More Translations from the Chinese/My Servant Wakes Me

by Bai Juyi

[58] MY SERVANT WAKES ME

[A.D. 839]

My servant wakes me: "Master, it is broad day.
Rise from bed; I bring you bowl and comb.
Winter comes and the morning air is chill;
To-day your Honour must not venture abroad."
When I stay at home, no one comes to call;
What must I do with the long, idle hours?
Setting my chair where a faint sunshine falls
I have warmed wine and opened my poetry-books.