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On the mountains are the thorny elms, |
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In the low, wet grounds are the white elms. |
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You have suits of robes, |
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But you will not wear them; |
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You have carriages and horses, |
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But you will not drive them. |
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You will drop off in death, |
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And another person will enjoy them. |
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On the mountains is the Kao, |
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In the low wet grounds is the Niu. |
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You have courtyards and inner rooms, |
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But you will not have them sprinkled or swept; |
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You have drums and bells, |
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But you will not have them beat or struck, |
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You will drop off in death, |
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And another person will possess them. |
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On the mountains are the varnish trees, |
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In the low wet grounds are the chestnuts. |
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You have spirits and viands; -- |
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Why not daily play your lute? |
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Both to give a zest to your joy, |
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And to prolong the day? |
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You will drop off in death, |
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And another person will enter your chamber. |
Published
by The Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities, © Copyright 2003
by Anne Kinney and the University of Virginia