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The Songs 141 So as not to be like duckweed which shows its face for all to see [i.e. like common prostitutes (as opposed to courtesans) exposing themselves for sale].173 Song 70 Half a Life's Bitterness174 Half a life's bitterness - both of us know well what this means. Why after all this bitterness have we no happiness? Tell me how will it all end. Since I first became aware of myself I knew that life was not easy. I hope when I have carried my burden through this world I will have heart's delight. Could I have ever thought that before I paid my debt I would sink to the region of flower and powder [i.e. to the houses of entertainment ]? We drift on the rivers and lakes in all directions; Fate has decreed my poignant bitterness, and I am indignant. Ah! Woe is me! I cannot put up with it. Do not talk about the past; I do not want to spend the rest of my life sunk in this sea of bitterness from which there is almost no escape.175 Song 71 It Is Hard to Conduct Oneself It is hard to conduct oneself. Never a day free from care. Though I love you sincerely, you are not aware of it. For you I weep and sigh the whole day long. I have thought about what it would mean to spend the rest of my days like this. Do you think such a life means anything for me? 173 See Songs 12 (Part 4), line 2, note; 35 (Part 2), line 14; 52, line 4; 54, line 6. 174 See Song 41, line 9. 175 See Song 1 (Part 1), line 3. The Songs 141 So as not to be like duckweed which shows its face for all to see [i.e. like common prostitutes (as opposed to courtesans) exposing themselves for sale].173 Song 70 Half a Life's Bitterness174 Half a life's bitterness - both of us know well what this means. Why after all this bitterness have we no happiness? Tell me how will it all end. Since I first became aware of myself I knew that life was not easy. I hope when I have carried my burden through this world I will have heart's delight. Could I have ever thought that before I paid my debt I would sink to the region of flower and powder [i.e. to the houses of entertainment ]? We drift on the rivers and lakes in all directions; Fate has decreed my poignant bitterness, and I am indignant. Ah! Woe is me! I cannot put up with it. Do not talk about the past; I do not want to spend the rest of my life sunk in this sea of bitterness from which there is almost no escape.175 Song 71 It Is Hard to Conduct Oneself It is hard to conduct oneself. Never a day free from care. Though I love you sincerely, you are not aware of it. For you I weep and sigh the whole day long. I have thought about what it would mean to spend the rest of my days like this. Do you think such a life means anything for me? 173 See Songs 12 (Part 4), line 2, note; 35 (Part 2), line 14; 52, line 4; 54, line 6. 174 See Song 41, line 9. 175 See Song 1 (Part 1), line 3. 142 Cantonese Love Songs You have told me that with a true heart I should treat all men; but this is not easy. When once I see you my lord, 0 my lord, I do not want to miss our wedding day. Never say that the Pearl River176 [i.e. by metonymy, those of the Pearl River flower-boats] is an unfeeling place. Today for 'passion's' sake I am entangled and therefore am so infatuated ; When you speak, why do you treat us so callously? I blame you because even when you are face to face with me your thoughts are far away; If you will keep me in your mind, I will keep you in mine. Ah, do not hate me; Be constant from beginning to end. When in the flower and powder groves [i.e. in the house of entertainment ] you can understand us women. Song 72 Utterly Helpless I am utterly helpless. I have driven myself mad by thinking about it. Middle-age quickly silvers our...

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