Ch’oi Ch’wun. (867 A.D.—?)
This poet has been named the Father of Korean Literature. At twelve years of age he was sent to the capital of the Tangs. At that time China was reaching the summit of her achievements. Ch’oi graduated with honors at the age of seventeen and became chief secretary to the Chinese General Ko-pyung. Ch’oi became widely known as a scholar and his works were included among the masterpieces of the Tangs. In 885 A.D. he returned to Korea and was appointed chief minister of state. No date is known of his death. It is stated that, when nearly a hundred years old, he disappeared into the hills and became one of the immortals. While away on a military mission General Ko-pyung sent him a gift of tea.
Tea is the flower of Soo. The budding leaves
Fill with their murmur every fragrant garden.
Here, while my golden kettle gently sings,
I brew your gift and slowly sip,
While perfumed steam ascends.
On such a cloud a poet’s spirit soars.
Surely my soul will touch the clouded heights
And come again with sweet immortal songs!
Or why should such a drink—the wine of gods—
Refresh a humble scholar like myself?
There was a time when I would seek in sleep
The plum bloom’s snow to quench my fevered thirst.
And often I have filled this dragon vase
With lilies—flowers of peace—to soothe my eyes.
But now—your gift of tea! I need, no more
To calm my spirit or refresh my dreams.
Slowly I sip and, in the rising steam,
Picture each hour of friendship we have known.
Accept my grateful thanks!