Dried bamboo stalks are generally used as drying-poles in China, and are set up for this purpose in every courtyard. A cross-stick holds up the sleeves of the garments that have been hung out to dry. Numerous families put on white clothes. White is the colour of mourning in China.
There is a contrast between the mourning white and the gay red of women’s garments.
Now, here is a poem of a different kind. In this the object was to place certain words in a position designated beforehand. The words given are “palace” and “battle.” They have to be placed at the end of each verse:—
“The names of old servants is familiar to the parrots of the palace.
The merits of great generals are known to the chargers in battle.”
Another, where the task was to place the words “great” and “autumn” at the beginning of the lines:—
“Great snowfall yesterday made me drink up all my wine.
Autumn rains prevent neighbours, and even the best friends, from calling upon each other.”
I have had to recur to inversion, and so have somewhat spoiled the appearance of these lines to get the words into their right places. Many people will find these pleasures of ours very simple, too simple perhaps. Whatever may be said, they are preferable to gambling. Besides, Europe, which also has her simple pleasures, will not blame us for ours.
