Ch'u Yuan. The Great Summons : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 11 p. 12 CH'U YAN ("Fourth Century" B.C.) p. 13 THE GREAT SUMMONS "When Ch' Yan had been exiled from the Court for nine years, he became so despondent that he feared his soul would part from his body and he would die. It was then...
Po Chu I. Getting Up Early On A Spring Morning : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 80 [48] GETTING UP EARLY ON A SPRING MORNING "(Part Of A Poem Written When Governor Of Soochow In 825)" The early light of the rising sun shines on the beams of my house; The first banging of opened doors echoes like the roll...
Po Chu I. Escorting Candidates To The Examinati : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 38 [12] ESCORTING CANDIDATES TO THE EXAMINATION HALL (A.D. "805") At dawn I rode to escort the Doctors of Art; In the eastern quarter the sky was still grey. I said to myself, "You have started far too soon," But horses...
Po Chu I. A Mad Poem Addressed To My Nephews : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 87 [54] A MAD POEM ADDRESSED TO MY NEPHEWS AND NIECES (A.D. "835") The World cheats those who cannot read; "I," happily, have mastered script and pen. The World cheats those who hold no office; "I" am blessed with high official...
Po Hsing Chien. The Story Of Miss Li : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 120 p. 121 PO HSING-CHIEN (A.D. "799-831") ("Brother" Of Po-Ch-i) p. 122 p. 123 [65] THE STORY OF MISS LI Miss Li, ennobled with the title "Lady of Ch'ien-kuo," was once a prostitute in Ch'ang-an. The devotion of her conduct w...
Po Chu I. The Spring River : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 70 [39] THE SPRING RIVER (A.D. "820") Heat and cold, dusk and dawn have crowded one upon the other; Suddenly I find it is two years since I came to Chung-chou. Through my closed doors I hear nothing but the morning and evening...
Po Chu I. Life Of Po Chu I : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 34 p. 35 PO CH-I LIFE OF PO CH-I 772 Born on 20th of 1st month. 800 Passes his examinations. 806 Receives a minor post at Chou-chih, near the capital. 807 Made Scholar of the Han Lin Academy. 811 Retires to Wei River, being...
Po Chu I. Fishing In The Wei River : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 50 [22] FISHING IN THE WEI RIVER (A.D. "811") In waters still as a burnished mirror's face, In the depths of Wei, carp and grayling swim. Idly I come with my bamboo fishing-rod And hang my hook by the banks of Wei stream. A gentle...
Ou Yang Hsiu. Autumn : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 149 OU-YANG HSIU "(b. 1007; D. 1072)" p. 150 p. 151 [68] AUTUMN Master Ou-Yang was reading his books 1 at night when he heard a strange sound coming from the north-west. He paused and listened intently, saying to himself: "How...
Po Chu I. Sick Leave : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 40 [14] SICK LEAVE "(While Secretary To The Deputy-Assistant-Magistrate Of Chou-chih, Near Ch'ang-an, In A.D. 806)" Propped on pillows, not attending to business; For two days I've lain behind locked doors. I begin to think th...
Po Chu I. Illness And Idleness : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 52 [24] ILLNESS AND IDLENESS ("Circa" A.D. "812") Illness and idleness give me much leisure. What do I do with my leisure, when it comes? I cannot bring myself to discard inkstone and brush; Now and then I make a new poem. When...
Po Chu I. Good Bye To The People Of Hangchow : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 78 [46] GOOD-BYE TO THE PEOPLE OF HANGCHOW (A.D. "824") Elders and officers line the returning road; Wine and soup load the parting table. I have not ruled you with the wisdom of Shao Kung; 1 What is the reason your tears should...
Po Chu I. Poems In Depression At Wei Village : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 55 [27] POEMS IN DEPRESSION, AT WEI VILLAGE (A.D. "812") I hug my pillow and do not speak a word; In my empty room no sound stirs. Who knows that, all day a-bed, I am not ill and am not even asleep? Turned to jade are the boy's...
