More Translations from the Chinese, by Arthur Waley, [1919], at sacred-texts.com
[49] LOSING A SLAVE-GIRL
(Date uncertain)
Around my garden the little wall is low;
In the bailiff's lodge the lists are seldom checked.
I am ashamed to think we were not always kind;
I regret your labours, that will never be repaid.
The caged bird owes no allegiance;
The wind-tossed flower does not cling to the tree.
Where to-night she lies none can give us news;
Nor any knows, save the bright watching moon.