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

BOOK V
THE DECADE OF SEAOU MIN
A Eunuch Complains of His Fate
A few fine lines, at random drawn,
Like the shell-pattern wrought in lawn
To hasty glance will seem.
My trivial faults base slander's slime
Distorted into foulest crime,
And men me worthless deem.
A few small points, pricked down on wood.
May be made out a picture good
Of the bright Southern Sieve.
Who planned, and helped those slanderers vile.
My name with base lies to defile?
Unpitied, here I grieve.
With babbling tongues you go about.
And only scheme how to make out
The lies you scatter round.
Hear me—Be careful what you say
People ere long your words will weigh,
And liars you'll be found.
Clever you are with changeful schemes
How else could all your evil dreams
A.nd slanders work their way?
Men now believe you ; by and by,
The truth found out, each vicious lie
Will ill for ill repay.
The proud rejoice; the suflPerer weeps.
O azure Heaven, from out thy deeps
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