lines which always +agree exactly--tone for tone. In the other lines, the tones of the +first, third, and fifth characters in a seven-character line, and the +first and third in a five-character line, may be varied--ping for tseh, +or tseh for ping; but the second, fourth, and sixth characters in +seven-character poems, and the second and fourth in five-character poems +must not be changed; when the ping tone should be used it must be used, +the tseh may not be substituted for it, and when the tseh should be used +it must be used, the ping may not be substituted for it. And when the +opening tone of the first line is a ping, the opening tone of the line +following must be tseh, and vice versa. + +The following two poems are perfect specimens of the 'Tsueeh', or poem of +four lines, which may be regarded as the unit of Chinese poetical +composition. The first specimen shows a 'tsueeh' beginning in the Ping +tone; and the second specimen a 'tsueeh' beginning in the Tseh tone: + + (1) _p._ _p._ _ts._ _ts._ _ts._ _ts._ _p._ + Ch'un fung tseh ye tao Yue Kwan + + _ts._ _ts._ _p._ _p._ _ts._ _ts._ _p._ + Ku kwoh yen hwa siang i tsan + + _ts._ _ts._ _p._ _p._ _p._ _ts._ _ts._ + Shao fu puh chi kwei wei teh + + _p._ _p._ _ts._ _ts._ _ts._ _p._ _p._ + Chao chao ying shang wang fu shan. + + (2) _ts._ _ts._ _p._ _p._ _ts._ _ts._ _p._ + Tze meh hong ch'en fuh mien lai + + _p._ _p._ _ts._ _ts._ _ts._ _p._ _p._ + Wu ren puh tao k'un hwa hwei + + _p._ _p._ _ts._ _ts._ _p._ _p._ _ts._ + Hsueen tu kwan li tao ts'ien shu + + _ts._ _ts._ _p._ _p._ _ts._ _ts._ _p._ + Tsin shi liu lang ku heo tsai + +As I have stated above the 'tsueeh' of four lines, whether the line is +composed of five or seven characters, may be regarded as the unit of +Chinese poetical composition. In order to make a 'lueh' poem four more +lines, composed exactly according to the ping-tseh arrangement of tones +in the tsueeh, are added to the tsueeh; while a 'p'ai-lueh' poem is made by +continuing this process beyond eight lines. + +Besides the ping and tseh arrangement of tones in each line to form the +metre or rhythm, the final characters of the first, second, and fourth +lines of the tsueeh may rhyme with each other; but these rhymes are also +controlled by the ping-tseh tones. For instance, in the specimen of a +perfect tsueeh given above, the final characters of the first, second, +and fourth lines are kwan, ts'an, and shan, and these sounds rhyme in +Chinese; but it will be observed that all three words belong to the ping +tone, and this is the rule generally followed in the technique of modern +poetry, that is, poetry made according to the new rules introduced by +the poets of the T'ang Dynasty; but in ancient poetry, words both in +ping and tseh tones were used for rhymes; and poets of all periods have +used both systems--ancient and modern--in their poetical compositions. +The tendency in recent dynasties, however, has been to follow the +elaborate technique of the modern school of poetry in which great skill +in the art of poetical composition is too often more highly prized than +true poetry, and consequently mere cleverness is mistaken for genius. + +These few remarks on the use of the ping-tseh tones in the rhythm and +rhyme of Chinese poetry must not be regarded by readers as an exhaustive +summary of the system, which is much more intricate than it seems, owing +to many qualifying rules and conditions as to its application in +relation to the other factors required to form a correct poetical +composition; they will, however, suffice to give a general conception of +the part played by the ping and tseh tones in the technique of Chinese +poetry, especially in modern poetical compositions. But although the +ping-tseh tones are indispensable to the rhythm of the modern poem, +there are, as I have remarked above, other factors required to form a +perfect 'tsueeh', or 'Lueh', or 'pai-lueh', and most elaborate instructions +as to the use of each character or line in relation to other characters +and lines in the same stanza must be mastered before a poem can be +constructed that would satisfy the eye and ear, and literary standard, +of the modern Chinese critic of poetry. But it must not be forgotten +that the scholarly Chinese poet is just as familiar as his Western +_confrere_ with the metaphor, simile, allegory, epigram, climax, and all +other figures of speech which are common in the prose and poetry of a +literary people; and the skilful use of these in harmony with the rigid +ping-tseh rules concerning rhythm and rhyme is a task of considerable +difficulty for the conscientious poet. Fortunately the ancient poets did +not adhere very rigidly to technique; and not a few modern poets have in +many of their compositions imitated the ancient style. Besides the +tsueeh and lueh there are many poetical compositions, such as the ko, +hsing, yin, tz'e, k'ueh, p'ien, yong, yao, t'an, ai, yuen, and pieh--many +of them of very ancient origin, which are all put under the generic term +'yoh-fu', implying that they are compositions which can be set to music +and sung, chanted, recited, &c. Some of the most charming poetical +compositions are found in Chinese anthologies under the above-mentioned +headings; but in this brief introduction it is only possible just to +call the attention of readers to them without attempting to describe the +form of each separately. For the same reason I cannot attempt any +description of the ancient terms fung, ya, song, &c., to which, however, +translators of the Shi-King have given some attention. + +It is doubtful, indeed, whether the information which I can crowd into a +few introductory pages will help readers to gain an insight into Chinese +poetry in the making, or utterly confuse them; but I am loath to send +forth the translations without an introduction, and I must, therefore, +remind readers again that this introduction gives only the barest +outline of the rise and progress of Chinese poetry, and of a few of the +factors which are required by modern technique in the construction of +poetical compositions since the revival of literature and poetry in the +T'ang Dynasty. + +It should be observed that no attempt has been made to reproduce the +technique outlined above in the English translations of Chinese poems in +this book, as it would be impossible to restrict the translations to +lines of five and seven words. In Chinese each character is a word of +one syllable only, therefore a five-character line of poetry contains +only five monosyllabic words, and a seven-character line seven +monosyllabic words; but as many articles, pronouns, prepositions, +auxiliary verbs, &c., which are understood in the Chinese, must be +inserted in the English translation in order to connect the meaning of +the five or seven monosyllabic words which form a line of Chinese +poetry, it is obvious that, in most cases, the length of the line in the +translation must be longer than that in the original Chinese. Some +Chinese poems might be rendered into English in lines of five or seven +syllables without doing much violence to the meaning of the original, +but in most cases, the five or seven monosyllabic line in Chinese is +translated into English far more correctly and accurately by a line of +eight, ten, or more syllables, because the Chinese reader mentally +inserts connecting parts of speech which must be written in English to +make the grammar correct and the meaning of a line complete. + + + + +BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES OF A FEW OF THE MORE EMINENT CHINESE POETS + + +LI PEH. + +Li Peh (Tai Peh; Tsing Lien) lived during the T'ang Dynasty, probably +from A.D. 699 to 762, and he is regarded as the most brilliant of all +Chinese poets. + +He was connected by descent in the ninth generation with the Imperial +family of the T'ang Dynasty, but was born in a remote part of the Empire +now included in the Szechwan Province. + +When but ten years old Li Peh was familiar with poetry and other +branches of literature, and, as he grew older, his ability and genius +attracted the attention and praise of the highest in the land. When +introduced to the Court at Chang-an, Ho Chi-chang, one of the courtiers, +exclaimed:--'He is one of the immortal genii banished to earth.' For a +short time, too, he was greatly favoured by the Emperor, Hsueen-Tsung, +but, having incurred the enmity of the Emperor's chief concubine, he had +to withdraw from the Court and relinquish all hopes of official +promotion. + +He then travelled widely, writing many poems on the beauties of nature, +and also in praise of wine and music, to the former of which he was too +strongly addicted. + +In the later part of his life, it seems, he became involved in political +intrigues, for which offence he was banished to a distant region. But in +his old age he was allowed to return, and he ended his days peacefully +at T'ang-t'u (a place near the modern Nankin), whose governor was a +kinsman named Li Yang-ping. + + +CHANG KIU-LING. + +Chang Kiu-ling (Tze Sheo) was the son of an official in the T'ang +Dynasty. At a very early age he displayed great ability, and while still +comparatively young, took a high literary degree (Tsintze), and then +held high office under the Emperor Hsueen-Tsung, with whom he sometimes +ventured to remonstrate for his licentious life. Once when all the +courtiers presented valuable gifts to the Emperor on his birthday, Chang +Kiu-ling presented him with a book written by himself and styled 'The +Thousand Year Mirror', showing the causes of success and failure in +former dynasties. His advice, however, was not seriously heeded at the +time, but after his death his faithfulness was appreciated and he was +ennobled and afterwards canonized by the Emperor. + +It is recorded by one writer that Chang Kiu-ling, when a youth, trained +pigeons to carry letters to his friends. + + +WEI YING-WUH. + +Wei Ying-wuh was a native of Honan during the T'ang Dynasty, and his +poetical skill ranks very high even in that famous period. During the +Cheng-Yuen reign (A.D. 785-804) he was appointed Prefect of Suchow, +where his beneficent rule and devotion to literature called forth the +gratitude and admiration of the people. + + +SU SHI. + +Su Shi (Tze-Chan; Tong-Po), A.D. 1036-1101, was a native of Mei-shan in +Szechwan. He won the highest literary degrees, and was advanced from one +official office to another until he became a Minister of State; but, +owing to political feuds and intrigues, he was degraded from his high +office in the capital and sent to fill inferior posts in distant parts +of the Empire, where he wrote poetry and diffused a love of literature +among the people he ruled. + + +TU FU (A.D. 712-770). + +Tu Fu (Tu Tze-Mei) was the son of Tu Fan-yen, a high official in the +T'ang Dynasty. In the estimation of his countrymen he ranks next to Li +Peh among the great poets of the Tang Dynasty, and a few critics would +give him a still higher place. + +When Tu Fu's literary ability and poetical genius were made known to the +Emperor, office and honours were bestowed on him. + +In the poetical composition known as the Seven-character Pai-lueh, Tu Fu +is the most famous of all the poets of the T'ang Dynasty, if not of all +Chinese poets. + + +EO YANG SIU (A.D. 1017-1072). + +Eo Yang Siu (Yong-Shuh) was a famous scholar of the Song Dynasty; and he +filled high official posts both in the capital and provinces, under the +Emperor Ren-Tsong. + +Being a man of integrity and independence he remonstrated with his +Imperial master on several occasions, and sometimes suffered temporarily +for his courage. His character, however, was appreciated by the Emperor, +and restoration to favour followed every temporary eclipse. After his +death he was canonized as Wen Chong Kong. His literary works are +numerous. + + +SU WU (200-100 B.C.). + +Su Wu (Tze K'ing) lived in the Han Dynasty. When sent on a mission to +the Khan of the Hsiung-nu he was seized by that ruler and ordered to +renounce his allegiance to the Han Emperor; and on refusing to do this +he was cast into prison. Afterwards he was banished for many years