Classical Poetry · LT106

Regulated Octaves

Eight-line regulated verse with strict tonal patterns and antithetical middle couplets.

21works

4dynasties

16authors

Tang

618–90715 works
  1. Spring ViewDu FuBeacon fires have burned through three months; a letter from home is worth ten thousand pieces of gold.
  2. Farewell to Vice-Magistrate Du on His Posting to ShuWang BoIf within the four seas a bosom friend remains, heaven's farthest edge is next door.
  3. Autumn Twilight in the Mountain DwellingWang WeiBright moon shines among the pines; clear spring flows over rocks. Though spring blossoms fade at will, the noble recluse may naturally stay.
  4. Mission to the FrontierWang WeiAcross the vast desert a lone column of smoke rises straight; over the long river the setting sun hangs round.
  5. Visiting an Old Friend's CottageMeng HaoranGreen trees encircle the village edge; emerald mountains slant beyond outer walls. Opening windows toward threshing yards, winecups in hand we talk of mulberries and hemp.
  6. Gazing on Mount TaiDu FuSomeday I shall surely mount the highest peak, and look down upon all other mountains dwarf-small!
  7. Climbing HighDu FuBoundless falling leaves rustle and shower down; unending Yangtze waters surge and roll on. Ten thousand leagues away lamenting autumn, forever a wandering guest; enduring a lifetime of sickness, all alone I climb the high terrace.
  8. The Brocade ZitherLi ShangyinOn vast azure sea bright moon weeps pearly tears; in Lantian under warm sun fine jade generates mist. Could this deep affection wait only to become a distant memory? Even at that very moment, one was already lost in melancholy daze.
  9. Early Departure from Mount ShangWen TingyunCockcrow at thatched inn under the moon; footprints upon the frost of wooden bridge. Oak leaves carpet mountain trails; trifoliate orange blossoms brighten post-station walls.
  10. To the Neighbor Maiden · Easy to Find a Priceless GemYu XuanjiShy of the sun, shielding with gauze sleeves; melancholy in spring, sluggish to dress. A priceless gem is easy to attain, yet rare indeed is a devoted lover. Weeping secretly upon the pillow, broken-hearted amidst flowers. When you yourself can gaze upon dashing Song Yu, why fret over Wang Chang?
  11. Gazing with Sorrow in Jiangling, Sent to Zi'anYu XuanjiMaple leaves in thousand and ten thousand branches; dusk sails move sluggishly past the river bridge. My heart pining for you is like the West River's surge, coursing eastward day and night without ever ceasing.
  12. Seeking Lu Hongjian Without Finding HimJiaoran (Monk Jiaoran)Though his new cottage has moved far, the rustic path winds deep into mulberry and hemp. By the hedge chrysanthemums are newly planted, yet to open in early autumn. Knocking on the gate stirs no barking dog; turning to inquire of the western neighbor, who replies: 'He has gone deep into the mountains, returning each day only when the sun slants low.'
  13. Presented to Grand Tutor QianGuanxiu (Monk Guanxiu)Nobility presses upon a man leaving little freedom; soaring like dragons and rising like phoenixes, the momentum cannot be checked. In the hall fragrant blossoms intoxicate three thousand guests; a single sword chills fourteen prefectures with icy frost.
  14. Inscribed on a Mountain Dwelling's Wall in Late SpringGuanxiu (Monk Guanxiu)The brushwood gate stands in quietude as fragrant millet rice steams; mountain hearth smokes curl as spring rains clear into sunlight. Courtyard flowers bloom in moist mist, streams flowing vast and deep; doves call at the valley mouth under mulberry shades. Only the returning moon above the crystal brook shines its pure, timeless light upon the rustic wooden door.
  15. Early Plum Blossoms · Deep in the Snow of the Front VillageQiji (Monk Qiji)Ten thousand frozen trees seem ready to snap; solitary roots alone awaken with hidden warmth. Deep in the thick snows of the forward village, last night a single branch blossomed into flower. The breeze wafts secret fragrance forth; birds peer down upon its pure white charm.

Song

960–12793 works
  1. Passing LingdingyangWen TianxiangSince ancient times who has escaped death? Keep a crimson heart to shine on bamboo annals.
  2. Visiting Shanxi VillageLu YouWhere mountains multiply and streams double one doubts there is any path; amid shady willows and radiant blossoms emerges yet another village.
  3. Replying to Ziyou's Poem Recalling Old Times at MianchiSu ShiWhat is a life, wandering from place to place? It must be like a flying swan treading on snowy mud.

Yuan

1271–13681 works
  1. Tomb of Prince Yue of EZhao MengfuOver Prince Yue's tomb, desolate grasses sway; under chilly autumn skies, weathered stone beasts lean in decay. The southern refugee court took the empire lightly, while northern elders gazed in vain for the liberating banners. The hero has died—alas, what regret can mend it? The realm split in half and collapsed at last. Sing not this mournful song toward West Lake, for even its bright waters and green hills weep in sorrow.

Qing

1636–19122 works
  1. Random ReflectionsHuang JingrenNineteen out of twenty in this world deserve cold white stares; utterly useless in practical matters is the destitute scholar. Let not poetic lines of sorrow turn into prophetic doom, as spring birds yearn to cry while twilight doors swing shut.
  2. Composed on Setting Out for Exile to Show My FamilyLin ZexuIf it benefits the nation, I would dedicate my life unto death; how could I evade or seek it based on personal fortune or peril? Exiled to remote borders is truly the sovereign's profound grace; nurturing modesty suits a garrison soldier well.