Tao Yuanming: Reading “Mountain and Seas Stories”: Thirteen Poems: No. 4

 

Reading “Mountains and Seas Stories” : Thirteen Poems: No. 4

 

读 “山 海 经”: 十 三 首
丹 木 生 何 许?
迺 在 峚 山 阳。
黄 花 复 朱 实
食 之 寿 命 长。
白 玉 凝 素 液
瑾 瑜 发 奇 光。
岂 伊 君 子 宝
见 重 我 轩 皇。
Du “Shan Hai Jing“: Shi San Shou

(4)

Dan mu sheng he xu ?
Nai zai mi shan yang.
Huang hua fu zhu shi
Shi zhi shou ming chang.

Bai yu ning su ye
Jin you fa qi guang.
Qi yi jun zi bao
Jian chong wo xuan huang.

 

Reading “Mountains and Seas Stories” : Thirteen Poems:    No. 4

Where do these cinnabar trees grow?
On the southern slopes of the Mi mountains.
With yellow flowers and bright red fruit
To eat this fruit would lead to a long life.

The white sap congeals into white jade
Lustrous stones that emit an extraordinary light.
Not only men of noble character treasure it
Emperor Huangdi liked this jade very much.

 

 

Notes:

Emperor Huangdi:  (2711-2599 BC) Legendary ancient ruler also known as the Yellow Emperor. Famous for inventions, including the lunar calendar.