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The Lament in a Boudoir

Wang, Chang-ling (?-756?A.D.)

The young wife in her boudoir did not feel sorrow.
On a spring day, dressed in splendid attire, she ascended the green tower.
When she suddenly saw the greenness of the willow trees 1 along the street,
She regretted letting her husband seek an official rank 2.




1 The youth of the willow trees reminded her that her own youth was being wasted.

2 In ancient China, one who sought a high-ranking government position had to go to the capital to take the Advanced Exam.