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

The Songs Song 65 Born Beautiful I have been born so beautiful, Need I fear that no new fish will take my hook? 137 This morning I held a fish in my hand, as its tail thrashed this way and that. Now I have put my fishing rod in its case, and need it no more. If fish and water do not agree, it is because of fate. I know that in the vast ocean there are many fish. Stop jumping round everywhere! An iron net has been spread, If you once escape my hook, I will leave you to roam the seas. Song 66 Not All That Beautiful You are not all that beautiful. Why was I love-smitten when first I saw you? I believe that even before you were born, it was fated you would win my soul; and so in this life you have made me heartbroken. A former life planted the root of this life's sin-debt of flowers and powder [i.e. of courtesans];166 Because of this, risking death I went in search of flowers, and I happened upon this wondrous fragrance. Hundreds of thousands of red powders [i.e. courtesans] have I seen, but none was like you. After I had met you once, I went back and pondered for at least ten days. If they say that the dead will return to life then I will die with you. You have treated me harshly. When I am dead and gone, you will say it is no concern of yours. But not even if someone [i.e. another beautiful person] from heaven came here, would I dare to have lustful desires. 166 See Songs 9, line 5; 35 (Part 3), line 3; 35 (Part 4), lines 8-10; 72, line 6. The Songs Song 65 Born Beautiful 137 I have been born so beautiful, Need I fear that no new fish will take my hook? This morning I held a fish in my hand, as its tail thrashed this way and that. Now I have put my fishing rod in its case, and need it no more. If fish and water do not agree, it is because of fate. I know that in the vast ocean there are many fish. Stop jumping round everywhere! An iron net has been spread, If you once escape my hook, I will leave you to roam the seas. Song 66 Not All That Beautiful You are not all that beautiful. Why was I love-smitten when first I saw you? I believe that even before you were born, it was fated you would win my soul; and so in this life you have made me heartbroken. A former life planted the root of this life's sin-debt of flowers and powder [i.e. of courtesans];166 Because of this, risking death I went in search of flowers, and I happened upon this wondrous fragrance. Hundreds of thousands of red powders [i.e. courtesans] have I seen, but none was like you. After I had met you once, I went back and pondered for at least ten days. If they say that the dead will return to life then I will die with you. You have treated me harshly. When I am dead and gone, you will say it is no concern of yours. But not even if someone [i.e. another beautiful person] from heaven came here, would I dare to have lustful desires. 166 See Songs 9, line 5; 35 (Part 3), line 3; 35 (Part 4), lines 8-10; 72, line 6. ...

Share