Along Prefect Tao’s fence, As autumn comes, the chrysanthemums colour and bloom. From a forest of a thousand jade-green leaves, With golden scissors, cut a flowering stem. Chasing the buds makes the bee's beard messy; Bravely following, the butterfly's wings are aflutter. Carrying the fragrance, the breeze wafts through the greenness. Tranquil shadows play across the window. Resolutely wavering, the frosty hues, Fresh and graceful, flowers open to the sun. Such scent and beauty were seen at Pengze, What higher praise is there than this?
A Song of the Chrysanthemums
As autumn comes, the chrysanthemums colour and bloom.
From a forest of a thousand jade-green leaves,
With golden scissors, cut a flowering stem.
Chasing the buds makes the bee's beard messy;
Bravely following, the butterfly's wings are aflutter.
Carrying the fragrance, the breeze wafts through the greenness.
Tranquil shadows play across the window.
Resolutely wavering, the frosty hues,
Fresh and graceful, flowers open to the sun.
Such scent and beauty were seen at Pengze,
What higher praise is there than this?
Gong Chengyi
(Tang period, China 618-907)