IN DAYS OF OLD

In days of old there were many blossom boys -
  An Ling and Long Yang.
Young peach and plum blossoms,
  Dazzling with glorious brightness.
Joyful as nine springtimes;
  Pliant as if bowed by autumn frost.
 
Roving glances gave rise to beautiful seductions;
  Speech and laughter expelled fragrance.
Hand in hand they shared love's rapture,
  Sharing coverlets and bedclothes.
 
Couples of birds in flight,
  Paired wings soaring.
Cinnabar and green pigments record a vow:
  "I'll never forget you for all eternity."


Ruan Ji (China, 210-263 A.D.)