While Roses Fall

WANG WEI

A.D. 699-759

A celebrated poet and doctor who served two masters, the Emperor Ming Huang and the rebel general An Lu-Shan, and was eventually appointed governor of a province by the Emperor Su-tsung. It is recorded of An Lu-Shan that he once asked him what kind of animal a poet was, and what purpose he served. Wang Wei shortly afterwards had his revenge when, called upon to sing at a rebel banquet, he improvised verses in honour of his former patron Ming Huang.

WHILE ROSES FALL

Dawn after dawn the last doth nearer bring.
Ah! what avails the shy return of spring?
Then fill the wine-cup of to-day and let
Night and the roses fall, while we forget.