Po Chu I. After Passing The Examination : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 36 p. 37 [11] AFTER PASSING THE EXAMINATION (A.D. "800") For ten years I never left my books; I went up and won unmerited praise. My high place I do not much prize; The joy of my parents will first make me proud. Fellow students...
Po Chu I. The Grand Houses At Lo Yang : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 82 [50] THE GRAND HOUSES AT LO-YANG ("Circa" A.D. "829") By woods and water, whose houses are these With high gates and wide-stretching lands? From their blue gables gilded fishes hang; By their red pillars carven coursers run...
Po Chu I. Dreaming That I Went With Lu : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 66 [35] DREAMING THAT I WENT WITH LU AND YU TO VISIT YAN CHN "(Written In Exile)" At night I dreamt I was back in Ch'ang-an; I saw again the faces of old friends. And in my dreams, under an April sky, They led me by the h...
Li Po. Clearing At Dawn : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 33 [10] CLEARING AT DAWN The fields are chill; the sparse rain has stopped; The colours of Spring teem on every side. With leaping fish the blue pond is full; With singing thrushes the green boughs droop. The flowers of the field...
Po Chu I. The Cranes : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 83 [51] THE CRANES (A.D. "830") The western wind has blown but a few days; Yet the first leaf already flies from the bough. On the drying paths I walk in my thin shoes; In the first cold I have donned my quilted coat. Through...
Po Chu I. Prose Letter To Yuan Chen : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 61 [33] PROSE LETTER TO YAN CHN (A.D. "818") Night of the tenth day of the fourth month. Lo-t'ien 1 says: O Wei-chih, 2 Wei-chih, it is three years since I saw your face and almost two years since I had a letter from you. Is man's...
Yuan Chen. The Pitcher : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 118 [64] THE PITCHER (A.D. "779-831") I dreamt I climbed to a high, high plain; And on the plain I found a deep well. My throat was dry with climbing and I longed to drink; And my eyes were eager to look into the cool shaft. I...
Po Chu I. On His Baldness : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 84 [52] ON HIS BALDNESS (A.D. "832") At dawn I sighed to see my hairs fall; At dusk I sighed to see my hairs fall. For I dreaded the time when the last lock should go They are all gone and I do not mind at all! I have done with...
Po Chu I. In Early Summer Lodging In A Temple : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 39 [13] IN EARLY SUMMER LODGING IN A TEMPLE TO ENJOY THE MOONLIGHT (A.D. "805") In early summer, with two or three more That were seeking fame in the city of Ch'ang-an, Whose low employ gave them less business Than ever they had...
Po Chu I. Visiting The Hsi Lin Temple : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 60 [32] VISITING THE HSI-LIN TEMPLE "(Written During His Exile)" I dismount from my horse at the Hsi-lin Temple; I throw the porter my slender riding-whip. In the morning I work at a Government office-desk; In the evening I become...
Li Po. Waking From Drunkenness On A Spring Day : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 30 WAKING FROM DRUNKENNESS ON A SPRING DAY "Life in the World is but a big dream; I will not spoil it by any labour or care." So saying, I was drunk all the day, Lying helpless at the porch in front of my door. When I woke up, I...
Wang Wei. Prose Letter : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 21 p. 22 WANG WEI (A.D. "699-759") p. 23 PROSE LETTER "To The Bachelor-of-Arts P'ei Ti" Of late during the sacrificial month, the weather has been calm and clear, and I might easily have crossed the mountain. But I knew that you...
Po Chu I. The Fifteenth Volume : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 67 [36] THE FIFTEENTH VOLUME "(Having Completed The Fifteenth Volume Of His Works, The Poet Sends It To His Friends Yan Chn And Li Chien, With A Jesting Poem.)" "(Written In 818)" My long poem, the "Eternal Grief," 1 is...
Wang Chien. Hearing That His Friend Was Coming : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 144 p. 145 WANG CHIEN "(c." A.D. "830)" p. 146 p. 147 [66] HEARING THAT HIS FRIEND WAS COMING BACK FROM THE WAR In old days those who went to fight In three years had one year's leave. But in "this" war the soldiers are never...
