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Yang Chu-yuan (755–820) was from Yungchi in Shansi. He served as vice-governor of the southern half of the same province and also as director of studies at the imperial university. The Chinese love to go looking for the first signs of spring, especially the blossoms of such fruit trees as the plum and the apricot. The Royal Woods (Shanglin) consisted of a large tract of pear and chestnut trees planted adjacent to the palace in Ch’ang-an during the Ch’in dynasty. They were expanded during the Han dynasty to well beyond the western suburbs. The Pa River, at the eastern edge of Ch’ang-an, was famous for its willow-lined banks. Yang suggests that the true connoisseur of spring is able to appreciate the willow’s emerging golden catkins without feeling the need to wait for the more ostentatious show to come. In his commentary, Wang Hsiang says this also refers to recognizing men of talent before they become known.

Early Spring East of Town

YANG CHU-YUAN

The best time for a poet is when spring is new

when willows turn gold but not completely

if you wait until the Royal Woods look like brocade

the whole town will be out gawking at flowers