Part 16 (1/2)

[66] This is a free translation, yet nearly every word is implied in the original. A crudely literal translation would not reveal the thoughts aroused in the mind of a Chinese reader of the poem.

_The Priest of T'ien Mountain_

BY LI TAI-PEH

T'ANG DYNASTY (A.D. 618-913)

I hear the distant baying of the hound Amid the waters murmuring around; I see the peach-flowers bearing crystal rain, The sportive deer around the forest fane.

The waving tops of bamboo groves aspire In fleeting change the summer clouds to tire, While from the emerald peaks of many hills The sparkling cascades fall in fairy rills.

Beneath the pines within this shady dell, I list in vain to hear the noontide bell;[67]

The temple's empty, and the priest has gone, And I am left to mourn my grief alone.

[67] The temple bell.

_Maidens By the River-side_

BY YUH YONG

THE NORTHERN WEI DYNASTY (A.D. 386-532)

Maidens robed in gauzy dresses, Heads adorned with l.u.s.trous tresses, Nestling pearls in soft caresses, Trip along the river-side.

Where the violet sweet reposes, And the wild flowers group in posies, Fairer than the queenly roses, Through the flowers they conquering glide.

Where the cooling water gushes, Fitful shades of willow bushes Flee and hide among the rushes, Lest the maidens should deride.