to +the desert region around Lake Balkash, where he was compelled to tend +the flocks of the Hsiung-nu; but he persisted in his loyalty to the Han +Dynasty. On his return to China, when a grey-headed old man, he was +greatly honoured by the Emperor, and his portrait was hung up in the +Khi-lin Koh (Council Chamber). + +He is held up as a pattern of loyalty by Chinese writers. His poetical +compositions are ancient but not numerous. + + +LI LING (First Century B.C.). + +Li Ling was a military commander in the Han Dynasty. Given command of an +army in the war against the Hsiung-nu he rashly advanced into the +enemy's country with only a few thousand soldiers, who were surrounded +and all but three or four hundred killed, and Li Ling was captured, and +spent the rest of his life in exile. His name is mentioned in the +Introduction to this book of translations. + + +CHU KWANG-HI. + +Chu Kwang-hi was a soldier of the T'ang Dynasty. He passed the highest +literary examinations, and was appointed a member of the Censorate by +the Emperor Hsueen Tsong. + + +CHEN TZE-ANG. + +A celebrated scholar of the T'ang Dynasty. He filled various official +offices, but is most famous for the work he did in advancing the +renaissance of literature during the T'ang Dynasty. Wang Shih, a learned +writer of the same period, said that Chen Tze-ang was the most famous +scholar in the Empire of that time. + + +T'AO YUEN-MING (A.D. 365-427). + +T'ao T'sien (T'ao Yuen-ming) was a scholar and poet of the Song Dynasty. +He was appointed Magistrate of a district, but after filling the office +only a short time he resigned it and retired into private life, spending +the remainder of his years in writing poetry and in musical pursuits. + + + + +CHINESE POEMS + + + + +_Only a Fragrant Spray_ + +NAME OF POET UNKNOWN (HAN DYNASTY OR EARLIER) + + + Ah me, the day you left me + Was full of weary hours; + But the tree 'neath which we parted + Was rich with leaves and flowers. + + And from its fragrant branches + I plucked a tiny spray, + And hid it in my bosom + In memory of that day. + + I know the endless distance + Must shut you from my view, + But the flower's gentle fragrance + Brings sweetest thoughts of you. + + And, though it's but a trifle, + Which none would prize for gain, + It oft renews our parting, + With all the love and pain. + + + + +_The River By Night in Spring_ + +BY CHANG POH-HSUe + + + In Spring the flooded river meets the tide + Which from the ocean surges to the land; + The moon across the rolling water shines + From wave to wave to reach the distant strand. + + And when the heaving sea and river meet, + The latter turns and floods the fragrant fields; + While in the moon's pale light as shimmering sleet + Alike seem sandy shores and wooded wealds. + + For sky and river in one colour blend, + Without a spot of dust to mar the scene; + While in the heavens above the full-orbed moon + In white and lustrous beauty hangs serene. + + And men and women, as the fleeting years, + Are born into this world and pass away; + And still the river flows, the moon shines fair, + And will their courses surely run for ay. + + But who was he who first stood here and gazed + Upon the river and the heavenly light? + And when did moon and river first behold + The solitary watcher in the night? + + The maples sigh upon the river's bank, + A white cloud drifts across the azure dome; + In yonder boat some traveller sails to-night + Beneath the moon which links his thoughts with home. + + Above the home it seems to hover long, + And peep through chinks within her chamber blind; + The moon-borne message she cannot escape, + Alas, the husband tarries far behind! + + She looks across the gulf but hears no voice, + Until her heart with longing leaps apace, + And fain would she the silvery moonbeams follow + Until they shine upon her loved one's face. + + 'Last night,' she murmured sadly to herself, + 'I dreamt of falling flowers by shady ponds; + My Spring, ah me! half through its course has sped, + But you return not to your wedded bonds.' + + For ever onward flows the mighty stream; + The Spring, half gone, is gliding to its rest; + While on the river and the silent pools + The moonbeams fall obliquely from the west. + + And now the moon descending to the verge + Has disappeared beneath the sea-borne dew; + While stretch the waters of the 'Siao and Siang',[1] + And rocks and cliffs, in never-ending view. + + How many wanderers by to-night's pale moon + Have met with those from whom so long apart:-- + As on the shore midst flowerless trees I stand + Thoughts old and new surge through my throbbing heart! + +[1] Two streams flowing into the Yangtze River. + + + + +_The Beauty of Snow_ + +BY PAO-CHAO + + + A thousand miles across the Dragon Mountains + The North Wind blows the whirling flakes of snow, + Until they gather on my terraced garden, + And drift before the gate in furrowed row. + + Unlike the coloured plum and fragrant peach trees, + Whose buds stretch forth to greet the warm Spring days, + At dawn the snow lies in unsullied whiteness, + But flees to shelter from the sun's bright rays. + + The peach flower and the plum flower have a beauty, + Which flourish in the warmth of sun and shower; + The snow's brief charm is purity and brightness, + It does not claim the sun tints of the flower. + + + + +_A Maiden's Reverie_ + +T'SIN DYNASTY, A.D. 265-419 + + + The plum-tree's flower awakens + Thoughts of my lover now, + And I would pluck some blossoms + And send to far Si-chow. + + But such a distant region + The flowers might never reach, + While if I go in person, + How great the joy to each! + + I'll brush my glossy tresses, + More dark than raven's plume; + I'll wear my plum silk mantle, + And banish tears and gloom. + + But where, alack, is Si-chow? + Far in the North, I know; + Oh, when I've crossed the river + I'll ask which way to go! + + Ah me, the sun is setting, + Si-chow is far away; + The birds are homeward turning, + I cannot start to-day. + + I'll keep an evening vigil + Beneath the cedar-tree + That stands outside the porch-way; + My love may come to me! + + The jewels my hair adorning + Are glistening with the dew; + But still my lover tarries;-- + What keeps him from my view? + + A gentle breeze is blowing, + The night is bright as day; + I'll go and gather lilies, + And meet him on the way. + + In the early Autumn season + The lotus lilies red + Are in the south pool growing, + And reach above my head. + + My thoughts on old times musing, + I stoop to pluck some seeds, + In their shimmering greenness + As water 'mongst the reeds. + + I put some in my bosom, + For the core is red as blood, + As the heart of a true lover, + When love is at the flood. + + Pressed to my bosom closely-- + No safer place, I wot, + For tokens of betrothal; + And yet my love comes not! + + Above my head in batches + The wild geese northward hie, + And they will pass o'er Si-chow! + Oh, would that I could fly! + + I'll mount the northern turret; + Perhaps from that lofty height + I'll see my lover coming, + The herald of the light. + + Although the tower is lofty, + I cannot see afar + To where my love is dwelling, + Beneath the Northern Star. + + From morn until the evening-- + How long the hours do seem!-- + I've paced around the turret, + As in a weary dream. + + Once more I'll raise the curtain, + And show my lamp's pale light; + My love may miss the pathway, + And wander in the night. + + How lofty are the heavens! + How vast the heaving sea! + Ah, life is sad and dreary + When love comes not to me! + + But though my heart is weary, + I trust my lover's vow; + The south wind knows my longings + And will bear them to Si-chow. + + And though the seas divide us + Our hearts are one for ay, + And in sweet dreams will mingle + Until the meeting day. + + + + +_A Song of the Marches_ + +BY LI TAI-PEH + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + The Tien-shan peaks still glisten + In robes of spotless white; + To songs of Spring I listen, + But see no flowers around. + + The ground is bare and dreary, + No voice of Spring I hear, + Save the 'Willow Song',[2] so eerie, + I play upon my flute. + + At morn the fight will follow + The sound of bugle call; + Each man, in sleep, the hollow[3] + Across his saddle clasps. + + And by his side unrusted, + His sword is closely laid, + With which he long has trusted + The tyrant foe[4] to slay. + + On noble chargers riding, + And fleeter than the wind, + All fears and risks deriding, + They cross the river Wei. + + Their bows are tautened tightly, + Their quivers full of shafts, + They face the danger lightly, + And charge the haughty foe. + + As rocks by lightning riven + Their ranks are rent apart; + As clouds by tempest driven + They break and flee away. + + Then on the sand, blood-streaming, + The weary victors sleep, + Their swords with hoar-frost gleaming, + Their bows dark shadows cast. + + The Pass has been defended, + The foes are scattered far, + The soldiers' wives untended + May seek their homes again. + +[2] The name of a tune. + +[3] The Chinese saddle is curved upwards both in front and at the back, +leaving a deep hollow in the centre where the rider sits. + +[4] Tartar tribes beyond the frontiers. + + + + +_The Cowherd and the Spinning-Maid_[5] + +BY LUH-KI + + + Brightly shines the Starry River + Flowing down the Heavenly glade; + From the north-west comes the 'Herd-Boy', + From the south-east looks the 'Maid'. + + Quickly waves a white hand shapely, + Sadly smiles her beauteous face, + When she sees her faithful lover + Far across the glittering space. + + Arms stretched out towards each other-- + With impulsive feet they stand; + Eyes with sorrow's tears bedewed-- + On the Star-Stream's shining strand. + + But, alas, that bridgeless River + Is the cause of all their pain, + Dooming 'Spinning-Maid' and 'Herd-Boy' + Nevermore to meet again. + +[5] According to a Chinese legend the stars K'ien-Niu (Cowherd) and +Chih-Nue (Spinning-Maid) are two lovers, doomed by the gods to live on +opposite sides of the 'River of Stars' (Milky Way). As there is no +bridge over this river, the two lovers can only stand afar and gaze at +each other. (See note to 'The Swallow's Song'.) + + + + +_The Old Soldier's Return_ + +AN ANCIENT POEM: POET UNKNOWN + + + I was but fifteen when I left my friends + For distant climes to fight our Country's foe, + And now I'm eighty--back for the first time + To see the home I left so long ago. + + Where is the house? I should be near it now, + Yet possibly I may have gone astray; + Long years abroad have blurred the youthful brain, + I'll ask this countryman to point the way. + + 'The house is yonder--midst those grassy mounds, + Beneath the shade of fir and cypress trees, + And there lie buried all the kith and kin + Of former tillers of these fallow leas.' + + The veteran sighed and wandered to the house, + And found it overgrown and desolate; + A startled hare fled through the kennel's hole, + And pheasants flew from ceiling beams ornate. + + Exhausted by the journey and his grief, + The old man plucked some grain from patches wild, + And mallows from around the courtyard well, + As in the days when but a little child. + + But when the homely fare was cooked and spread, + And not a friend to cheer the lonely place, + He rose, and going out to eastward gazed, + While tears flowed down his worn and furrowed face. + + + + +_On the Lake near the Western Mountains_ + +BY CH'ANG KIEN. + +T'ANG DYNASTY (ANCIENT STYLE) + + + Here at the foot-hills of the Western Mountains + My boat rides idly on the current's trail, + And in the lengthening radiance of the sunset + It seems to chase its own reflected sail. + + While in the rarer light that heralds evening + The forms of all things clearer seem to grow; + The forests and the glades and mountain ranges + Catch added beauty from the afterglow. + + The graceful minarets in cloudland floating + From jadestone green take on a sombre hue, + But still flush rose tints in the darkness falling, + Although the sun has disappeared from view. + + The shadows of the islands and the islets + Stretch far