It Is Unbearable to Part with Spring
Song, Qi 1 (998 A.D.-1061 A.D.)
As Spring approaches, the eastern town comes into its full glory. The
lace-like ripples welcome the arrival of passenger boats. The morning clouds,
beyond the misty poplar treetops, are mere wisps. The red blossoms on the tips
of apricot branches revel with Spring spirit. Joy is brief in a life blown by
the winds of fate. Shall I treasure my gold and esteem lightly a beauty's smile?
Let me hold a wine cup for you to persuade the slanting sunshine to illuminate
the flowers a little longer.
1
Zi-jing was Qi Song's other first name. He was the native of An-lu City in
An County. Later, he moved to Yong-qiu (present day Qi County in Henan
Province). In 1024 A.D., both he and his elder brother, Xiang Song, passed the
Advanced Exam. The examiner proposed that Qi Song should be ranked first. The
mother of the emperor, Zhang-xian, thought that the younger should not outshine
the elder. Therefore, she lifted Xiang Song to first place and moved Qi Song to
tenth place.