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

 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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