across the surface of the lake; + The evening mists that float above the waters + Are bright as rain-clouds after showers break. + + In the distance Tsu's[6] abounding forests + Reveal their sombre outlines in the gloom; + While on the farther shore the gates of King-chow + Within the growing darkness faintly loom. + + The atmosphere with nightfall groweth clearer, + A north wind blows with shrill voice through the land; + While on the sandy stretches by the waters + The swan and stork in dreamy silence stand. + + The waters now have ceased from restless heaving, + My little boat is screened by rushes green; + The moon emerging from the lake's horizon + A soft light sheds upon the silent scene. + + Amid the silence and the ghostly beauty + I touch my lute to plaintive songs of old, + And soon the pleasant strains and long-drawn cadence + Have seized my senses in their subtle hold. + + Thus in such ecstasy the hours pass quickly, + And midnight comes with undetected speed; + But now the heavy dew upon me falling + Recalls my senses to the body's need. + + Ah me! my body's but a fragile vessel + Upon the ever-moving sea of life, + Where light and shade and fitful joys and sorrows + Control me in their everchanging strife. + +[6] The name of a large feudal State in the Cheu Dynasty; it included +Hupeh and Hunan and parts of Honan and Kiangsu. King-chow on the Yangtze +was the capital. + + + + +_The Happy Farmer_ + +BY CHU KWANG-HI + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + I've a hundred mulberry trees + And thirty 'mow' of grain, + With sufficient food and clothes, + And friends my wine to drain. + + The fragrant grain of 'Ku-mi' seed + Provides our Summer fare; + Our Autumn brew of aster wine + Is rich beyond compare. + + My goodwife comes with smiling face + To welcome all our guests; + My children run with willing feet + To carry my behests. + + When work is done and evening come, + We saunter to the park, + And there, 'neath elm and willow trees + We're blithe as soaring lark. + + With wine and song the hours fly by + Till each in cloudland roams, + And then, content with all the world, + We wander to our homes. + + Through lattice-window steals a breeze, + As on my couch I lie, + While overhead the 'Silver Stream' + Flows through a splendid sky. + + And as I gaze it comes to mind-- + A dozen jars at least + Of the aster-scented wine remain + To grace to-morrow's feast. + + + + +_An Old House Unroofed by an Autumn Gale_ + +BY TU FU + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + The roof of my house has been blown away + By the fiercest of Autumn winds to-day; + It was merely of grass and branches built-- + Yet my only shelter save a wadded quilt. + + Across the river it scurried and whirled, + In tangled tufts, by the hurricane hurled, + Ascending in gusts till caught by the trees, + Or falling in ponds and on furrowed leas. + + In great delight the village urchins shout, + And say I'm old and cannot run about; + And now before my face the rogues begin + To steal things, and then run away and grin. + + At last I drive them off and hobble back + To find my home is shelterless, alack! + My lips are parched, my tongue is stiff and dry; + My strength is gone, I can but rest and sigh. + + The wind has slackened but dark clouds affright, + And wintry is the fast approaching night; + My bed is worn and hard, my clothing spare, + I cannot sleep for pain and anxious care. + + The rain still drizzles through the rafters high, + 'Tween which I see the drifting stormy sky, + And everything is damp and comfortless: + What can be done to lighten such distress? + + Oh, would there were a mansion of delight, + A hundred million rooms both fair and bright, + To shelter all the poor beneath the skies, + And give the joy which lasting peace supplies. + + Could I but see this mansion rise sublime + Before my eyes at this, or any time; + My house and life to lose I'd be content, + Could such great blessing to the world be sent. + + + + +_The Lament of the Ladies of the Siang River_[7] + +BY YUEN I-SHAN + + + The rose and orchid deck the fragrant isles, + And white clouds fly towards the Northern strand; + But though a thousand autumns pass away, + Our 'Lord' will not return to mortal's land. + + The clouds are drifting to and fro in vain, + Across the river blows the autumn breeze, + And o'er the water floats a fine, white mist, + While moonlight falls on stream and wooded leas. + + Upon the lofty 'Kiu-e'[8] mountain range + Throughout the night the gibbons wail and call, + And from the voiceless boughs of tall bamboos + The tears so long retained in dewdrops fall. + +[7] According to a Chinese legend the Ladies of the Siang River are +Nue-Ying and Ngo-Hwang, the two wives of the Emperor Shun, and this poem +describes their lament for his death. + +[8] According to another legend the Emperor Shun was buried in the Kiu-i +Mountains. + + + + +_The Waters of the Mei-Pei_ + +BY TU FU + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + Two friends whose love of wonders led them oft + To leave the haunts and scenes of every day, + Invited me to join them in a voyage + Across the waters of the dread Mei-Pei![9] + + Where nature in her changeful moods is seen, + In grandeur and in terror side by side; + Where mighty forces alter heaven and earth, + And puny human strength and life deride. + + Will countless billows of the wide expanse + In ceaseless motion mount and roll afar? + Through fluid piles of seeming crystal rocks + Will our boat sail beyond the sheltering bar? + + Delightful is the venture that we take, + And yet dire fears will gather in our throat, + The gavial huge may come in search of prey, + The monster whales may overturn our boat! + + Fierce winds may rise and billows roll and break! + But our brave friends unloose the flowing sail, + And through the scattering flocks of duck and tern + The boat glides on--the white foam in our trail. + + The pure and bracing air inflates our lungs-- + Afar from towns where dust with cleanness vies; + The boatmen chant gay ditties as they work, + While sounds of lutes rise to the azure skies. + + As fresh as dew on early morning flowers + The leaves of water-lilies float around, + Upon the surface of the water clear, + Through which we peer in vain to find the ground. + + Then yielding to the current, broad and strong, + Toward the central flood we quickly forge; + The waters pure as those of Puh and Hsiai,[10] + Yet darkly deep as in the Chong-Nan gorge.[11] + + The mountain heights whose base abuts the lake + Are mirrored clearly in the southern end; + The Great Peace Temple, which in cloudland hangs, + Reflects its image in the eastern bend. + + The moon has risen, and its silver beams + Across the Lan-Tien Pass[12] in beauty glow, + While we sit idly on the vessel's side + And watch the nodding peaks in depths below. + + And as we view the mirage of the heights + Which tower in mighty strength above our heads, + The swift Li-Long[13] in prodigal display + A shower of pearls upon the water spreads. + + The Ruler of the Rivers[14] beats his drum, + And dragons haste the summons to obey; + The Consorts[15] of the ancient king descend, + Led by the Maiden of the Star-lit Way.[16] + + To branched instruments of beaten gold, + Adorned with pendants of sapphire and jade, + They sing, and dance, midst lights of many hues, + Which flash in splendour, then in darkness fade. + + In ecstasy we watch the wondrous scene, + But awe and joy are mingled in our mind, + For now far off we hear the thunder peal, + And lowering clouds with lurid lights are lined. + + The waters heave with burdensome unrest, + The air is full of shadows of the dead; + The Spirits of the Universe are near, + And we cannot divine their portents dread. + + And such is life--an hour of changing scenes + Of fitful joy and quickly following grief; + An hour of buoyant youth in rapid flight, + And then old age to end life--sad and brief! + +[9] A vast body of water in some wild and remote part of the Empire, +probably in the north-west; but the exact locality is disputed. + +[10] The names of two rivers, or the two words combined may mean the +clear water of a deep cove or inlet. + +[11] A deep gorge in the Chong-nan Mountains in Shen-si. + +[12] A famous Pass near Si-ngan, the provincial capital of Shen-si. + +[13] A fabulous Dragon whose mythological ancestry and habitat I am +unable to trace. + +[14] Ping-i, name of the Chinese God of Waters. + +[15] Nue-Ying and Ngo-Hwang, daughters of the Emperor Yao, and wives of +the Emperor Shun (2288 B.C.?). + +[16] The Spinning-Maid. See legend of Cowherd and Spinning-Maid. + + + + +_The Swallow's Song_[17] + +BY EMPEROR WEN + +OF THE WEI DYNASTY (A.D. 220-264) + + + The autumn winds are blowing, + The air is cool and drear, + The forest leaves are falling, + The grass is scant and sear. + + The dew to hoar-frost changes, + And swallows southward fly; + While from the North in batches + The wild swan cloud the sky. + + And I such signs discerning + Think of you, husband dear, + And long for your home-coming + From marches long and drear. + + Why do you longer tarry + In such a distant place? + Think of my lonely vigils, + Sad thoughts and tear-stained face! + + The harp I often finger, + And try to sing a song; + But soon I sigh and falter, + And for your coming long. + + The Moon's pure light is shining + Upon my lonely bed; + The 'Star-Stream's'[18] westward flowing, + The night is not far sped. + + The Cowherd and the Spinning-Girl[19] + Lament the doom that bars + The meeting of true lovers, + Across the Stream of Stars. + + What folly did they ponder + To meet so dire a fate? + I wonder if we also + Are doomed to trial as great! + +[17] In this poem the thoughts of a woman, whose husband is engaged in +the wars beyond the frontier, are described by the poet. + +[18] The Milky Way. + +[19] K'ien-Niu (Cowherd) and Chih-Nue (Spinning-Girl) are the names of +two stars and, according to a Chinese legend, these two stars are lovers +doomed to gaze at each other across the wide 'River of Stars'; i.e. the +Milky Way, but never meet. According to one version of the legend, +however, the lovers are allowed to meet once a year, on the seventh +night of the Seventh Month, when birds form a bridge over the 'River of +Stars' to enable the Spinning-Girl to meet her lover. + + + + +_Farewell to a Comrade_ + +BY CHEN KIA-CHOW + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + Cold gusts from Arctic regions sweep the ground, + And snowflakes countless fly through the wintry sky, + Covering with spotless robe the earth around, + While snow flowers frail on twigs and branches lie. + + As when a genial breeze in early Spring + Shakes open all the pear-trees' blossoms white, + And sombre-looking trees with leafless boughs + Are decked with radiance in a single night. + + Through crevices and slits in bamboo blinds, + Which shield the entrance to our hempen tent, + Snow-whirls and keen winds blow and chill the blood, + In spite of furs and wadded garments blent. + + Cold so intense is felt by all alike-- + The General cannot stretch his horn-tipped bow, + In coats of mail the Captains stiffly move, + While soldiers growl or mutter curses low. + + Far off the desert stretches as a sea, + In frozen ridges like to driven clouds, + Alas, the multitudes of warriors brave + The pathless waste of cruel sand enshrouds! + + But now our happy comrade homeward turns, + We'll drink his health to sound of viol and flute, + And see him safely on his journey start; + Another cup, and then the old salute! + + Falls thick the snow around the fortress walls, + The red flag frozen stirs not in the air, + As forth we ride from out the Eastern gate,-- + In jostling groups, or quietly pair by pair. + + Nearing the Tien-shan[20] road we draw in rein, + To bid our comrade there a last farewell, + And watch him upward climb the mountain path + To peaks that touch the clouds where genii dwell.