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Chang Yueh (667–731) was a native of Loyang and rose to the rank of prime minister during the reign of Hsuan-tsung (r. 712–756). In 725, the emperor built a new library to house state documents and also put Chang in charge of writing a dynastic history. At the banquet to honor the occasion, the emperor asked Chang to compose a poem using the word lin (forest) to begin the rhyme. The library was in the East Wing, and the Hanlin Academy of scholars was in the West Garden. The Book of Odes and Book of Changes were the two most studied and quoted Confucian classics. The last line’s use of the expression chih-yin (to know another’s tune or voice) refers to the emperor but originated with the wood gatherer Chung Tzu-ch’i, who was the only person who could understand what was in Yu Po-ya’s heart whenever Po-ya played the zither (see also the note to verse 43).

Given the Word “Forest” by His Majesty at the Licheng Palace Library Banquet

CHANG YUEH

In the East Wing’s halls of maps and texts

in the West Garden’s forest of brushes and ink

we chant the Odes and hear the royal directives

we discuss the Changes and observe the moods of Heaven

our posts though humble our roles are vital

well favored and supplied with wine

we compose songs on the coming of spring

exhaust our hearts for the one who knows them