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More Translations from the Chinese, by Arthur Waley, [1919], at sacred-texts.com


p. 42

[16] GOING ALONE TO SPEND A NIGHT AT THE HSIEN–YU TEMPLE

(A.D. 806)

The crane from the shore standing at the top of the steps;
The moon on the pool seen at the open door;
Where these are, I made my lodging-place
And for two nights could not turn away.
I am glad I chanced on a place so lonely and still
With no companion to drag me early home.
Now that I have tasted the joy of being alone
I will never again come with a friend at my side.


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