[21] + + But soon the winding path conceals from view + The fading horsemen as they upward wend; + All we now see are footprints in the snow, + As 'ih-lu fuh-sing'[22] we towards them send. + +[20] The Tien Mountains; in many books of geography erroneously +described as Tien-Shan Mountains. + +[21] According to Chinese mythology, the top of the Tien Mountains touch +heaven and are the abode of the genii. + +[22] May the Star of Happiness accompany you to the end of the journey. + + + + +_Beauty's Fatal Snare_[23] + +BY LI HAN-LIN + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + The ravens roost upon the towers of Su, + While revels reign within the Court of Wu; + The rustic Si-Shi with her peerless face, + Her slender form, her witching smile and grace. + + Inflamed by wine, she now begins to sing + The songs of Wu to please the fatuous king; + And in the dance of Tsu she subtly blends + All rhythmic movements to her sensuous ends. + + Si-Shi o'er Wu her spell has surely cast, + The King of Yueeh has snared his foe at last; + With wine, and song, and dance, the hours fly by: + The water-clock[24] has dripped till almost dry. + + Behind the hills appears the flush of dawn, + Beyond the river sinks the moon forlorn; + And now the sun climbs up the towers of Su; + What of the revellers in the Halls of Wu! + +[23] The Prince of Yueeh wishing to ruin his rival, the Prince of Wu, +presented to him a very beautiful girl, named Si-Shi, who had been +taught all feminine accomplishments. Fu-Ch'a, the Prince of Wu, fell +into the snare, and besotted by dissolute pleasures, became an easy +victim to the Prince of Yueeh who annexed the State of Wu to his own +dominions. After his defeat Fu-Ch'a committed suicide. + +[24] Time was measured by the clepsydra, and the expression indicates +that the night was far spent and dawn near. + + + + +_A Reverie in a Summer-house_ + +BY MENG HAO-RAN + +T'ANG DYNASTY (A.D. 618-905) + + + The daylight fades behind the Western Mountains, + And in the east is seen the rising moon, + Which faintly mirrored in the garden fountains + Foretells that night and dreams are coming soon. + + With window open--hair unloosed and flowing,[25] + I lie in restful ease upon my bed; + The evening breeze across the lilies blowing + With fragrant coolness falls upon my head. + + And in the solemn stillness--all-prevailing, + The fall of dewdrops from the tall bamboos-- + Which grow in graceful rows along the railing-- + Sounds through the silence soft as dove's faint coos. + + On such an eve as this I would be singing, + And playing plaintive tunes upon the lute, + And thus to mind old friends and pleasures bringing; + But none are here to join with harp and flute! + + So in a pleasant stillness I lie dreaming + Of bygone days and trusty friends of old, + Among whom Sin-tze's[26] happy face is beaming; + I would my thoughts could now to him be told. + +[25] In ancient times the hair was worn long and knotted on the top of +the head. + +[26] The name of a genial companion of earlier days. + + + + +_The Flower-Seller_[27] + +BY TSING-NIEN + +TSING DYNASTY + + + The sun is sinking in the sky, + It scarcely reaches a flagstaff high; + And now the pretty flower-girl dares + Come out to sell her fragile wares. + Her voice rings out a message sweet, + As on she trips with lightsome feet, + To buy her musk and jessamine, + Her violets and white eglantine. + And the fresh perfumes of her flowers, + After last night's refreshing showers, + Borne on the gentle breeze soon find + An entrance through my lattice blind. + The windows of the rich and great + Are opened wide, and heads, ornate + With glossy hair and jewels bright, + Are thrust forth in the evening light + Of the setting sun, whose shadow falls + On the straight lines of brick-built walls, + By which men marked the time of day[28] + Ere clocks and watches came their way. + And many flowers of beauteous hue, + Still sparkling with the morning dew, + Are bought by ladies rich and fair, + To deck their deep black lustrous hair. + +[27] A modern poem composed by a successful student at a Government +Examination. + +[28] Formerly the time of day was roughly ascertained by such means. + + + + +_The Red-Flower Pear-Tree_ + +BY EO YANG SIU + +SONG DYNASTY + + + Posted to a distant mountain region, + The old Lang-Kwan,[29] grown grey in honest work, + Oft wandered through the valleys rough and dreary + In search of treasures which might therein lurk. + + One day, growing in a sheltered corner, + He found a red-flowered pear-tree in full bloom, + And before it stood transfixed with wonder, + As when a dazzling brightness shines through gloom. + + Wondering how so fair a plant could flourish + Away from genial clime and native earth, + Circled by a thousand mist-clad mountains, + And far from fragrant trees of kindred birth. + + High its beauty-laden branches rising + Above the gaudy brambles trailing there, + Standing lonely in its perfect grandeur, + With none, alas! to view the picture rare. + + Save the vernal breeze which strips its blossoms + And blows them open, year by year, again; + Or the feathered tribes of mountain ranges + In search of shelter from the mist or rain. + + Showing it has braved the storms for ages, + Its roots are curved and knotted with the fight; + Yet the Lang-Kwan is the first of mankind + To look with pleasure on so fair a sight. + + Drinking in the wealth of dewy fragrance, + He walked around the tree for many hours, + But held by reverential love and wonder, + He durst not raise a hand to pluck the flowers. + + To himself the old man murmured gently, + I wish I could remove the tree from here + To grace the garden of the King's demesne, + And find a royal consort for its peer. + + Such a task, alas! would be much harder + Than the long and toilsome journey of Chang-K`an,[30] + When he brought the beautiful pomegranate + From Western regions to the Land of Han. + +[29] A District Magistrate in ancient times. + +[30] Chang-K`an, or Chang-K`ien, a Minister of the Emperor Wu of the Han +Dynasty. In this poem it is said that he brought the pomegranate to +China, but other writers say the grape-vine. + + + + +_A Song of Princess Tze-Yuh_[31] + +BY HAN-CHONG + +(ANCIENT) + + + As Southern birds avoid a Northern snare, + My kin avoid alliances with thine; + And though my love for thee would greatly dare, + I know our clans the marriage would decline. + + I would have followed thee, but evil talk + Besmirched our names and sent us far apart; + But why the world its love of slander balk? + 'Tis evil fate that has despoiled my heart! + + I wept for thee and mourned for three long years, + As mourns the phoenix when her consort's dead; + And then death came and ended grief and tears; + For after thee no other could I wed. + + And now you stand before my grave and grieve, + My wraith's permitted for a moment's space, + The confines of the Spirit land to leave + And visit earth to see thee face to face. + + And, oh believe, though quick we part once more, + And in the body cannot meet and love, + Our souls are one till life and time are o'er, + And we united in the realms above. + +[31] Tze-Yuh, daughter of Fu-Chai, Prince of the Wu State, and Han-Chong +loved each other and wished to marry, but political feuds prevented +their union. Thereupon Han-Chong travelled abroad, and Tze-Yuh, after +three years of fruitless mourning, died of grief. When Han-Chong +returned and visited Tze-Yuh's grave to mourn there, he had a vision of +her beautiful face, which inspired him to compose this song. + + + + +_Distaste for Official Life_ + +BY TAO TSIEN + +T'SIN DYNASTY + + + For thirty years I read, and mused, and wrote, + Or idly angled from my fishing-boat; + Or wandered through the woods, or climbed the hills, + Listening to songsters and to murmuring rills; + + Or sauntering in my garden talked with flowers, + As friend with friend, for many happy hours; + Or working in my fields ablaze with golden grain, + And herbs and fruits which keep life clean and sane. + + Far from the busy mart and huckstering crowd, + Striving for gold or place with brawlings loud,-- + From youth to middle age I've passed my days + Midst flowers and fields hearing what Nature says. + + And now, alas! I'm on this boat and bound + For far King-chow, with rank and office crowned; + To village home and friends I've bid farewell, + And of life's peace, I fear, I've tolled the knell. + + From off the shore a pleasant breeze now blows, + And on and on the placid river flows; + While the pale shining of the Queen of Night + Floods the great universe with silvery light. + + I cannot sleep, the future weights my mind, + The calls of office--cares of every kind + Oppress me with a sense of coming woes-- + A forlorn hope against unnumbered foes! + + I fain would tune my harp and ballads sing, + Some comfort to my sinking heart to bring; + But such poor solace even is denied-- + My hands are nerveless and my tongue is tied. + + How can I leave my former happy life + To mingle in ambition's worldly strife! + What care I for the spoils of rank and power, + The petty triumphs of the passing hour! + + My office I'll resign and homeward turn + To till my farm beside the rippling burn, + Where I in happy freedom may once more + The Muses and the Book of Nature pore. + + There in my rustic lodge in leisure time, + I'll cherish every thought and scene sublime, + And following still the teachers of my youth + A name I'll build upon eternal truth. + + + + +_The Fragrant Tree_ + +BY WEI YING-WUH + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + In a far-off fragrant garden + Grows a tree of beauty rare, + Whose reflection on the brooklet + Makes a vision fair. + + But when now I see this vision, + Heart and mind are wrung with grief, + Mourning hours of blissful meeting-- + Every hour too brief. + + Rich as ever is the foliage, + Opal clouds the shimmering boughs, + And the dewy leaves still glisten + While the sun allows. + + But, alas, Her presence lacking, + What are all such things to me! + She will never more be plucking + Blossoms from this tree. + + Here beside the brook are traces + Of her light and gladsome feet; + But again we two shall never + In this garden meet. + + + + +_A Song of the Snow_ + +BY LUH FANG-WENG + + + Three days it snowed on Chang-an[32] plain, + With drifts the Pass[33] was stacked; + The iron cows[34] could not be moved, + The dew-pans[35] froze and cracked. + + A traveller of handsome mien, + And clad in white foxskin, + With curled moustache and strong of limb, + Came to the Pao-chan[36] inn. + + At night he supped and drank full well + Until he soundly slept; + But in the early dawn he woke + And on his strong horse leapt. + + Then riding through the drifts of snow + He reached the South Range bare, + And hunted for a tiger fierce + Which long had 'scaped the snare. + + And when the crafty beast was met, + An arrow from his bow + Transfixed its bounding body huge, + And reddened deep the snow. + + With dying strength it beat the air, + And uttered piercing yells, + Which shook the hills and forest trees, + And echoed through the dells. + + The carcase then he dragged back + Along a crowded course; + The bones a pillow frame supplied, + The skin adorned his horse. + + But when confusion fills the land, + And peace is under ban, + Why don't such men of might come forth + To help the King of Han! + +[32] Now Si-ngan, the provincial capital of Shen-si, but in the Han +Dynasty the capital of China. + +[33] A very important mountain pass near Si-ngan. + +[34] Vessels used in the conservancy of the Yellow River. + +[35] Pans to hold dew, which was collected to provide the Emperor Wu of +the Han Dynasty with bathing-and drinking-water and thus promote +longevity. + +[36] 'The Precious Hairpin,' merely the sign of the inn. + + + + +_The Old Temple among the Mountains_ + +BY CHANG WEN-CHANG + +T'ANG DYNASTY (618-905 B.C.) + + + The temple courts with grasses rank abound, + And birds throng in the forest trees around; + But pilgrims few, though tablets still remain, + Come to the shrine while revolutions reign. + + The mice climb through the curtains--full of holes, + And thick dust overspreads the broidered stoles; + The temple pool in gloomy blackness lies + To which the sleeping