The Orchid Door: Ancient Korean Poems by Tr. Joan S.Grigsby - HTML preview

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A Fishing Song

Han Chong-Yoo. (Date Uncertain)




Beyond the fact that he held high office at court no information is forthcoming as to the life of Han Chong-Yoo, and his literary work seems to have been but slight. The following song, however, gives such a good picture of a staid official off duty that it has seemed worth while to include it.


The light showers whisper on the river plain.

Beyond the reeds I hear a fluted note

From One who plays alone in falling rain.

Grave, as before my king on council day,

In black head band and yellow hempen coat,

I watch for fish that do not come my way.

Who cares! The soft spring breezes touch my cheek.

They bring me perfume from ten thousand flowers.

The sun goes down behind the mountain peak.

The moon, who spreads her wing on upward flight,

Bids me turn homeward. Sweet are wasted hours!

The flute’s note follows through the gathering night.