nd us, we should humbly
bow to them and say, This extravagant good fortune is an
embarrassment to us. Room is scarce in the infinite sky where
we dwell. For in the springtime flowers come in crowds, and
the busy wings of bees jostle each other. Our little heaven,
where dwell only we two immortals, is too absurdly narrow.

45

To the guests that must go bid God's speed and brush away all
traces of their steps.
Take to your bosom with a smile what is easy and simple and near.
To-day is the festival of phantoms that know not when they die.
Let your laughter be but a meaningless mirth like twinkles of
light on the ripples.
Let your life lightly dance on the edges of Time like dew on the
tip of a leaf.
Strike in chords from your harp fitful momentary rhythms.

46

You left me and went on your way.
I thought I should mourn for you and set your solitary image in
my heart wrought in a golden song.
But ah, my evil fortune, time is short.

Youth wanes year after year; the spring days are fugitive; the
frail flowers die for nothing, and the wise man warns me that
life is but a dew-drop on the lotus leaf.
Should I neglect all this to gaze after one who has turned her
back on me?
That would be rude and foolish, for time is short.

Then, come, my rainy nights with pattering feet; smile, my golden
autumn; come, careless April, scattering your kisses abroad.
You come, and you, and you also!
My loves, you know we are mortals. Is it wise to break one's
heart for the one who takes her heart away? For time is short.

It is sweet to sit in a corner to muse and write in rhymes that
you are all my world.
It is heroic to hug one's sorrow and determine not to be
consoled.
But a fresh face peeps across my door and raises its eyes to my
eyes.
I cannot but wipe away my tears and change the tune of my song.
For time is short.

47

If you would have it so, I will end my singing.
If it sets your heart aflutter, I will take away my eyes from
your face.
If it suddenly startles you in your walk, I will step aside and
take another path.
If it confuses you in your flower-weaving, I will shun your
lonely garden.
If it makes the water wanton and wild, I will not row my boat by
your bank.

48

Free me from the bonds of your sweetness, my love! No more of
this wine of kisses.
This mist of heavy incense stifl