dragon[37] sometimes hies. + +[37] The meaning of this expression is not clear; it has a political +signification. + + + + +_A Soldier's Farewell to his Wife_ + +BY SU-WU[38] + +HAN DYNASTY, OR EARLIER + + + My dear wife, you and I have been as one, + No doubt has marred the faith, which love has won, + Our chief desire throughout the married state + Has been of love and joy to give and take. + + But now, alas! the joy of Spring departs, + And sorrow's shafts must enter both our hearts; + I cannot sleep; I must arise and see + The time; ah me, how quick the hours do flee! + + Awake, my dearest, for the stars have set, + The grief of parting must be bravely met; + And yet the dreary marches weight my mind,-- + As through defiles and desert plains they wind. + + And then, at last, the awful battle-field, + Where I must fight and naught to foemen yield; + But, oh! the bitter, paralysing pain-- + To think that we may never meet again! + + I must let fall the long restrained tears + As, clasping hands, you calm my anxious fears; + If not, my heart will break with sighs repressed + To hear your love so tenderly confessed. + + But courage, we will think of Young Love's day, + And all the pleasures which therein did stay; + And this shall cheer me on the toilsome road, + And help you here to bear your weary load. + + Then with what joy we shall renew our life, + When I return safe from the dreadful strife; + But if, alas! the Fates should death decree, + My spirit shall for ever live with thee. + +[38] Chinese commentators regard this poem as Su's farewell to his own +wife, written when he was sent on an expedition to the land of the +Hsiung-nu, where he was captured and kept in captivity for many years. + + + + +_The Wanderer's Return_ + +BY TU FU + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + The setting sun beneath the red-lined clouds, + Which mass around the foot-hills in the west, + Still floods the valley with a rose-hued light, + And lures the chirping birds to seek their rest. + + The wayworn traveller pauses near the gate, + From which he sallied forth so long ago; + Unconscious then of what Fate held in store-- + The years of separation, loss, and woe. + + The neighbours press around the garden fence, + And gaze with mouth agape, or quietly sigh; + While wife and children awestruck, rigid stand, + And then tears flow and to his arms they fly. + + 'For years on revolution's waves I've tossed, + While wife and bairns mourned me in hopeless plight; + And now to-night, as in a dream, I sit + With all my loved ones 'neath the lamp's bright light.' + + + + +_The Pleasures of a Simple Life with Nature_ + +BY LI-SHANG-YIN + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + On these pleasant hills residing, + Far from worldly din and strife, + Leisurely with nature living, + Here I pass a happy life. + + Gently wave the bamboo copses, + Fanned by evening breezes light; + While the flowers and moon-beams mingle + In the ghostly hours of night. + + Through ravines the waters gurgle, + Stemmed by scattered rock and stone; + Round the bends the footpath wanders-- + By the mosses overgrown. + + Here with friends and habits simple, + And a cup of generous wine, + Fingering lute and old songs singing-- + For no other heaven I pine. + + + + +_Listening to the Playing on a Lute in a Boat_ + +BY SU-SHIH + + + In my boat I sat alone, + And the hours were fast in flight, + When the sound of music broke + The stillness of the night. + + Sighing winds through fir-trees swept, + Falling cascades murmured low, + As the master touched his lute-- + So lovingly and slow. + + Clutching fast my lapelled coat, + Rapture swayed me without bounds, + As with every nerve intent, + I listened to the sounds. + + Yet again I longed to hear + Ancient chimes on jadestone bell, + Drawn forth by the Master's hand + From lute he loved so well. + + Since the days of Chen and Wei,[39] + When confusion filled the land, + Music rare of ancient style + Has found but scant demand. + + Times and instruments alike, + For a thousand years and more, + Silent and forgotten lay, + And few the loss deplore! + + One alone--the priceless lute-- + Change and storm and wreck survives, + Watching nations rise and wane, + As god of mortal lives. + + Music old is now decried, + Light songs and ditties sought, + Strains insipid, jerky turns, + Light and crispy wrought. + + Instruments of wood remain, + Void of human feelings sweet, + Which the soul of ancient song + Never more may greet. + + Peaceful is the river now, + Moon-beams play upon the scene, + From the ceaseless din of life + Night provides a pleasant screen. + + In the silence of this hour, + Will you, Master, yet once more, + Wen-wang's[40] melodies revive, + As in the days of yore? + +[39] The Wei and Ch'en Dynasties. + +[40] Duke Chang, the virtual founder of the Chow Dynasty; Wen Wang being +his posthumous title. His son, Prince Wu, was the first ruler of the +Chow Dynasty. + + + + +_Reflections on the Past_[41] + +THIS IS ONLY ONE SECTION OF A LONG POEM BY TAO TSIEN. + + + The sun went down and cloudless came the night, + A gentle zephyr breathed through moonlit skies; + And bevies of fair women thronged the Court, + The beauty of the starlight in their eyes. + + With wine and singing swiftly flew the hours + Until the herald of the dawn appeared; + But when the music and the rapture ceased, + Deep sighs were heard and weird forebodings feared. + + Such beauty even in the Halls of T'sin + As on this fateful night was seldom seen,-- + A lustrous moon in fleecy clouds it shines! + A splendid flower amidst the foliage green! + + How fair the groups of revellers--fair the scene! + But pleasures such as these must pass away! + How keen the raptures of those fleeting hours! + What of the burdens of the coming day? + +[41] This poem probably refers to the revelries of the Court at the end +of the T'sin Dynasty 300-200 B.C., before it was overthrown by the +founder of the Han Dynasty. + + + + +_A Lowly Flower_ + +BY BAY SIE T'IAO + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + A flowering grass I rise + From the side of a far-spread lake, + Whose waters lave and fertilize, + And all my thirsty tissues slake. + + The dews of Spring with gentle power + Evolve my glossy emerald leaves; + The colours of my fragrant flower + The rime of early Autumn weaves. + + And yet in trembling fear I grow, + Lest root and stem should be uptorn + By sudden storm or rushing flow, + And leave me helpless and forlorn. + + So here contented will I lie, + Although a plant of humble birth; + Nor try to soar to realms on high + Above the confines of the earth. + + For never yet has living soul + By strength or wisdom changed his fate; + All things are under heaven's control, + Who allocates to each his state. + + + + +_On returning to a Country Life_ + +BY TAO TSIEN + + + My youth was spent amidst the simple charms + Of country scenes--secure from worldly din, + And then, alas! I fell into the net + Of public life, and struggled long therein. + + The captive bird laments its forest home; + The fish in tanks think of the sea's broad strands; + And I oft longed, amidst official cares, + To till a settler's plot in sunny lands. + + And now I have my plot of fifteen 'mow',[42] + With house thereon of rustic build and thatch; + The elm and willow cast a grateful shade, + While plum-and peach-trees fill the entrance patch. + + Away from busy towns and dusty marts, + The dog barks in the silent country lane; + While chickens cluck among the mulberry-trees, + And life is healthy and the mind is sane. + + Here in my house--with room for friend or two, + On my own farm--won from the barren plain, + Escaped from cares of office and routine, + I live a free and natural life again. + +[42] A Chinese acre, a measure of land equal to about one-fifth of an +English acre. + + + + +_The Brevity of Life_ + +POET UNKNOWN: HAN DYNASTY, OR EARLIER + + + Our years on earth are brief, + But few a hundred win; + A thousand years of grief + Are packed therein. + + The day quick takes its flight, + The dark is sad and long; + Then let us cheer the night + With feast and song. + + The niggard thinks it wise + To save and live by rule; + But sages may arise + To call him fool! + + + + +_Conscripts leaving for the Frontier_[43] + +BY TU-FU + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + Chariots rumbling; horses neighing; + Soldiers shouting martial cries; + Drums are sounding; trumpets braying; + Seas of glittering spears arise. + + On each warrior's back are hanging + Deadly arrows, mighty bows; + Pipes are blowing, gongs are clanging, + On they march in serried rows. + + Age-bowed parents, sons and daughters + Crowd beside in motley bands; + Here one stumbles, there one falters + Through the clouds of blinding sands. + + Wives and mothers sometimes clinging + To their loved ones in the ranks, + Or in grief their bodies flinging + On the dusty crowded flanks. + + Mothers', wives', and children's weeping + Rises sad above the din,-- + Through the clouds to Heaven creeping-- + Justice begging for their kin. + + 'To what region are they going?' + Asks a stranger passing by; + 'To the Yellow River, flowing + Through the desert bare and dry! + + 'Forced conscription daily snapping + Ties which bind us to our clan; + Forced conscription slowly sapping + All the manhood of the Han.' + + And the old man went on speaking + To the stranger from afar: + ''Tis the Emperor, glory seeking, + Drives them 'neath his baleful star. + + 'Guarding river; guarding passes + On the frontier, wild and drear; + Fighting foes in savage masses-- + Scant of mercy, void of fear. + + 'Proclamations, without pity, + Rain upon us day by day, + Till from village, town, and city + All our men are called away. + + 'Called away to swell the flowing + Of the streams of human blood, + Where the bitter north wind blowing + Petrifies the ghastly flood. + + 'Guarding passes through the mountains, + Guarding rivers in the plain; + While in sleep, in youth's clear fountain, + Scenes of home come back again. + + 'But, alas! the dream is leaded + With the morn's recurring grief, + Only few return--grey-headed-- + To their homes, for days too brief. + + 'For the Emperor, still unheeding + Starving homes and lands untilled, + On his fatuous course proceeding, + Swears his camps shall be refilled. + + 'Hence new levies are demanded, + And the war goes on apace, + Emperor and foemen banded + In the slaughter of the race. + + 'All the region is denuded + Of its men and hardy boys, + Only women left, deluded + Of life's promise and its joys. + + 'Yet the prefects clamour loudly + That the taxes must be paid,-- + Ride about and hector proudly! + How can gold from stones be made? + + 'Levy after levy driven, + Treated more like dogs than men, + Over mountains, tempest riven, + Through the salty desert fen. + + 'There by Hun and Tartar harried-- + Ever fighting, night or day; + Wounded, left to die, or carried + Far from kith and kin away. + + 'Better bring forth daughters only + Than male children doomed to death, + Slaughtered in the desert lonely, + Frozen by the north wind's breath. + + 'Where their bodies, left unburied, + Strew the plain from west to east, + While above in legions serried + Vultures hasten to the feast. + + 'Brave men's bones on desert bleaching, + Far away from home and love, + Spirits of the dead beseeching + Justice from the heaven above.' + +[43] This poem is an attempt to describe the miseries of the people +under compulsory military service during the long wars carried on by the +Emperor Hsueen-Tsung of the Han Dynasty. + + + + +_Estimating the Value of a Wife_ + +UNKNOWN: ANCIENT + + + Once upon a time a husband, weary + Of the selfsame face before him day by day, + Determined to dismiss his goodwife promptly, + And take a new one--to her great dismay! + + Without delay the little deal was settled,-- + The husband on his purpose being bent,-- + The new wife through the front door entered grandly, + The old one from a side-door sadly went. + + One day the old wife to her home returning + From gathering wild flowers on