Part 9 (2/2)

Yet again I longed to hear Ancient chimes on jadestone bell, Drawn forth by the Master's hand From lute he loved so well.

Since the days of Chen and Wei,[39]

When confusion filled the land, Music rare of ancient style Has found but scant demand.

Times and instruments alike, For a thousand years and more, Silent and forgotten lay, And few the loss deplore!

One alone--the priceless lute-- Change and storm and wreck survives, Watching nations rise and wane, As G.o.d of mortal lives.

Music old is now decried, Light songs and ditties sought, Strains insipid, jerky turns, Light and crispy wrought.

Instruments of wood remain, Void of human feelings sweet, Which the soul of ancient song Never more may greet.

Peaceful is the river now, Moon-beams play upon the scene, From the ceaseless din of life Night provides a pleasant screen.

In the silence of this hour, Will you, Master, yet once more, Wen-w.a.n.g's[40] melodies revive, As in the days of yore?

[39] The Wei and Ch'en Dynasties.

[40] Duke Chang, the virtual founder of the Chow Dynasty; Wen w.a.n.g being his posthumous t.i.tle. His son, Prince Wu, was the first ruler of the Chow Dynasty.

_Reflections on the Past_[41]

THIS IS ONLY ONE SECTION OF A LONG POEM BY TAO TSIEN.

The sun went down and cloudless came the night, A gentle zephyr breathed through moonlit skies; And bevies of fair women thronged the Court, The beauty of the starlight in their eyes.

With wine and singing swiftly flew the hours Until the herald of the dawn appeared; But when the music and the rapture ceased, Deep sighs were heard and weird forebodings feared.

Such beauty even in the Halls of T'sin As on this fateful night was seldom seen,-- A l.u.s.trous moon in fleecy clouds it s.h.i.+nes!

A splendid flower amidst the foliage green!

How fair the groups of revellers--fair the scene!

But pleasures such as these must pa.s.s away!

How keen the raptures of those fleeting hours!

What of the burdens of the coming day?

[41] This poem probably refers to the revelries of the Court at the end of the T'sin Dynasty 300-200 B.C., before it was overthrown by the founder of the Han Dynasty.

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