In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

112 Cantonese Love Songs At first, I was in deadly fear that passion would not penetrate my heart; But once I speak of deep passion I have no regard for what it may lead to. I believe that rare meetings and frequent partings only strengthen passion. Ah! My lord, think deeply about this: If we are day in and day out infatuated with one another, how can we ever be like the Cowherd and the Spinning Girl [i.e. in the legendl.113 Song 37 Flowers Fall Easily Flowers fall easily; and as easily they bloom again. How often can you see so magnificent abloom? I am afraid that such magnificent flowers will not retain their bloom for long. When I think of flowers withering, I wish they had never blossomed; Even the most exquisite of flowers must change. Look at the bloom fallen from its stem. Can it ever be set on its stem again? In the end, if you plant passion's root, the bloom will be more lovely; Yet I fear the twin blossoms of fair flowers will be planted apart. A fresh flower is so beautiful. But I am afraid the vagrant bees will ravish it. The fallen flower, without a master [i.e. without a lover, a protector] will feel herself benumbed. I remember how amid the flowers we swore that our mutual love would be one. How could I, resting on the flowers and dazed with wine, know that you would be as frivolous a lover as Wong Fooi?114 If only we could find and put some questions to the flower-spirit. Ah, a flower in a mirror ... 113 See Songs 12 (Part 3), line 12, note; 18, line 10, note. 114 See Song 20, line 5, note. 112 Cantonese Love Songs At first, I was in deadly fear that passion would not penetrate my heart; But once I speak of deep passion I have no regard for what it may lead to. I believe that rare meetings and frequent partings only strengthen passion. Ah! My lord, think deeply about this: If we are day in and day out infatuated with one another, how can we ever be like the Cowherd and the Spinning Girl [i.e. in the legendl.113 Song 37 Flowers Fall Easily Flowers fall easily; and as easily they bloom again. How often can you see so magnificent abloom? I am afraid that such magnificent flowers will not retain their bloom for long. When I think of flowers withering, I wish they had never blossomed; Even the most exquisite of flowers must change. Look at the bloom fallen from its stem. Can it ever be set on its stem again? In the end, if you plant passion's root, the bloom will be more lovely; Yet I fear the twin blossoms of fair flowers will be planted apart. A fresh flower is so beautiful. But I am afraid the vagrant bees will ravish it. The fallen flower, without a master [i.e. without a lover, a protectorl will feel herself benumbed. I remember how amid the flowers we swore that our mutual love would be one. How could I, resting on the flowers and dazed with wine, know that you would be as frivolous a lover as Wong Fooi?114 If only we could find and put some questions to the flower-spirit. Ah, a flower in a mirror ... 113 See Songs 12 (Part 3), line 12, note; 18, line 10, note. 114 See Song 20, line 5, note. The Songs 113 After all, is it true passion or false love [i.e. substantial or illusory]? Why is it peach-blossoms [i.e. beautiful young ladies] are so ill-fated?115 Song 38 The Butterfly Dream When butterflies dream, they dream of circling round flowers.116 You butterflies lust to ravish famous flowers [i.e. beautiful women] and so your dreams are a violent frenzy. I think when mortal man meets the demon of passion then even his pure dreams will be delirious; 115 'A face like a peach-blossom' ( A[E!Wt1t or tjt1tOO ) is a well-known Chinese phrase. The Tong dynasty (618-907) poet Chui Woo ( 1t~j ) was something of a recluse. However, on Ching Ming festival he decided to take a walk in the country . After some miles he saw a cottage in the distance, surrounded by the most exquisite peace-blossoms. He wondered who lived there. Pretending he was thirsty he knocked on...

Share