Page:A history of Chinese literature - Giles.djvu/186

174 Her cloud-like coiffure, dishevelled,
 * shows that she has just risen from sleep,

And with her flowery head-dress awry,
 * she passes into the hall.

The sleeves of her immortal robes
 * are filled out by the breeze,

As once more she seems to dance
 * to the "Rainbow Skirt and Feather Jacket."

Her features are fixed and calm,
 * though myriad tears fall,

Wetting a spray of pear-bloom,
 * as it were with the raindrops of spring.

Subduing her emotions, restraining her grief,
 * she tenders thanks to his Majesty,

Saying how since they parted
 * she has missed his form and voice;

And how, although their love on earth
 * has so soon come to an end,

The days and months among the Blest
 * are still of long duration,

And now she turns and gazes
 * towards the abode of mortals,

But cannot discern the Imperial city
 * lost in the dust and haze.

Then she takes out the old keepsakes,
 * tokens of undying love,

A gold hairpin, an enamel brooch,
 * and bids the magician carry these back.

One half of the hairpin she keeps,
 * and one half of the enamel brooch,

Breaking with her hands the yellow gold,
 * and dividing the enamel in two.

"Tell him," she said, "to be firm of heart,
 * as this gold and enamel,

And then in heaven or on earth below
 * we two may meet once more."

At parting, she confided to the magician
 * many earnest messages of love ,

Among the rest recalling a pledge
 * mutually understood;