Po Chu I. To Liu Yu Hsi : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 91 [57] TO LIU YU-HSI (A.D. "838") In length of days and soundness of limb you and I are one; Our eyes are not wholly blind, nor our ears quite deaf. Deep drinking we lie together, fellows of a spring day; Or gay-hearted boldly...
Li Po. To Tan Ch'u : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 32 TO TAN CH'IU My friend is lodging high in the Eastern Range, Dearly loving the beauty of valleys and hills. At green Spring he lies in the empty woods, And is still asleep when the sun shines on high. A pine-tree wind dusts his...
Po Chu I. Song Of Past Feelings : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 94 [60] SONG OF PAST FEELINGS (WITH PREFACE) ("Circa" A.D. "840") When Lo-t'ien 1 was old, he fell ill of a palsy. So he made a list of his possessions and examined his expenses, that he might reject whatever had become...
Po Chu I. To Li Chien : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 44 [18] TO LI CHIEN "(Part Of A Poem)" (A.D. "807") Worldly matters again draw my steps; Worldly things again seduce my heart. Whenever for long I part from Li Chien Gradually my thoughts grow narrow and covetous. I remember how...
Po Chu I. Planting Bamboos : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 43 [17] PLANTING BAMBOOS (A.D. "806") Unrewarded, my will to serve the State; At my closed door autumn grasses grow. What could I do to ease a rustic heart? I planted bamboos, more than a hundred shoots. When I see their beauty...
Po Chu I. Illness : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 98 [61] ILLNESS "(Written Circa 842, When He Was Paralyzed)" Dear friends, there is no cause for so much sympathy. I shall certainly manage from time to time to take my walks abroad. All that matters is an active mind, what is...
Po Chu I. Watching The Reapers : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 41 [15] WATCHING THE REAPERS (A.D. "806") Tillers of the soil have few idle months; In the fifth month their toil is double-fold. A south-wind visits the fields at night: Suddenly the hill is covered with yellow corn. Wives...
Po Chu I. Old Age : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 89 [55] OLD AGE "(Addressed To Liu Y-hsi, Who Was Born In The Same Year)" (A.D. "835") We are growing old together, you and I, Let us ask ourselves, what is age like? The dull eye is closed ere night comes; The idle head, still...
Po Chu I. Invitation To Hsiao Chu Shih : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 68 [37] INVITATION TO HSIAO CH-SHIH 1 "(Written When Governor Of Chung-Chou)" Within the Gorges there is no lack of men; They are people one meets, not people one cares for. At my front door guests also arrive; They are people one...
Po Chu I. Thinking Of The Past : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 85 [53] THINKING OF THE PAST (A.D. "833") In an idle hour I thought of former days; And former friends seemed to be standing in the room. And then I wondered "Where are they now?" Like fallen leaves they have tumbled to the Nether...
Po Chu I. After Collecting The Autumn Taxes : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 71 [40] AFTER COLLECTING THE AUTUMN TAXES From my high castle I look at the town below Where the natives of Pa cluster like a swarm of flies. How can I govern these people and lead them aright? I cannot even understand what they...
Po Chu I. To His Brother Hsing Chien, Who : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 56 [28] TO HIS BROTHER HSING-CHIEN, WHO WAS SERVING IN TUNG-CH'UAN (A.D. "815") Sullen, sullen, my brows are ever knit; Silent, silent, my lips will not move. It is not indeed that I choose to sorrow thus; If I lift my eyes, who...
Po Chu I. Losing A Slave Girl : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 81 [49] LOSING A SLAVE-GIRL "(Date Uncertain)" Around my garden the little wall is low; In the bailiff's lodge the lists are seldom checked. I am ashamed to think we were not always kind; I regret your labours, that will never be...
Po Chu I. To A Talkative Guest : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 90 [56] TO A TALKATIVE GUEST (A.D. "836") The town visitor's easy talk flows in an endless stream; The country host's quiet thoughts ramble timidly on. "I beg you, Sir, do not tell me about things at Ch'ang-an; For you entered...
