TWO POEMS WRITTEN AS PARTING GIFTS TO TS'UI (THE OFFICIAL) OF CH'IU PU

BY LI T'AI-PO

I love Ts'ui of Ch'iu Pu.

He follows the ways of the Official T'ao.

At his gate, he has planted five willow-trees,

And on either side of the well, crowding it between them, stand two wu-t'ung trees.

Mountain birds fly down and listen while he transacts business;

From the eaves of his house, flowers drop into the midst of his wine.

Thinking of my Lord, I cannot bear to depart.

My thoughts are melancholy and endless.