The King Of Ch'In Drinks Wine

Straddling a tiger, the King of Ch'in Roams the Eight Poles, His glittering sword lights up the sky, Heaven turns sapphire. Hsi and Ho whip up the sun With the sound of glass, The ashes of kalpas have flown away, Past and present at peace. From a dragon's head spouts wine Inviting the Wine-Stars, All night the gold-groove zithers Twang and sing. The feet of rain on Dong-ting lake Come blown on the pipes. Flushed with wine, he shouts at the moon It runs back in its course. Beneath dense drifts of silver clouds The jasper hall glows. The Keepers of the Palace Gate Cry out the first watch. In the ornate tower, a jade phoenix sings, Faltering and sweet. From ocean-pongee, patterned in crimson, A faint, cool scent. The yellow beauties reel in their dance. A thousand years with each cup! As fairy candlesticks waft on high A light, waxy smoke, Eyes rapt with wine, those Emerald Lutes Shed seas of tears.