Appendix : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 154 APPENDIX An essay on Po Ch-i, whose poems occupy most of this book, will be found in "170 Chinese Poems." The fullest account of Li Po's life (with translations) is given in a paper read by me to the China Society...
Po Chu I. Written When Governor Of Soochow : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 79 [47] WRITTEN WHEN GOVERNOR OF SOOCHOW (A.D. "825") A government building, not my own home. A Government garden, not my own trees. But at Lo-yang I have a small house And on Wei River I have built a thatched hut. I am free...
Po Chu I. Rain : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 58 [30] RAIN (A.D. "815") Since I lived a stranger in the City of Hsn-yang Hour by hour bitter rain has poured. On few days has the dark sky cleared; In listless sleep I have spent much time. The lake has widened till it almost...
Po Chu I. Parting From The Winter Stove : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 77 [45] PARTING FROM THE WINTER STOVE (A.D. "822") On the fifth day after the rise of Spring, Everywhere the season's gracious altitudes! The white sun gradually lengthening its course, The blue-grey clouds hanging as though they...
Po Chu I. Going Alone To Spend A Night : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 42 [16] GOING ALONE TO SPEND A NIGHT AT THE HSIEN-YU TEMPLE (A.D. "806") The crane from the shore standing at the top of the steps; The moon on the pool seen at the open door; Where these are, I made my lodging-place And for two...
Po Chu I. At The End Of Spring : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 45 [19] AT THE END OF SPRING "To Yan Chn." 1 (A.D. "810") The flower of the pear-tree gathers and turns to fruit; The swallows' eggs have hatched into young birds. When the Seasons' changes thus confront the mind What comfort c...
Yuan Chen. The Story Of Ts'ui Ying Ying : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 100 p. 101 YAN CHEN (A.D. "799-831") p. 102 p. 103 [63] THE STORY OF TS'UI YING-YING During the Chng-Yan 1 period of the T'ang dynasty there lived a man called Chang. 2 His nature was gentle and refined, and his person of gre...
Po Chu I. The Chrysanthemums In The Eastern : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 54 [26] THE CHRYSANTHEMUMS IN THE EASTERN GARDEN (A.D." 812") The days of my youth left me long ago; And now in their turn dwindle my years of prime. With what thoughts of sadness and loneliness I walk again in this cold, deserted...
Po Chu I. My Servant Wakes Me : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 92 [58] MY SERVANT WAKES ME (A.D. "839") My servant wakes me: "Master, it is broad day. Rise from bed; I bring you bowl and comb. Winter comes and the morning air is chill; To-day your Honour must not venture abroad." When I stay...
Po Chu I. Since I Lay Ill : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 93 [59] SINCE I LAY ILL (A.D. "840") Since I lay ill, how long has passed? Almost a hundred heavy-hanging days. The maids have learnt to gather my medicine-herbs; The dog no longer barks when the doctor comes. The jars in my...
Title Page : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 1 p. 2 p. 3 p. 4 p. 5 MORE TRANSLATIONS "FROM THE" CHINESE BY ARTHUR WALEY NEW YORK ALFRED A KNOPF [1919] Scanned, proofed and formatted , March 2009. This text is in the public domain in the US because it was published pri...
Po Chu I. Lazy Man's Song : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 51 [23] LAZY MAN'S SONG (A.D. "811") I have got patronage, but am too lazy to use it; I have got land, but am too lazy to farm it. My house leaks; I am too lazy to mend it. My clothes are torn; I am too lazy to darn them. I have...
Po Chu I. To His Brother Hsing Chien : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 73 [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...
Li Po. Self Abandonment : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 31 SELF-ABANDONMENT I sat drinking and did not notice the dusk, Till falling petals filled the folds of my dress. Drunken I rose and walked to the moonlit stream; The birds were gone, and men also few.
Li Po. Drinking Alone : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 25 p. 26 LI PO (A.D. "701-762") p. 27 [3-5] DRINKING ALONE BY MOONLIGHT "(Three Poems)" I A cup of wine, under the flowering trees; I drink alone, for no friend is near. Raising my cup I beckon the bright moon, For he, with my...