the mountain side, + Met with her quondam master in the valley, + And, kneeling, asked him how the new one vied. + + 'The new wife', said the husband very slowly, + 'Has beauty that is equal to your own, + But still her hands are not so deft and useful, + Nor can she compass so much work alone. + + 'The new wife's hands are very skilled in weaving + Embroidered satins with her dainty touch; + The old wife's fingers, faster and unwearied, + Of useful fabrics weave five times as much. + + 'So when I reckon up the charms and uses + Of goodwives, number One and number Two, + There's little room within my mind for doubting, + I had the better bargain when I'd you.' + + + + +_The Lady Lo-Fu_ + +HAN DYNASTY, OR EARLIER + + + On a bright and sunny morning, + From her mother's house there came, + One who needed no adorning,-- + Lo-Fu was the lady's name. + + On her arm a basket swinging, + Made of silk her own hand weaves, + Forth she wanders blithely singing, + Bent on gathering mulberry leaves. + + From her head in graceful tresses + Falls the fine and lustrous hair, + While each shapely ear caresses + Just one pearl of beauty rare. + + Purple bodice, broidered quaintly, + Silken skirt with amber lace, + Gave the touch demure and saintly + To her sweetly winsome face. + + Travellers dropped the loads they carried, + And in wonder stroked their chin; + Young men, whether free or married, + Doffed their hats a glance to win. + + Farmers stay their hand in ploughing, + Peasants stand as in a dream, + Now and then the trees allowing + Of the girl a passing gleam. + + On this morn an Envoy passing, + From a mission to the sea, + Where much wealth he'd been amassing, + Saw Lo-Fu beneath a tree. + + For her silkworms food providing, + Work she did with greatest zest; + All her friends around residing + Owned her silk was of the best. + + Near the tree the Envoy stopping + With his escort in array, + Soldiers boughs of mulberries lopping + Helped to make a fine display. + + From his retinue emerging + Came the Envoy's trusty man, + Who his master's message urging, + Gently asked her name and clan. + + 'Lo-Fu,' came the answer proudly, + 'Of the ancient house of T'sin!' + Adding, too, a little loudly, + 'And my age is seventeen.' + + 'Will you join me?' asked the Envoy, + 'Sharing all my wealth and power, + All the treasures of this convoy + Would not far exceed your dower!' + + 'You have a wife,' she answered coldly, + 'And most foolish are, I fear; + I,' she added firm and boldly, + 'Also have a husband dear. + + 'And my husband is the leader + Of a thousand horsemen brave, + Midst whom not one base seceder + Would another captain crave! + + 'On his charger, white and fiery, + 'Mongst the troop he's first espied, + Soldier-like, erect and wiry, + With his keen sword by his side. + + 'When but fifteen he enlisted + Without patronage or fame, + And at twenty, unassisted, + Officer at Court became. + + 'Then at thirty, unexpected, + Captain in the Royal Clan; + Now at forty he's selected + Chief commandant of Ch'ang-an. + + 'Gallant, but of gentle bearing, + When the battle's fought and won, + For the praise of men less caring + Than the meed for duty done. + + 'Yes, a clear-eyed, clean-souled hero + Is the man I'm praising now, + And your value sinks to zero + When compared with his, I vow. + + 'True, a lowly work I'm doing, + And the silk we use I spin, + But remember you are wooing + Lo-Fu of the House of T'sin.'[44] + +[44] The ancient State of T'sin, which finally embraced the whole of +Shen-si and Kansuh. In 221 B.C. this State under Shi Hwang Ti subdued +all China, and thereafter the ruling sovereigns are known as the T'sin +Dynasty. + + + + +_An Autumn Evening in the Garden_ + +BY LI YI + + + The Summer's gone, but summer heat remains, + And sleepless nights still leave us all repining; + So to the garden I have moved my couch, + And on it I am peacefully reclining. + + The white clouds spread themselves across the sky, + And through the rifts the moon's soft light is falling + On dewy grass and flowers and trees around, + While from the towers night birds are faintly calling. + + The gentle rustling of the tall bamboos + In subtle symphony of tone is blending + With the waters of the fountain and the brook, + Which flow and murmur on their ways unending. + + While through the gauzy garments which I wear + The cooling evening breeze is gently blowing, + My feeling of contentment is more deep + Than when I'm where the ruby wine is flowing. + + + + +_Muh-Lan_[45] + + + Muh-Lan's swift fingers flying to and fro + Crossed warp with woof in deft and even row, + As by the side of spinning-wheel and loom + She sat at work without the women's room.[46] + But tho' her hand the shuttle swiftly plies + The whir cannot be heard for Muh-Lan's sighs; + When neighbours asked what ills such mood had wrought, + And why she worked in all-absorbing thought; + She answered not, for in her ears did ring + The summons of last evening from the King, + Calling to arms more warriors for the west, + The name of Muh-Lan's father heading all the rest. + But he was ill--no son to take his place, + Excuses meant suspicion and disgrace; + Her father's honour must not be in doubt; + Nor friend, nor foe, his stainless name shall flout; + She would herself his duty undertake + And fight the Northern foe for honour's sake. + Her purpose fixed, the plan was soon evolved, + But none should know it, this she was resolved; + Alone, unknown, she would the danger face, + Relying on the prowess of her race. + A charger here, a saddle there, she bought, + And next a bridle and a whip she sought; + With these equipped she donned the soldier's gear, + Arming herself with bow and glittering spear. + And then before the sun began his journey steep + She kissed her parents in their troubled sleep, + Caressing them with fingers soft and light, + She quietly passed from their unconscious sight; + And mounting horse she with her comrades rode + Into the night to meet what fate forbode; + And as her secret not a comrade knew, + Her fears soon vanished as the morning dew. + That day they galloped westward fast and far, + Nor paused until they saw the evening star; + Then by the Yellow River's rushing flood + They stopped to rest and cool their fevered blood. + The turbid stream swept on with swirl and foam + Dispelling Muh-Lan's dreams of friends and home; + Muh-Lan! Muh-Lan! she heard her mother cry-- + The waters roared and thundered in reply! + Muh-Lan! Muh-Lan! she heard her father sigh-- + The river surged in angry billows by! + The second night they reach the River Black, + And on the range which feeds it, bivouac; + Muh-Lan! Muh-Lan! she hears her father pray-- + While on the ridge the Tartars' horses neigh; + Muh-Lan! Muh-Lan! her mother's lips let fall! + The Tartars' camp sends forth a bugle call! + The morning dawns on men in armed array + Aware that death may meet them on that day; + The Winter sun sends forth a pallid light + Through frosty air on knights in armour bright; + While bows strung tight, and spears in glittering rows, + Forebode the struggle of contending foes. + And soon the trumpets blare--the fight's begun; + A deadly _melee_--and the Pass is won! + The war went on, and many a battle-field + Revealed Muh-Lan both bow and spear could wield; + Her skill and courage won her widespread fame, + And comrades praised, and leaders of great name. + Then after several years of march and strife, + Muh-Lan and others, who had 'scaped with life + From fields of victory drenched with patriots' blood, + Returned again to see the land they loved. + And when at last the Capital[47] was reached, + The warriors, who so many forts had breached, + Were summoned to the presence of the King, + And courtiers many did their praises sing; + Money and presents on them, too, were showered, + And some with rank and office were empowered; + While Muh-Lan, singled out from all the rest, + Was offered fief and guerdon of the best. + But gifts and honours she would gladly lose + If she might only be allowed to choose + Some courier camels, strong and fleet of pace, + To bear her swiftly to her native place. + + * * * * * + + And now, at last, the journey nears the end, + And father's, mother's voices quickly blend + In--'Muh-Lan, Muh-Lan! welcome, welcome, dear!' + And this time there was naught but joy to fear. + Her younger sisters decked the house with flowers, + And loving words fell sweet as summer showers; + Her little brother shouted Muh-Lan's praise, + For many proud and happy boastful days! + The greetings o'er, she slipped into her room-- + Radiant with country flowers in fragrant bloom-- + And changed her soldier's garb for woman's dress: + Her head adorned with simple maiden's tress-- + A single flower enriched her lustrous hair-- + And forth she came, fresh, maidenly, and fair! + Some comrades in the war had now come in, + Who durst not mingle in the happy din; + But there in awe and admiration stood, + As brave men do before true womanhood; + For not the boldest there had ever dreamed, + On toilsome march, or when swords flashed and gleamed + In marshalled battle, or on sudden raid, + That their brave comrade was a beauteous maid. + +[45] Muh-Lan was a famous heroine of the Liang Dynasty (A.D. 502-556) +who, when her father was summoned to serve as a soldier in the wars on +the north-western frontier, and was unable to obey the order on account +of sickness, put on a soldier's dress and took his place in the army for +several years. She fought in many battles, winning great praise for her +bravery, and ever since she has been regarded as the ideal of daughterly +devotion and feminine courage. + +[46] In the porch of the women's apartment. + +[47] The capital of China at that time was Chang-an, now Si-an-Fu the +provincial capital of Shen-si. + + + + +_The Old Fisherman_ + +BY LUH FANG-WEN + +T'ANG DYNASTY + + + While wandering up the river-side alone + To view the landscape of my new-found home, + Away from cities and the haunts of men + Where I midst nature's scenes can quietly roam, + + I came upon a fisher's lonely hut + Ensconced within a winding of the stream, + And in a boat the fisherman himself; + While on his sail the sunlight sent a gleam. + + Across the river stands a stately mountain + Which wandering artists oft have tried to paint, + But none could seize the subtle blend of colours-- + Of purple blues and rose-dawn flushes faint. + + Alas! the fisherman through summers many, + Has gazed upon the glory of this scene, + And yet his mind's unwakened to its beauty, + His hand unskilled to limn its tints and sheen. + + And my hand, too, alas! has lost its cunning + And cannot serve my brain as in my youth, + So men will lose another glorious picture + Of Nature with her beauty and her truth. + + + + +_Midnight in the Garden_ + +BY LIU TSONG-YUEN + +T'ANG DYNASTY (ANCIENT STYLE) + + + The midnight hours were passing + And sleep still past me flew; + My mind--so keenly working-- + Could hear the dropping dew. + + So from my bed arising + I open wide the door-- + The western park revealing, + And hills that heavenward soar. + + Across the Eastern ranges + The clear moon coldly shines + On bamboos, loosely scattered, + And trailing mountain vines. + + And so intense the stillness, + That from the distant hills + I hear the pigeons cooing, + And murmuring streams and rills. + + For hours I have been thinking, + As in a silent dream, + And now beyond the mountains + I see the dawn's first gleam. + + + + +_Reflections on the Brevity of Life_ + +POET'S NAME UNKNOWN: HAN DYNASTY OR EARLIER (206 B.C.