Page:A history of Chinese literature - Giles.djvu/196

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1 84 CHINESE LITERATURE

The bright river, unfathomable.

The rare flower just opening,

The parrot of the -verdant spring,

The willow-trees, the terrace,

The stranger from the dark hills,

The cup overflowing with clear wine. . .

Oh, for life to be extended,

With no dead ashes of writing,

Amid the charms of the Natural,

Ah, who can compass iff"

xiv. CLOSE WOVEN.

" In all things there are veritable atoms t Though the senses cannot perceive them, Struggling to emerge into shape From the wondrous workmanship of God. W ater flowing, flowers budding, The limpid dew evaporating, An important road, stretching far, A dark path where progress is slow. . So words should not shock, Nor thought be inept, But be like the green of spring^ Like snow beneath the moon" *

xv. SECLUSION

" Following our own bent, Enjoying the Natural, free from curb % Rich with what comes to hand, Hoping some day to be with God. To build a hut beneath the pines, With uncovered head to pore over poetry^ Knowing only morning and eve, But not what season it may be. . . . Then, if happiness is ours, Why must there be action ? If of our own selves we can reach this point % Can we not be said to have attained ?"

1 Each invisible atom of which combines to produce a perfect whole.

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