Po Chu I. Sleeping On Horseback : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 76 [44] SLEEPING ON HORSEBACK (A.D. "822") We had rode long and were still far from the inn; My eyes grew dim; for a moment I fell asleep. Under my right arm the whip still dangled; In my left hand the reins for an instant...
Untitled : * This is not really a sequel to One Hundred and Seventy Chinese Poems [1916], Waley's first book. This, his second work, which stands by itself, includes such famous poets as Ch'u Yan, Wang Wei, Li Po, Po Ch-i and others. Arthur Waley, a life-long Londoner, was one of the leading Chinese scholars...
Starting Early From The Ch'u Ch'eng Inn : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 69 [38] TO LI CHIEN (A.D. "818") The province I govern is humble and remote; Yet our festivals follow the Courtly Calendar. At rise of day we sacrificed to the Wind God, When darkly, darkly, dawn glimmered in the sky. Officers...
Po Chu I. Starting Early From The Ch'u Ch'eng Inn : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 57 [29] STARTING EARLY FROM THE CH'U-CH'NG INN (A.D. "815") Washed by the rain, dust and grime are laid; Skirting the river, the road's course is flat. The moon has risen on the last remnants of night; The travellers' speed...
Wang Chien. The South : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 148 [67] THE SOUTH In the southern land many birds sing; Of towns and cities half are unwalled. The country markets are thronged by wild tribes; The mountain-villages bear river-names. Poisonous mists rise from the damp sands;...
Po Chu I. The Pine Trees In The Courtyard : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 74 [43] THE PINE-TREES IN THE COURTYARD (A.D." 820") Below the hall The pine-trees grow in front of the steps, Irregularly scattered,--not in ordered lines. Some are tall and some are low: The tallest of them is six roods high;...
Li Po. In The Mountains On A Summer Day : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 29 IN THE MOUNTAINS ON A SUMMER DAY Gently I stir a white feather fan, With open shirt sitting in a green wood. I take off my cap and hang it on a jutting stone; A wind from the pine-trees trickles on my bare head.
Po Chu I. Resignation : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 99 [62] RESIGNATION Keep off your thoughts from things that are past and done; For thinking of the past wakes regret and pain. Keep off your thoughts from thinking what will happen; To think of the future fills one with dismay...
Po Chu I. Winter Night : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 53 [25] WINTER NIGHT "(Written During His Retirement In 812)" My house is poor; those that I love have left me; My body is sick; I cannot join the feast. There is not a living soul before my eyes As I lie alone locked in my...
Po Chu I. The Poem On The Wall : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 46 [20] THE POEM ON THE WALL (A.D. "810") "(Yan Chn Wrote That On His Way To Exile He Had Discovered A Poem Inscribed By Po Ch-i, On The Wall Of The Lo-k'ou Inn.)" My clumsy poem on the inn-wall none cared to see. With...
Po Chu I. Lodging With The Old Man Of The Stream : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 72 [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...
Po Chu I. The Beginning Of Summer : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 59 [31] THE BEGINNING OF SUMMER (A.D. "815") At the rise of summer a hundred beasts and trees Join in gladness that the Season bids them thrive. Stags and does frolic in the deep woods; Snakes and insects are pleased by the rank...
Po Chu I. Chu Ch'en Village : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 47 [21] CHU CH'N VILLAGE (A.D. "811") In Hs-chou, in the District of Ku-fng There lies a village whose name is Chu-ch'n-- A hundred miles away from the county-town, Amid fields of hemp and green of mulberry-trees. Click, click...
Introduction : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 9 INTRODUCTION This book is not intended to be representative of Chinese literature as a whole. I have chosen and arranged chronologically various pieces which interested me and which it seemed possible to translate adequately...
Po Chu I. Hearing The Early Oriole : * "More Translations from the Chinese", by Arthur Waley, [1919], p. 65 [34] HEARING THE EARLY ORIOLE "(Written In Exile)" When the sun rose I was still lying in bed; An early oriole sang on the roof of my house. For a moment I thought of the Royal Park at dawn When the Birds of Spring greeted...
