Page:A history of Chinese literature - Giles.djvu/181

 ENNUI. His Imperial Majesty, a slave to beauty,

longed for a " subverter of empires ; " * For years he had sought in vain

to secure such a treasure for his palace. ..

BEAUTY. From the Yang family came a maiden,

just grown up to womanhood, Reared in the inner apartments,

altogether unknown to fame. But nature had amply endowed her

with a beauty hard to conceal, And one day she was summoned

to a place at the monarcKs side. Her sparkling eye and merry laughter

fascinated every beholder, And among the powder and paint of the harem

her loveliness reigned supreme. In the chills of spring, by Imperial mandate,

she bathed in the Hua-ching Pool, Laving her body in the glassy wavelets

of the fountain perennially warm. Then, when she came forth, helped by attendants,

her delicate and graceful movements Finally gained for her gracious favour,

captivating his Majesty's heart.

REVELRY. Hair like a cloud, face like a flower,

headdress which quivered as she walked^ Amid the delights of the Hibiscus Pavilion

she passed the soft spring nights. Spring nights, too short alas ! for them,

albeit prolonged till dawn, From this time forth no more audiences

in the hours of early morn. Revels and feasts in quick succession,

ever without a break, She chosen always for the spring excursion,

chosen for the nightly carouse.

1 Referring to a famous beauty of the Han dynasty, one glance from whom would overthrow a city, two glances an empire.

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