Category Archives for Translation
Excerpt from the Rhapsody on the Capital of Shu
Yang Xiong of the Han dynasty Excerpt from the Rhapsody on the Capital of Shu …Thus, The Five Grains are abundant, The squashes and gourds, aplenty, and The many plants yield thatch and … Continue reading
Thomas Garway’s Broadsheet Advertisement for Tea, circa 1668
“An Exact Description of the Growth, Quality, and Vertues of the Leaf TEA, by Thomas Garway in Exchange Alley, near the Royal Exchange in London, Tobacconist, and Seller and Retailer of TEA and COFFEE. Tea is generally brought from … Continue reading
Ascending the White Rabbit Pavilion in Chengdu
Zhang Zai of the Western Jin Ascending the White Rabbit Pavilion in Chengdu Corners bind the city’s inner walls, Wing swept eaves mount storied pagodas. Rooftops pierce the heavenly clouds, Tall spires ascend into the … Continue reading
The Accomplished Man
Zuo Si of the Jin dynasty Poem Eight from Eight Poems on History Flap, flap, a caged bird Beating wings against four corners. Aloof, aloof, the backstreet scholar, A brooding shadow kept to an empty … Continue reading
Characteristics of the Tea Leaf, 1653 A.D.
Martino Martini of the Society of Jesus Characteristics of the Tea Leaf There is nothing superior to the famous tea leaf. To satisfy the curious reader and students of … Continue reading
Report Submitted to the Commandant
Choe Chiwon of the Silla dynasty Report Submitted to the Commandant Wondering, “who from Within the Seas cares for one from without?” I then … Continue reading
Spoiled Daughters
Zuo Si (250-305 A.D.) of the Western Jin dynasty Spoiled Daughters In my house there is a … Continue reading
A Song of Drinking Tea to Chide the Envoy Cui Shi
Jiaoran (730-799 A.D.) of the Tang dynasty A Song of Drinking Tea to Chide the Envoy Cui Shi The man from Yüe presented me with … Continue reading
Tea Stove
Zhu Xi 朱熹 (1130-1200 A.D.) of the Southern Song Dynasty Tea Stove Old Immortal unveils a stone stove Right in the middle of the water. Tea drunk, our skiffs drift together. The scent of tea…lingering … Continue reading
Discourse on the Selflessness of the Superior Man
Xi Kang of the Wei Dynasty Discourse on the Selflessness of the Superior Man The heart of the Superior Man is indifferent to right and … Continue reading
Immortal’s Palm Tea: Preface and Poem
Immortal’s Palm Tea: Preface and Poem* Li Bo (701-762 A.D.) of the Tang dynasty I have heard of Jade Spring Temple near the clear streams and serried hills of Jingzhou, where all the mountain grottos … Continue reading
Happy for the Arrival of Lu Yü
Li Ye (713-784 A.D.) of the Tang dynasty Lying Ill above the Lake, Happy for the Arrival of Lu Yü Parting many wintry moons ago, You now come in bitter spring mists, Happening upon … Continue reading