Page:Morley--Translations from the Chinese.djvu/33

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23

ADVICE TO THOSE HIRING
YOUNG MANDARINS

WHEN I was private adviser
To Her Celestial Serenity The Empress
It was my duty
To interview young mandarins
Applying for important positions.
I always chose those who were shy,
For shyness in a youth
Is commendable.
It is a sign that he is aware
This is a perplexing world
And it is not well to uncover
His golden soul
To those who would not understand it.