Book III. The Odes of P‘ei: XVII. Ching Nü

XVII The Ching Nü; narrative. A gentleman deplores his disappointment in not being met by a lady according to engagement, and celebrates her gifts and beauty. 1O sweet maiden, so fair and retiring, At the corner I'm waiting for you; And I'm scratching my head, and inquiring What on earth it were best I should do. 2Oh! the maiden, so handsome and coy, For a pledge gave a slim rosy reed. Than the reed is she brighter, my joy; On her loveliness how my thoughts feed! 3In the pastures a t‘i blade she sought, And she gave it, so elegant, rare. Oh! the grass does not dwell in my thought, But the donor, more elegant, fair.