IV. Chien Chia

The Chien Chia; narrative. Some one tells how he sought another, whom it seemed easy to find, and yet could not find him.

1Reed and rush are dark and green;
As hoarfrost the white dew is seen.
Him, the man I have in mind,
By this water I should find.
Searching, up the stream I haste,
On a long and toilsome quest.
Downwards then I turn, and see!
In the midstream standeth he.
He is there but far removed;
Vain has all my searching proved.

2Reed and rush luxuriant rise;
Still undried the white dew lies.
Him, the man I have in mind,
On the stream's edge I should find.
Upwards first my course I keep,
Though the way is rough and steep. p. 144
Downwards then, and what to see?
In the midstream standeth he,
On the islet, far removed;—
Vain has all my searching proved.

3Reed and rush grow thick and tall;
Ceases not the dew to fall.
Him, the man I have in mind,
On the stream's bank I should find.
Upwards first I go along,
But the hard path leads me wrong.
Downwards then my steps I turn,
And in midstream him discern,
On the island, far removed;—
Vain has all my searching proved.