confucius

Waterfowl‡ their mates are calling,§
On the islets in the stream.
Chaste and modest maid! fit partner
For our lord (thyself we deem).
⚓
✪

[36]

Waterlilies,* long or short ones,—
Seek† them left and seek them right.
’Twas this chaste and modest maiden
He hath sought for, morn and night.
Seeking for her, yet not finding,
Night and morning he would yearn
Ah, so long, so long!—and restless
On his couch would toss and turn.

Waterlilies, long or short ones,—
Gather,† right and left, their flowers.
Now the chaste and modest maiden
Lute and harp‡ shall hail as ours.
Long or short the waterlilies,
Pluck† them left and pluck them right.
To the chaste and modest maiden
Bell and drum§ shall give delight.