Page:More Translations from the Chinese (Waley).djvu/72

 [37] INVITATION TO HSIAO CHÜ-SHIH

the Gorges there is no lack of men; They are people one meets, not people one cares for. At my front door guests also arrive; They are people one sits with, not people one knows. When I look up, there are only clouds and trees; When I look down—only my wife and child. I sleep, eat, get up or sit still; Apart from that, nothing happens at all. But beyond the city Hsiao the hermit dwells; And with him at least I find myself at ease. For he can drink a full flagon of wine And is good at reciting long-line poems. Some afternoon, when the clerks have all gone home, At a season when the path by the river bank is dry, I beg you, take up your staff of bamboo-wood And find your way to the parlour of the Government House. [68]