At the Parting Ways
WANG AN-SHIH
A.D. 1021-1086
Social reformer, politician, and literary man, Wang An-Shih has often been called the Father of Chinese Socialism. For many years he enjoyed supreme power as Prime Minister of the Emperor Shen Tsung, during whose reign he introduced a system of state doles to agriculturalists and organised a universal militia for safeguarding the country. He lived long enough to see the whole of his legislation repealed by his successor and rival Ssü-ma Kuang, the historian.
AT THE PARTING WAYS
The west wind ruffles the water
Where the last red blossoms fade,
And the thought of separation
Is stirred by the lute's serenade.
East of the world-piled hills
Our song of parting thrills.
Where the last red blossoms fade,
And the thought of separation
Is stirred by the lute's serenade.
East of the world-piled hills
Our song of parting thrills.