Page:More Translations from the Chinese (Waley).djvu/99

 '' Why should you not use my song to gladden your casual cup? Need you in one morning send both away,
 * Send them away never to return?

This is what Su would say to you before she goes, And this is what your horse meant also
 * When he neighed at the gate.

Seeing my distress, who am a woman, And hearing its cries, that is but a horse, Shall our master alone remain pitiless?" ''

I looked up and sighed: I looked down and laughed. Then I said:

'' "Dear horse, stop your sad cries! Sweet Su, dry your bitter tears! For you shall go back to your stall; And you to the women's room. For though I am ill indeed, And though my years are at their close, The doom of Hsiang Chi has not befallen me yet. Must I in a single day Lose the horse I rode and the lady I loved? Su, O Su! Sing once again the Song of the Willow Branch! And I will pour you wine in that golden cup And take you with me to the Land of Drunkenness." '' [95]