The sun has set behind the western slope,
The eastern moon lies mirrored in the
pool;
With streaming hair my balcony I ope,
And stretch my limbs out to enjoy the
cool.
Loaded with lotus-scent the breeze sweeps by,
Clear dripping drops from tall bamboos
I hear,
I gaze upon my idle lute and sigh:
Alas no sympathetic soul is near!
And so I doze, the while before mine eyes
Dear friends of other days in dream-clad
forms arise.
Meng Hao-jan A.D. 689-740