To Tan Chi'u

To Tan Chi'u by Li Bai, translated by Arthur Waley

From Translations from the Chinese (Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1919, 1941).

My friend is lodging high in the Eastern Range,
Dearly loving the beauty of valleys and hills.
At green Spring he lies in the empty woods,
And is still asleep when the sun shines on high.
A pine-tree wind dusts his sleeve and coat;
A pebbly stream cleans his heart and ears.
I envy you, who far from strife and talk
Are high-propped on a pillow of blue cloud.