More Translations from the Chinese/Going Alone to Spend a Night at the Hsien-Yu Temple

by Bai Juyi

[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 nights could not turn away.
I am glad I chanced on a place so lonely and still
With no companion to drag me early home.
Now that I have tasted the joy of being alone
I will never again come with a friend at my side.