The Old Lute

Of cord and cassia-wood is the harp compounded;

Within it lie ancient melodies.

Ancient melodies -- weak and savourless,

Not appealing to present men's taste.

Light and colour are faded from the jade stops:

Dust has covered the rose-red strings.

Decay and ruin came to it long ago,

But the sound that is left is still cold and clear.

I do not refuse to play it, if you want me to:

But even if I play, people will not listen.

How did it come to be neglected so?

Because of the Ch'iang flute and the Ch'in flageolet.