To Lord Hu
We shall not ask for the precious pearl of the Duke of Sui, Nor for the priceless jade disk of Master Ho. We merely ask for the recent news of our homeland. The Palace
Tz'u No. 1
To the tune “Courtyard Filled with Fragrance” Fragrant grass beside the pond Green shade over the hall A clear cold comes through The window curtains Crescent moon beyond the golden bars And a flute
Tz'u No. 4
To the tune of “Like a Dream” Last night a sprinkling of rain, A violent wind. After a deep sleep, still not recovered From the lingering effect of wine, I inquired of the one
The Sun Sets in Molten Gold
The sun sets in molten gold. The evening clouds form a jade disk. Where is he? Dense white mist envelops the willows. A sad flute plays “Falling Plum Blossoms.” How many Spring days are
Tz'u No. 16 (Bajiao)
Who planted the Bajiao tree under my windows? Its shade fills the courtyard; Its shade fills the courtyard… Leaf to leaf, heart to heart, Folding and unfolding, It expresses boundless affection. Sad and broken-hearted,
Tz'u No. 10 (Exile)
To the tune of “Bodhisattva Aliens” Soft breezes, mild sunshine, Spring is still young. The sudden change of the light Brightened my spirit. But upon awakening from slumber, I felt the chill air; The
A Morning Dream
This morning I dreamed I followed Widely spaced bells, ringing in the wind, And climbed through mists to rosy clouds. I realized my destined affinity With An Ch’i-sheng the ancient sage. I met unexpectedly
A Friend Sends Her Perfumed Carriage
A friend sends her perfumed carriage And high-bred horses to fetch me. I decline the invitation of My old poetry and wine companion. I remember the happy days in the lost capital. We took
As in a Dream
To the melody of “Ru Meng Lin” Last night in the light rain as rough winds blew, My drunken sleep left me no merrier. I question one that raised the curtain, who Replies: “The
Our Boat Starts At Night
Our boat starts at night From the beach of Yen Kuang. Great ships sail only for profit Only small boats come here because of your fame. The passers-by are embarrassed by your virtue. So
Tz'u No. 8
To the tune of “Rinsing Silk Stream” My courtyard is small, windows idle, Spring is getting old. Screens unrolled cast heavy shadows. In my upper-story chamber, speechless, I play on my jasper lute. Clouds
Tz'u No. 18
To the tune of “Intoxicated in the Shadow of Flowers” Thin mist, dense clouds, a grief-stricken day; Auspicious incense burns in the gold animal. Once again, it is the joyous mid-autumn festival, But a
Tz'u No. 2 (Wine Joy)
To the tune “As in a Dream” I have long remembered The pavilion On the stream The falling sun So deep in wine We did not know The way home How pleasure spent Late
Sorrow
To the melody of “Sheng Sheng Man” I pine and peak And questless seek Groping and moping to linger and languish Anon to wander and wonder, glare, stare and start Flesh chill’d Ghost thrilled
When Night Comes
To the tune of “Telling My Most Intimate Feelings” When night comes, I am so flushed with wine, I undo my hair slowly: A plum calyx is Stuck on a damaged branch. I wake