I. Yüan Ch‘iu

The Yüan Ch‘iu; narrative. The dissipation and pleasure seeking of the officers of Ch‘ên.

1How gay and volatile you are,
  When upon Yüan Ch‘iu’s top you stand!
Kindly you are indeed, but want
  All that would men's respect command.

2How at the foot of Yüan Ch‘iu’s height
  Your blows upon the drum resound!
In winter and in summer, there
  With egret's plume in hand you're found.

3To Yüan Ch‘iu as you move along,
  You beat your sounding earthenware.
In winter and in summer both,
  Your fan of egret's plumes you bear.