Confucius (551-479 BC)

At Fifteen


The Master said, “At fifteen, I had my mind bent on learning.

”At thirty, I stood firm.

“At forty, I had no doubts.

”At fifty, I knew the decrees of Heaven.

”At sixty, my ear was an obedient organ for the reception of truth.

“At seventy, I could follow what my heart desired, without
transgressing what was right.”

Yang Wanli (1127-1206)

Reading by the Window



I idly open a book of T'ang poems
and find a petal of peach blossom, still fresh.
I remember taking this book with me
to read among the flowers
and realize that another year has passed.


Yang Wanli

Wang Bo (649-676)

FAREWELL TO VICE-PREFECT DU
SETTING OUT FOR HIS OFFICIAL POST IN SHU



By this wall that surrounds the three Qin districts,
Through a mist that makes five rivers one,
We bid each other a sad farewell,
We two officials going opposite ways....
And yet, while China holds our friendship,
And heaven remains our neighbourhood,
Why should you linger at the fork of the road,
Wiping your eyes like a heart-broken child?

Tao Chien (365-427)

Success and failure? No known address.
This or that goes on, depending on the other.
And who can say if Milord Shao was happier
ruling a city, or sacked, his excellent melon patch?
Hot, cold, summer, winter: don't they alternate?
Mayn't a man's way wander on just so?
Yes, those who "get there" know their opportunities...
have learned to untie the knots of knowledge.
But was it the notable or the notorious that our Sage spoke of?
The latter he called opportunists. Those who get there, doubtless,
know doubt nor care no more. Yet, doubt you not, nor do dead generals,
who plotted carefully at what seemed opportune,
and knew naught, right or wrong.
If, of a sudden, you're offered fine wine,
let the sun sink. Enjoy it.

Han Yu (768-824)

Snow in Spring
Han Yu

The new year's come, but still the plants don't grow,
First in March I'm startled by grass shoots.
The white snow thinks the colours of spring are late,
So through the pavilion and trees it flies like blossom.

Liu Changqing (714-790)

To a Poet Monk
Liu Changqing

The Bamboo Groves Temple
stands amidst the deep green,
the temple bell carrying
the evening far
in a breeze.
A straw hat fastening
the setting sun,
you retreat alone
into the blue.
distant mountains.

Daini no Sanmi, Lady Kataiko (999-1082)

Daini no Sanmi, Lady Kataiko

As Mount Arima
Sends its rustling winds across
Ina's bamboo plains,
I will be just as steadfast
And never will forget you.

Du Fu (712-770)

Clearing Rain
Du Fu

The sky's water has fallen, and autumn clouds are thin,
The western wind has blown ten thousand li.
This morning's scene is good and fine,
Long rain has not harmed the land.
The row of willows begins to show green,
The pear tree on the hill has little red flowers.
A hujia pipe begins to play upstairs,
One goose flies high into the sky.

Lady Murasaki Shikibu (973-1014)

Lady Murasaki Shikibu

Meeting on the path:
But I cannot clearly know
If it was he,
Because the midnight moon
In a cloud had disappeared.