THE SONG OF WO HOU

List, O list to the song I sing

To the varying note of the sighing breeze

Blowing in cool, refreshing waves

From the endless realm of the seven seas:

Waste not life in pursuit of war,

Holding the nations for one short day,

For the death of the king destroys the realm

Which vanishes like the great Mongol's sway.

Nor hoard up silver in thy vaults,

For the silver once spent, the pleasure is passed,

Or before it is spent, we will mourn thy death:

In the world, neither conquest nor silver last.

Seek, O seek but an hour's joy;

Pleasure and love though they may not endure

Will soothe life's sorrow and bitterness —

The present alone of all time is sure!

Live in the circle of mine arms;

Live in the light of the love in mine eye;

Live in the music of my song;

And, as the music of my song — die!