which is by a sixteenth century Chinese poet Hsu Ts'eshu. The translation is a bit ordinary, I'm afraid, but still, a certain leisured charm comes across.
Best
Dave:
When one's heart and hands are idle.
Tired after reading poetry.
When one's thoughts are disturbed.
Listening to songs and ditties.
When a song is completed.
Shut up at one's home on holiday.
Playing the ch'in and looking over paintings.
Engaged in conversation deep at night.
Before a bright window and a clean desk.
With charming friends and slender concubines.
Returning from a visit with friends.
When the day is clear and the breeze is mild.
On a day of light showers.
In a painted boat near a small wooden bridge.
In a forest with tall bamboos.
In a pavilion overlooking lotus flowers on a summer's day.
Having lighted incense in a small studio.
After a feast is over and the guests are gone.
When the children are at school.
In a quiet, secluded temple.
Near famous springs and quaint rocks.
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