The Jade Mountain
TO MY FRIENDS LI TAN AND YÜAN HSI
We met last among flowers, among flowers we parted,And here, a year later, there are flowers again;But, with ways of the world too strange to foretell,Spring only brings me grief and fatigue.I am sick, and I think of my home in the country—Ashamed to take pay while so many are idle.. . . In my western tower, because of your promise,I have watched the full moons come and go.
ENTERTAINING LITERARY MEN
IN MY OFFICIAL RESIDENCE
ON A RAINY DAY
IN MY OFFICIAL RESIDENCE
ON A RAINY DAY
Outside are insignia, shown in state;But here are sweet incense-clouds, quietly ours.Wind and rain, coming in from sea,Have cooled this pavilion above the lakeAnd driven the feverish heat awayFrom where my eminent guests are gathered.. . . Ashamed though I am of my high positionWhile people lead unhappy lives,Let us reasonably banish careAnd just be friends, enjoying nature.Though we have to go without fish and meat,There are fruits and vegetables aplenty.
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