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Chin Ch’ang-hsu (fl. eighth century) was a native of Hangchou but has left no other traces than this solitary poem. In some editions, it is entitled “Yichouko” (“Song of Yichou”) and attributed to Ko Chia-yun (T’ang dynasty). While the authorship is a moot point, this alternative title is clearly a mistake, as Yichou was just west of the present oasis of Hami on China’s northwest border, while Liaohsi was just inside the Great Wall along China’s northeast border with Manchuria. The oriole, like the robin, is a harbinger of spring, and the twittering of mating birds only reminds this wife of her separation from her husband.

Spring Complaint

CHIN CH’ANG-HSU

Chase the orioles away

don’t let them sing in the tree

their singing disturbs a wife’s dreams

and keeps her from reaching Liaohsi