Part 9 (1/2)

From my high castle I look at the town below Where the natives of Pa cl.u.s.ter like a swarm of flies.

How can I govern these people and lead them aright?

I cannot even understand what they say.

But at least I am glad, now that the taxes are in, To learn that in my province there is no discontent.

I fear its prosperity is not due to me And was only caused by the year's abundant crops, The papers that lie on my desk are simple and few; My house by the moat is leisurely and still.

In the autumn rain the berries fall from the eaves; At the evening bell the birds return to the wood.

A broken sunlight quavers over the southern porch Where I lie on my couch abandoned to idleness.

[41] LODGING WITH THE OLD MAN OF THE STREAM

[_A.D. 820_]

Men's hearts love gold and jade; Men's mouths covet wine and flesh.

Not so the old man of the stream; He drinks from his gourd and asks nothing more.

South of the stream he cuts firewood and gra.s.s; North of the stream he has built wall and roof.

Yearly he sows a single acre of land; In spring he drives two yellow calves.

In these things he finds great repose; Beyond these he has no wish or care.

By chance I met him walking by the water-side; He took me home and lodged me in his thatched hut.

When I parted from him, to seek market and Court, This old man asked my rank and pay.

Doubting my tale, he laughed loud and long: ”Privy Councillors do not sleep in barns.”

[42] TO HIS BROTHER HSING-CHIEN

[_A.D. 820_]

Can the single cup of wine We drank this morning have made my heart so glad?

This is a joy that comes only from within, Which those who witness will never understand.

I have but two brothers And bitterly grieved that both were far away; This Spring, back through the Gorges of Pa, I have come to them safely, ten thousand leagues.

Two sisters I had Who had put up their hair, but not twined the sash;[1]

Yesterday both were married and taken away By good husbands in whom I may well trust.

I am freed at last from the thoughts that made me grieve, As though a sword had cut a rope from my neck.

And limbs grow light when the heart sheds its care: Suddenly I seem to be flying up to the sky!

Hsing-chien, drink your cup of wine Then set it down and listen to what I say.

Do not sigh that your home is far away; Do not mind if your salary is small.

Only pray that as long as life lasts, You and I may never be forced to part.

[1] I.e., got married.