Page:More Translations from the Chinese (Waley).djvu/58

 [26] THE CHRYSANTHEMUMS IN THE EASTERN GARDEN

days of my youth left me long ago; And now in their turn dwindle my years of prime. With what thoughts of sadness and loneliness I walk again in this cold, deserted place! In the midst of the garden long I stand alone; The sunshine, faint; the wind and dew chill. The autumn lettuce is tangled and turned to seed; The fair trees are blighted and withered away. All that is left are a few chrysanthemum-flowers That have newly opened beneath the wattled fence. I had brought wine and meant to fill my cup, When the sight of these made me stay my hand.
 * I remember, when I was young,

How easily my mood changed from sad to gay. If I saw wine, no matter at what season, Before I drank it, my heart was already glad.
 * But now that age comes,

A moment of joy is harder and harder to get. And always I fear that when I am quite old The strongest liquor will leave me comfortless. Therefore I ask you, late chrysanthemum-flower At this sad season why do you bloom alone? Though well I know that it was not for my sake, Taught by you, for a while I will open my face. [54]