Kwak Yu. (12th Century A.D.)
In the story of Kwak Yu and Yi Chah Yun we find another example of fine, scholarly friendship. They studied together for the Kwagu, both attained high honors and were both given high positions at court. Yi Chah Yun, however, early laid aside his court robes and donned a hermit’s coarse garments, preferring a life of solitary meditation. Kwak Yu continued in the path of official preferment. The friendship survived even this test. The following poem and the one by Yi Chah Yun on page 46 were written to celebrate a meeting of the friends.
Among the mountains after thirty years
We meet again who in our youth were one.
We toiled together then by candlelight
Until the Horn grew pale, the Willow grey.
But lengthening suns have drawn us far apart.
You turned your eyes away from orchid doors.[1]
The grove of brushes called to you in vain.
Only the blue crane and the silver cloud,[2]
Ever receding, ever drew you on.
Sunset and dawn have been your red brocades,
Moonlight your wine, poured from a lapis bowl.
Now, with my feet upon the bridge of jade,
I pause, I falter, speechless gaze at you.
How may our spirits meet?