129

Han Yu (768–824) was born into a family of scholars in Menghsien in Honan province. Orphaned at the age of two, he grew up in the family of his elder brother, under whose guidance he received his early education while moving from post to post in the provinces. After finally passing the civil service exam he enjoyed success in the central government—where he eventually rose to the rank of chief minister of the Secretariat—and also in the literary realm, where he was admired as one of the dynasty’s greatest poets and essayists. Han was an ardent follower of Confucian tradition but was adept at adapting it to the times. In his poetry he strove to be clear and concise, and he often used the language of ordinary speech to this end. Here, he portrays a scene in late spring, which many commentators read as a comparison of ostentatious sycophants to simpler officials who have no other means of gaining the court’s attention than through their pure-hearted virtue.

Late Spring

HAN YU

Every plant and tree knows spring will soon be gone

a hundred pinks and purples compete with their bouquets

willow fuzz and elm pods lack such clever means

they only know how to fill the sky with snow