Chinese and Arabian Literature - E. Wilson - The Search For Mecca

BOOK II
THE DECADE OF PIH H'WA
An Ode Appropriate to a Festivity
The dew lies heavy all around,
Nor, till the sun shines, leaves the ground.
Far into night we feasting sit
We drink, and none his place may quit.
The dew lies heavy, and its gems
Stud the luxuriant, grassy stems.
The happy night with wassail rings;
So feasted here the former kings.
The jujube and the willow-tree
All fretted with the dew we see.
Each guest's a prince of noble line,
In whom the virtues all combine.
The t'ung and e their fruits display,
Pendant from every graceful spray.
My guests are joyous and serene,
No haggard eye, no ruffled mien.
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