Lyrics from the Chinese

MP3 Audio CD. Lyrics from the Chinese

I. Written in b.c. 718.

It is the Chinese rendering of 'the world well lost.' Possibly, as one Yen Ts'an of the thirteenth century insists, 'intended to show the error of licentious connections.' The gourd has still its bitter leaves, And deep the crossing at the ford. I wait my lord. The ford is brimming to its banks ; The pheasant cries upon her mate. My lord is late. The boatman still keeps beckoning, And others reach their journey's end. I wait my friend. II Written b.c. 826. It is inconsistent with the finest ideal of chastity that a Chinese woman should break her perpetual widowhood. Ah, let it drift, that boat of cypress wood. There in the middle of the Ho. He was my mate, And until death I will go desolate. Ah Mother ! God ! How is it that ye will not understand ? Ah, let it drift, that boat of cypress wood, There in the middle of the Ho. He was my King. I swear I will not do this evil thing. Ah Mother ! God ! How is it that ye will not understand ? III Written in the twelfth century before Christ. It is possibly the oldest drinking-song in the world. The dew is heavy on the grass, At last the sun is set. Fill up, fill up the cups of jade, The night 's before us yet ! All night the dew will heavy lie Upon the grass and clover. Too soon, too soon, the dew will dry, Too soon the night be over ! IV Written b.c. 1121. He protests his loyalty. Within the massive cup of jade The yellow liquid shines ; Our prince is sure a man of men, And splendid are his wines. V Written in the twelfth century before Christ, c. 1121. The morning glory climbs above my head, Pale flowers of white and purple, blue and red. I am disquieted. Down in the withered grasses something stirred ; I thought it was his footfall that I heard. Then a grasshopper chirred. I climbed the hill just as the new moon showed, I saw him coming on the southern road. My heart lays down its load.