-220 A.D.) + + + We sought the city by the Eastern gate, + Our chariot moving at a leisured rate, + Along the road on which the sunlight weaves + The trembling of the willow's rustling leaves. + + And far away are pine-trees towering high, + Beneath whose shade the graves of heroes lie; + In Hades now their last long sleep they take, + From which a mortal never more shall wake. + + How vast the gulf between the quick and dead! + Yet as the morning dew our life is sped; + The rocks and hills enduring strength retain, + But mortals pass in fast and endless train. + + Alas! the sages are inert to trace + Beyond the grave the future of our race; + Alchemic nostrums, too, are used in vain, + They cannot turn life's ills to endless gain. + + Then let us drain the goblet while we live, + And take the best the fleeting hour can give. + In life a little pleasure may be won, + To-morrow we must die and there'll be none. + + + + +_So-fei gathering Flowers_ + +BY WANG CHANG-LING + + + In a dress of gauzy fabric + Of the 'Lien' leaf's emerald hue + So-fei glides amongst the lilies + Sprinkled with the morning dew. + + Rose-hued are the lotus-blossoms, + Rose-hued, too, the maiden's cheeks; + Is it So-fei's form I follow, + Or the flowers she seeks? + + Now I hear a song arising + From the lotus bowers, + Which distinguishes the maiden + From her sister flowers. + + + + +_A Farewell_[48] + +BY LI TAI-PEH + + + Far up the Song-Yang's sacred mountain, + Unrestrained by lock or bridge, + Plows a pure and peaceful streamlet + 'Neath the 'Gem-Maid's' grassy ridge. + + There at eve midst pine-trees sombre + Looms the large and lustrous moon; + And within my ancient dwelling + You I hope to welcome soon. + + Yes, my friend, I'll come to see you + At the closing of the year, + In your home among the mountains, + Where you live without a fear. + + Deep in searching for the Chang-pu, + With its bloom-flushed purple flower, + Which endows the happy finder + With immortal life and power. + + Ere I come you may have found it, + And to realms where genii dwell + Winged your flight upon the dragon, + Bidding to our earth farewell. + +[48] Poems similar to this one are frequently written by literary men in +China when bidding farewell to a friend. + + + + +_The Khwun-ming Lake_ + +BY TU FU + + + In ancient times the flags of Wu[49] + Made gay the Khwun-ming Lake,[50] + On which his ships in mimic strife + The decks of foemen rake. + + But now deserted is the scene, + And in the moon's pale light, + The Spinning-Maid[51] upon the shore + Sits silent in the night. + + The Autumn breezes seem to move + The mammoth stony whales,[52] + And send a tremor through their frames + Vibrating all their scales. + + The Ku-mi[53] seeds float on the waste, + As clouds of sombre hue; + The lotus-flowers are crushed beneath + The weight of frozen dew. + + While from the cloud-capped Pass[54] above, + The eagle's eye aglow, + Sees but an aged fisherman + Midst lakes and streams below. + +[49] The Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty ascended the throne 140 B.C. + +[50] A lake probably situated to the south-west of Chang-an, the capital +of China in the Han Dynasty. This city is now the provincial capital of +Shen-si and better known as Si-an. + +[51] A stone image of the Spinning-Maid stood on one shore of the lake, +and another of the Cowherd on the opposite shore. + +[52] A stone image of an immense fish covered with finely carved scales +was also placed by the side of the lake. + +[53] A kind of rice. + +[54] Probably the celebrated 'Tung' Pass near Chang-an. + + The whole poem has a political signification implying that + revolution had turned the country into a wilderness, and + desolation taken the place of former prosperity and greatness. + + + + +_Reflections_ + +BY CHANG KIU-LING + + + The foliage of the lilies in the Spring + In glowing freshness shows its vernal birth; + While in the Autumn cassia-blossoms bright + Renew the beauty of the fading earth. + + In seasons such as these our hearts rejoice, + And deeper thoughts arise within the mind, + As Nature woos us in a tender mood, + And teaches lessons that are true and kind. + + Who would not be as grass and flowers and trees, + That denizen the forest and the hill, + And listening to the music of the winds, + With sympathy and mutual gladness thrill! + + For flowers have natures teaching them to live + In sweet content in glen, or glade, or field; + By plucking them fair women cannot add + Aught to the happiness their own lives yield. + + These four stanzas are but a section of a long poem. In this + allegory the poet reveals his own distaste for official life + and his love of Nature. Beautiful women cannot add to the + happiness of the flowers by plucking them, &c., implies that + the Emperor cannot increase the happiness of the poet by + appointing him to high official posts, and inviting him to the + Court. + + + + +_Pride and Humility_[55] + +BY CHANG-KIU-LING + +T'ANG DYNASTY (A.D. 618-905) + + + I'm but a sea-bird, wandering here alone, + And dare not call the ponds and lakes my own; + But what are those two lovely birds on high, + Shining resplendent 'gainst the morning sky? + + Upon the top bough of the San-Chu[56] tree, + Presumptuously they build that all may see; + Their feathers than the iris lovelier far, + What if a missile should their beauty mar! + + Such brilliant robes, which they with joy expose, + Might well excite the envy of their foes; + And even the gods may view with dire disdain + The high ambition of the proud and vain. + + Now I in quiet obscurity can roam + Far from my nest, flecked by the ocean's foam; + Yet, in a world where greed is always rife, + No one would raise a hand to take my life. + +[55] This translation is only a portion of a long poem. + +[56] A mythical tree of the genii; but in the poem it may mean a very +conspicuous tree. + + + + +_Dwellers in the Peach Stream Valley_[57] + +BY CHANG-HSUeEN + +T'SING DYNASTY + + + While the master was wrapped in slumber the fishing-boat slipped its + stake, + And drifted, and swirled, and drifted far over the broadening lake, + Till islets, and mainland, and forests came into view once more, + While the fisherman gazed and pondered the lay of the new-found + shore. + But erelong he espied an opening, shown by the broken wave, + And in venturous mood he steered his boat into a narrow cave, + Where an azure mist obscured the scenes through channels long and + low, + As the current bore him gently into a world of long ago. + In this old, flower-bestrewed land, at first no path the eye could + tell, + For on the streams and on the banks the red rain of peach flowers + fell; + Yet from the purple-shadowed mountains which screened this favoured + land + Flowed forth the Peach-Fount river along its bed of silver sand; + But, winding with the stream, the thickset peach-tree groves with + red-veined flowers + Hid the cooling waters flowing in and out the shady bowers. + And here and there along the banks, set in nooks of calm repose, + Were cottage homes of rustic work from which the wreathed blue smoke + arose; + Showing that in this happy valley beyond the world's dull roar, + Life went on as sweet and simple as in the golden days of yore, + And the people of this valley in their ancient garments clad + Were courteous in their manners and rejoiced in all they had; + While the dogs and fowls beside them harmonized with all at hand, + And the mulberry-tree and flax-plant hid the former barren land. + When the dwellers in this favoured region saw the stranger guest, + They set before him food and wine and kindly bade him rest; + And when true courtesy allowed they asked of the things and men + In the world of sin and sorrow far beyond their quiet life's ken. + And when the time to leave them came, and the stranger could not + stay, + They led him through the cavern's channels and saw him sail away. + In after life the fisherman often tried again, but failed + To find the opening to the Valley through which he once had sailed; + But when the sand of life through the glass its course had nearly + run, + He thought he saw the way lay to it beyond the westering sun. + +[57] There are many versions of this legend both in poetry and prose. +The introductory and closing lines of the translation are partly based +on other versions of the story than that in the poem translated. + +This poem and 'The Fishermen's Song', and 'The Students' Ramble', are +taken from 'A Selection of Poems' written by successful graduates at the +Government Examinations during the present dynasty. + +Many of these prize poems are cleverly and beautifully written, and they +reveal considerable poetic talent, but not the power and genius found in +the work of ancient Chinese poets. + + + + +_The Five Sons_ + +BY TAO TSIEN + +T'SIN DYNASTY (A.D. 265-419) + + + I am wrinkled and gray, + And old before my day; + For on five sons I look, + And not one loves a book. + + Ah-Shu is sixteen years, + The sight of work he fears; + He is the laziest lout + You'd find the world throughout. + + Ah-sueen has tried in vain + A little wit to gain; + He shirks the student's stool, + At grammar he's a fool! + + Yong-twan is thirteen now, + And yet I do avow + He can't discriminate + The figures six and eight![58] + + Tong-tze is only nine, + But clearly does opine + That life, with all its cares, + Consists of nuts and pears. + + Alas, that Fate so dour + On me her vials should pour! + What can I do but dine, + And drown my woes in wine! + +[58] Implies that he is a thorough dunce. + + + + +_The Journey Back_ + +BY A POET OF THE HAN DYNASTY + +NAME UNKNOWN[59] (206 B.C. TO A.D. 220) + + + The journey back has now begun, + The Chariot winds along the road-- + The road which seems for aye to run + To me with my sad load! + + How vast the wilderness around, + As o'er the endless track we pass; + The only moving thing and sound-- + The east wind through the grass! + + The things I see are not the old, + As mile on mile the way is won, + And quick as these things change are told + Our years--and age comes on. + + By nature's law each cycle brings + A time to flourish and decay, + And, with her perishable things, + We, too, must pass away. + + No power have we with time to brave, + As iron and stone, the grave's stern claim, + One treasure only can we save-- + An everlasting fame. + +[59] The poet's name is unknown, but he (or she?) lived during the Han +Dynasty (206 B.C. to A.D. 220), or earlier. + + + + +_The Gallant Captain and the Innkeeper's Wife_ + +BY SIN YEN-NIEN + +HAN DYNASTY (206 B.C. TO A.D. 220) + + + Among the near attendants of the famous General Ho,[60] + The Champion of the Emperor Wu and terror of his foe, + Was a gay and gilded youth of the name of Fung Tze-tu, + Who loved to slay the fair sex as the general did Hsiong-nu; + Presuming on his master's fame he bantered every girl, + And fancied he himself was great--he lived in such a whirl. + The landlord of the wine-shop was scarcely a man of means, + But had a young and pretty wife not yet out of her teens; + And with this charming lady Fung Tze-tu was wont to flirt; + But though so young and charming she was very much alert. + One day in Spring this hostess fair, in gracious serving mood, + Alone attended to the wants of guests for wine and food. + Attired in flowing skirt, and girdled loose with girlish wile, + Embroidered vest and wide-sleeved outer robe of ancient style; + Her slender head on either side with massive tresses graced, + And crowned with Lan-tien[61] jade, below with Ta-tsin[62] pearls + enlaced: + This young and dainty figure, said the gallants with a sigh, + Was a sight with which no other on this earth could ever vie; + And as they posed before her in their elegant attire, + She deftly filled their glasses, and allowed them to admire. + Just as this dainty hostess stood alone within the inn, + Preparing special vintages selected from the bin, + Up rode a gay young officer with canopy of rank, + Accompanied by attendants afoot on either flank; + His charger's handsome trappings richly bound at every joint, + And silver-mounted saddle burnished to the flashing point,-- + Alighting from his horse there stood the son of the Kin-Wu,[63] + The very gallant officer, the dashing Fung Tze-tu. + He called for wine in tasselled jug, and carp on golden plate, + And thought such lavish bravery the lady would elate; + Besides such show he offered her a mirror burnished bright, + Together with a red silk skirt of gauzy texture light; + All these, he thought, must surely daze the eyes of woman vain, + Who does not give her smiles for love, but for the greatest