THE BLACK PEONY AND THE WAX TAPER.
(Double Subject for Parallel Verses.)
“His nature is wealthy, so it is a matter of small import to him that he is black.
His will is bent, how long will he remain red?”
There is a double play of words here. The name of peony alludes to the modesty of its position; the peony is sufficiently beautiful not to be afflicted thereby. Red is the aristocratic colour, and, at the same time, the colour of flame. The taper may consider himself a very brilliant object; the time must soon come when its flame must be extinguished, and it will fall back again into obscurity and darkness.
Here is another:
THE DRY BAMBOOS AND THE DEATH OF THE SOVEREIGN.
“Two sticks planted in the ground as drying poles for the red sleeves.
A thousand families weep heavenwards, whilst they put on white garments.”