Gems of Chinese Literature/Chou Tun-I-The Language of Flowers

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Gems of Chinese Literature (1922)
translated by Herbert Allen Giles

The Language of Flowers by Chou Tun-I

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CHOU TUN-I.

a.d. 1017-1073

[A distinguished military commander, of whom it was said that he could judge of the number of an enemy by the accompanying cloud of dust. Both he and his son were slain in battle.]

Chou Tun-I1524228Gems of Chinese Literature — The Language of Flowers1922Herbert Allen Giles

LOVERS of flowering plants and shrubs we have had by scores, but T‘ao Yüan-ming (q.v.) alone devoted himself to the chrysanthemum. Since the opening days of the T‘ang dynasty, it has been fashionable to admire the peony; but my favourite is the water-lily. How stainless it rises from its slimy bed! How modestly it reposes on the clear pool―an emblem of purity and truth! Symmetrically perfect, its subtle perfume is wafted far and wide; while there it rests in spotless state, something to be regarded reverently from a distance, and not to be profaned by familiar approach.

In my opinion, the chrysanthemum is the flower of retirement and culture; the peony, the flower of rank and wealth; the water-lily, the Lady Virtue sans pareille.

Alas! few have loved the chrysanthemum since T‘ao Yüan-ming; and none now love the water-lily like myself; whereas the peony is a general favourite with all mankind.