A Hundred and Seventy Chinese Poems/Meeting in the Road

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1749581A Hundred and Seventy Chinese Poems — Meeting in the RoadArthur Waley


MEETING IN THE ROAD

In a narrow road where there was not room to pass
My carriage met the carriage of a young man.
And while his axle was touching my axle
In the narrow road I asked him where he lived.
"The place where I live is easy enough to find,
Easy to find and difficult to forget.
The gates of my house are built of yellow gold,
The hall of my house is paved with white jade,
On the hall table flagons of wine are set,
I have summoned to serve me dancers of Han-tan.[1]
In the midst of the courtyard grows a cassia-tree, —
And candles on its branches flaring away in the night."

  1. Capital of the kingdom of Chao, where the people were famous for their beauty.