THE MASTER OF THE FIVE WILLOWS, AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Translated by Arthur Waley
It is not known where he came from nor what was his real name. But because five willow-trees grew beside his house he was called the Master of the Five Willows. He was a quiet soul, content to pass through life without comment or ambition.
Though he loved reading he never probed for hidden meanings; but when they revealed themselves to him his joy was such that he forgot his dinner.
He loved wine, but could seldom afford it. His friends knew this and used to send for him whenever they had opened a cask. On such occasions he went on drinking steadily till he felt himself getting fuddled; then he went away. For he never stayed anywhere longer than he wished to nor left sooner than he chose.
The walls of his ruined house protected him neither from wind or rain; his short jacket was tattered and tied in knots; his bowl was often empty and his platter bare.
Yet his books—written only to please himself and give the world a few of his ideas—brought him happiness enough.
Thus heedless of failure, scornful of success, the Master lived and died.
By T'ao Ch'ien,
Called the Master of the Five Willows.
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