Book XI. The Odes of Ch‘in: IV. Chien Chia

IV The Chien Chia; narrative. Some one tells how he sought another, whom it seemed easy to find, and yet could not find him. 1Reed and rush are dark and green; As hoarfrost the white dew is seen. Him, the man I have in mind, By this water I should find. Searching, up the stream I haste, On a long and toilsome quest. Downwards then I turn, and see! In the midstream standeth he. He is there but far removed; Vain has all my searching proved. 2Reed and rush luxuriant rise; Still undried the white dew lies. Him, the man I have in mind, On the stream's edge I should find. Upwards first my course I keep, Though the way is rough and steep. p. 144 Downwards then, and what to see? In the midstream standeth he, On the islet, far removed;— Vain has all my searching proved. 3Reed and rush grow thick and tall; Ceases not the dew to fall. Him, the man I have in mind, On the stream's bank I should find. Upwards first I go along, But the hard path leads me wrong. Downwards then my steps I turn, And in midstream him discern, On the island, far removed;— Vain has all my searching proved.