gain: + Alas! within the lady's mind quite other thoughts found vent, + More poignant when she spied within the red silk skirt a rent. + The rent within the skirt, she mused, no pang in you has wrought, + Nor would the loss of my good name cause you a serious thought; + For men soon tire of wives and seek their joys in faces new, + But wives are true to their first spouse and gallants do eschew; + Among the lowly born, as in the camp or royal abode, + Are women who are true to death to honour's stainless code: + I thank you for the favours shown, brave son of the Kin-Wu, + But this time you have loved in vain, my gallant Fung Tze-tu! + +[60] General Ho K'ue-ping, died 117 B.C., Commander of the Armies of Han +Wu Ti in several victorious campaigns against the Hsiung-nu. + +[61] Lan-tien, a district in Shen-si, famous for its jade. + +[62] Ta-tsin, the Roman Empire. + +[63] A military officer of the Han Dynasty, holding a rank similar to +that of Captain-General. + + + + +_The Lady Chao-Chiuen_[64] + +BY EO YANG SIU + +SONG DYNASTY (A.D. 960-1278) + + + The Court of Han which shone with beauty rare + Of high-born women dowered with faces fair, + Had one within it, yet unknown to fame, + Of lowly fortune but of gentle name. + + Now every flower had spared some hue or grace + To form Chao-Chiuen's divinely lovely face; + But courtier's greed had barred the Palace gate, + Which Chao-Chiuen's father would not try to sate. + + Nor could the maid herself her beauty flaunt, + And hold her fair name light for gold or taunt; + Her Royal Master, therefore, did but jibe + At portraits of her, painted for a bribe. + + And so this peerless girl was left alone, + Who might have shared Yueen's imperial throne. + But Yen-Show's greed at last itself betrayed, + And charges grave against him were arrayed; + + Then traitor-like, as harried fox, or doe, + He fled the Court to help the Northern foe; + And with true portraits of the lovely maid, + He fired the Tartar Chief his plans to aid. + + Abetted by this courtier, wise and arch, + The Tartar armies crossed the Emperor's march, + And devastated all the country near, + From which the people fled in piteous fear. + + The Han King, conscious of his waning power, + Now sought for terms of peace in danger's hour; + And these were granted, if, with parlance brief + The Lady Wang would wed the Tartar chief. + + But ere the peerless maiden left her home, + To brave the mountains and the desert roam, + The Emperor saw her, and his heart stood still, + Yet basely feared to thwart the Tartar's will. + + The silence passed, he raved in passion's whirl, + And slew the painter who had limned the girl; + But useless were such puny acts, and cruel, + Which to a burning throne were added fuel. + + For how could monarch, who perceived no more, + Of things which happened near his Palace door, + Expect to force the Hun to own his sway, + Encamped in strength a thousand miles away? + + And so Chao-Chiuen, beneath her weary load, + With royal guards began the endless road, + Watering with tears each lowly wayside flower, + The sport, alas! of beauty's fateful power. + +[64] Chao-Chiuen, or Wang Chao-Chiuen, was a very beautiful girl who was +precluded from entering the presence of the Emperor Yuan (Han Yuan Ti) +by an avaricious courtier, Mao Yen-sheo, who bribed the court painter +to present ugly portraits of Chao-Chiuen to the Emperor, because her +family would not pay the large sums of money he demanded. Afterwards Mao +Yen-sheo's wiles became known to the Emperor, and he fled to the Khan of +the Hsiung-nu to whom he showed a true portrait of Chao-Chiuen. Thereupon +the Khan invaded China with a great army, and demanded the Lady +Chao-Chiuen as the price of peace. Afraid to refuse, the Chinese Emperor +surrendered Chao-Chiuen to the Tartar chief who then retired beyond the +Wall. According to a popular but untrustworthy version of this story, +Chao-Chiuen, when she reached the Heh-long Kiang (Amur River), jumped +into the stream rather than cross the boundary which separated her from +her native land. + + + + +_Night on the Lake_ + +BY SU TONG-PO + +SONG DYNASTY (A.D. 960-1278) + + + The breeze is sighing through the water grass, + As up and down the narrow deck I pass; + And through the rarest mist of Autumn night + The rain-moon floods the lake with pallid light. + + The boatmen and the water-fowl sleep sound, + And in their dreams see other worlds around; + The big fish startled sneak in haste away, + As flurried fox flees from the dawning day. + + In depths of night it seems the human soul + Its sway o'er other things has lost control; + I and my shadow play upon the strand + That marks the boundary of the silent land. + + We watch the secret tides in noiseless work, + Forming new isles where earthworms safely lurk; + And on the moon--a monstrous pearl--we gaze, + Looming through willow-trees in silver haze. + + Amidst our life of changing grief and woe, + A glimpse of purer worlds will come and go, + As on this lake when nature's holy power + Speaks to us in the dark and silent hour. + + But hark, the cock crows; rings the temple bell! + And birds awake in mountain, plain, and dell; + The guardship beats its drum, the boats unmoor, + While din and shouting on the hearer pour. + + + + +_The Fishermen's Song_ + +PRIZE POEM, BY CHENG-CHENG + +T'SING DYNASTY + + + The sun is sinking in the west, + Bidding the fishermen think of rest. + 'To-day,' they cry, 'no need to search, + The people rush to buy our perch; + Of shell-fish, too, we are bereft, + We've scarcely half a basket left!' + And at the piles of silver bright + They laugh, and shout, 'Good wine to-night!' + 'We'll with the village wits combine + And drink our fill of "Luh-e"[65] wine; + Then if we feel inclined to roam, + The fisher-boys shall lead us home.' + So off they go to the evening meal, + And 'Luh-e' wine is drunk with zeal; + And after draining every glass, + They doff the fishers' coat of grass, + And with wild shouts a net they seize + And rush out in the evening breeze, + Intent on catching the mirrored moon, + Bright in the sea as the sun at noon. + Tricked by the moon to their hearts' content, + Shoreward they move on music bent; + The pipes of Pan, and flutes, come out, + Wine and music have a fine bout; + Voices and instruments combined + Soon leave no discord undefined! + After the shouting and the din + Even fishermen had to turn in; + So spreading their sails in a sandy cave, + And soothed by the sound of the lapping wave, + Tired and languorous the reveller yields + To sleep, and dreams of Elysian fields! + +[65] 'Luh-e,' the name of a famous wine. + + + + +_The Students' Ramble_[66] + +BY LU-TEH + +T'SING DYNASTY + + + No longer could the blue-robed students cling + To essay, or angle, or such like thing; + The white-fleeced sky in depths of sapphire blue, + The mother-earth, in Spring's bewitching hue, + Enticed them forth to ponder fresher lore, + And gather strength from nature's boundless store, + So leaving college desk, and book, and file, + They tramp the green-robed country--mile on mile; + But resting oft within some shady nook, + By side of mountain rill or babbling brook. + The voice of streams, the sweet air after showers + On new-mown grass, and earth, and fragrant flowers; + The depths of space, the everlasting hills; + The unseen power that moves, and guides, and stills + All animated nature's varied life + And law reveals where all seemed useless strife-- + Their sense enthralled, and coursing with their blood + Through every vein in strong impetuous flood-- + Divine and human, on this radiant day, + Seemed nearer kin than even when we pray + In marble temples to the unknown God, + Or wayside fanes, by common people trod. + But homeward now reluctantly they turn, + Yet incense still to nature would they burn; + So as they wind through woods of pine-trees tall, + By willow-bordered streams where catkins fall, + Their pent-up feelings, buried deep and long, + Find voice in classic chants from ancient song. + As chorus sweet, and solo clear and rare, + Are wafted softly on the evening air, + The water-fowl on village ponds and streams + Are gently wakened from their summer dreams; + While mingled with the scholars' choral lay + The songs of peasants speed the closing day; + And bird, or insect,--each its anthem sings, + And little gift of praise to Heaven brings: + Then as the sun is sinking in the west, + And lighting up the regions of the blest, + From nature's altar falls the sacred fire, + And higher aims each student's heart inspire. + +[66] This is a free translation, yet nearly every word is implied in the +original. A crudely literal translation would not reveal the thoughts +aroused in the mind of a Chinese reader of the poem. + + + + +_The Priest of T'ien Mountain_ + +BY LI TAI-PEH + +T'ANG DYNASTY (A.D. 618-913) + + + I hear the distant baying of the hound + Amid the waters murmuring around; + I see the peach-flowers bearing crystal rain, + The sportive deer around the forest fane. + + The waving tops of bamboo groves aspire + In fleeting change the summer clouds to tire, + While from the emerald peaks of many hills + The sparkling cascades fall in fairy rills. + + Beneath the pines within this shady dell, + I list in vain to hear the noontide bell;[67] + The temple's empty, and the priest has gone, + And I am left to mourn my grief alone. + +[67] The temple bell. + + + + +_Maidens By the River-side_ + +BY YUH YONG + +THE NORTHERN WEI DYNASTY (A.D. 386-532) + + + Maidens robed in gauzy dresses, + Heads adorned with lustrous tresses, + Nestling pearls in soft caresses, + Trip along the river-side. + + Where the violet sweet reposes, + And the wild flowers group in posies, + Fairer than the queenly roses, + Through the flowers they conquering glide. + + Where the cooling water gushes, + Fitful shades of willow bushes + Flee and hide among the rushes, + Lest the maidens should deride. + + Tripping sylph-like, as the Graces, + East wind blowing on their faces, + Which it holds in soft embraces, + And would ever there abide. + + + + +_The Poet-Beggar_ + +BY TAO TSIEN + +T'SIN DYNASTY (A.D. 265-419) + + + Impelled by hunger, forth I strode, + But whither causing little care, + While feeling life's oppressive load-- + Too great for me to bear. + + At last your village here I reached, + By tramping many weary miles, + And knocking at an unknown door, + You welcomed me with smiles. + + And when I roughly asked for food, + Gave meat and wine my need to sate, + And in a kind and friendly mood + You chatted while I ate. + + Now having shared your generous cheer, + And drained the oft refilled glass, + Revived and glad, unthanked I fear + To let such goodness pass. + + A linen-bleacher, poor and old, + Fed Han-Sin,[68] sprung of royal breed, + From out her hard-earned scanty store + In time of darkest need. + + Your kindly help to me this hour + Is fraught with equal love and grace, + Would I had Han-Sin's royal power, + Thy bounty to replace. + + Alas! the fullness of my heart + My tongue can only lamely tell, + So now in simple verse I write + Of kindness done so well. + + And though at last the muffled drum + Will beat the end of earthly days, + Throughout the cycles yet to come + My verse shall speak your praise. + +[68] Han-Sin was the grandson of a prince of Han, whose State was +annexed by the founder of the T'sin Dynasty. In early life Han-Sin +suffered great poverty, and for some time was befriended by a poor woman +who bleached flax. Afterwards he became the commander of the armies of +Liu-Pang, the founder of the Han Dynasty, and regained his ancestral +domain; he then sought out his friend, the flax-bleacher, and gave her +1,000 pieces of gold. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Chinese Poems, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHINESE POEMS *** + +***** This file should be named 37938.txt or 37938.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/9/3/37938/ + +Produced by Delphine Lettau, Matthew Wheaton and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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