Spring Night In The Imperial Chancellery

Evening falls on palace walls shaded by flowering trees, with cry of birds

flying past on their way to roost. The stars quiver as they look down on the

myriad doors of the palace, and the moon's light increases as she moves into

the ninefold sky. Unable to sleep, I seem to hear the sound of the bronze-clad

doors opening for the audience, or imagine the sound of bridle-bells bourne

upon the wind. Having a sealed memorial to submit at tomorrow's levee, I make

frequent inquiries about the progress of the night.

                Tu Fu (tr. Hawkes)