A Hundred and Seventy Chinese Poems/Rejoicing at the Arrival of Ch'ēn Hsiung
REJOICING AT THE ARRIVAL OF CH'ĒN HSIUNG
[Circa A. D. 812]
When the yellow bird's note was almost stopped;
And half formed the green plum's fruit;
Sitting and grieving that spring things were over,
I rose and entered the Eastern Garden's gate.
I carried my cup and was dully drinking alone:
Suddenly I heard a knocking sound at the door.
Dwelling secluded, I was glad that someone had come;
How much the more, when I saw it was Ch'ēn Hsiung!
At ease and leisure, — all day we talked;
Crowding and jostling, the feelings of many years.
How great a thing is a single cup of wine!
For it makes us tell the story of our whole lives.