THE CAST-OFF PALACE WOMAN OF CH'IN AND THE DRAGON ROBES
Florence Wheelock Ayscough translation
BY LI T'AI-PO
At Wei Yang dwells the Son of Heaven. The all Unworthy One attends beside The Dragon-broidered robes. I ponder his regard, not mine the love Enjoyed by those within the Purple Palace. And yet I have attained to brightening The bed of yellow gold. If floods should come, I also would not leave. A bear might come and still I could protect. My inconsiderable body knows the honour Of serving Sun and Moon. I flicker with a little glow of light, A firefly's. I beg my Lord to pluck The trifling mustard plant and melon-flower And not reject them for their hidden roots.