[18] Odes, v, 10.
CH’IN CHIA’S WIFE’S REPLY
My poor body is alas unworthy:
I was ill when first you brought me home.
Limp and weary in the house—
Time passed and I got no better.
We could hardly ever see each other:
I could not serve you as I ought.
Then you received the Imperial Mandate:
You were ordered to go far away to the City.
Long, long must be our parting:
I was not destined to tell you my thoughts.
I stood on tiptoe gazing into the distance,
Interminably gazing at the road that had taken you.
With thoughts of you my mind is obsessed:
In my dreams I see the light of your face.
Now you are started on your long journey
Each day brings you further from me.
Oh that I had a bird’s wings
And high flying could follow you.
Long I sob and long I cry:
The tears fall down and wet my skirt.
SONG
By Sung Tzŭ-hou (second century A.D.)
On the Eastern Way at the city of Lo-yang
At the edge of the road peach-trees and plum-trees grow;
On the two sides,—flower matched by flower;
Across the road,—leaf touching leaf.
A spring wind rises from the north-east;
Flowers and leaves gently nod and sway.
Up the road somebody’s daughter comes
Carrying a basket, to gather silkworms’ food.
(She sees the fruit trees in blossom and, forgetting about her silkworms, begins to pluck the branches.)
With her slender hand she breaks a branch from the tree;
The flowers fall, tossed and scattered in the wind.