Presented to Counselor Guo

Presented to Counselor Guo

The cave gate, high pavilions—veiled in fading light,

Peach and plum trees cast deep shade, willow catkins take flight.

In the palace, sparse bells ring as official lodges grow late,

In the ministry, birds cry, and clerks are few of fate.

At dawn, jade pendants sway as you hasten to the golden hall,

At dusk, you bear the Emperor's edict and bow at the inner gate.

I long to follow you, but alas, old age will not wait—

I shall lay aside my court robes, bedridden by illness' weight.