More Translations from the Chinese/Losing a Slave-Girl

by Bai Juyi

[49] LOSING A SLAVE-GIRL

[Date uncertain]

Around my garden the little wall is low;
In the bailiff's lodge the lists are seldom checked.
I am ashamed to think we were not always kind;
I regret your labours, that will never be repaid.
The caged bird owes no allegiance;
The wind-tossed flower does not cling to the tree.
*********
Where to-night she lies none can give us news;
Nor any knows, save the bright watching moon.