Song of the Zither (Li Qi)

Song of the Zither (Li Qi)

The host has wine to cheer tonight,

He bids the zither play—the guest of Guangling.

The moon shines on the city walls, half the crows take flight;

The frost is chill through ten thousand trees, the wind pierces our clothes.

The bronze censer and the splendid candles—the candles burn still brighter;

First he plays *Clear Waters*, then the *Lament of Chu*.

One note is struck and all things fall still;

The four seats are silent, the stars begin to fade.

I am sent on an official mission to the clear Huai River, a thousand leagues away—

Dare I say it: my wandering through clouded mountains begins from this very night.