The peach flower and the plum flower have a beauty,
Which flourish in the warmth of sun and shower;
The snow's brief charm is purity and brightness,
It does not claim the sun tints of the flower.
A Maiden's Reverie
T'sin Dynasty, a.d. 265-419
The plum-tree's flower awakens
Thoughts of my lover now,
And I would pluck some blossoms
And send to far Si-chow.
But such a distant region
The flowers might never reach,
While if I go in person,
How great the joy to each!
I'll brush my glossy tresses,
More dark than raven's plume;
I'll wear my plum silk mantle,
And banish tears and gloom.
But where, alack, is Si-chow?
Far in the North, I know;
Oh, when I've crossed the river
I'll ask which way to go!
Ah me, the sun is setting,
Si-chow is far away;
The birds are homeward turning,
I cannot start to-day.
I'll keep an evening vigil
Beneath the cedar-tree
That stands outside the porch-way;
My love may come to me!