139

Huang T’ing-chien (1045–1105) was from Hsiushui in Kiangsi province and was ranked with his mentor, Su Shih (1037–1101), as one of the great calligraphers and poets of the Sung. He was also the founder of the Kiangsi school of poetry and was known for his layered allusions and irregular rhythms. Although some critics consider him too careful in his poetic constructions, and others judge his poetry superficial, he responds here to a poem by Su Shih with a masterful treatment of the simplest of scenes. During his banishment in 1080 to Huangchou, just downriver from Wuchang (Ochou), Su wrote his famous “Red Cliff Ode,” which includes the lines: “the cool breeze on the river / the bright moon above the mountains / the ear turns things into sounds / the eye turns things into sights / the endless treasury of these creators / you and I enjoy together.” Huang also suffered several banishments. On this occasion he was being rusticated farther up the Yangtze to serve as prefect of Chiangling. Stopping in Wuchang, he wrote this poem while looking out onto the lily-covered expanse of the city’s South Lake. Political overtones rise to the surface at the end, where the poet turns his back on the human politics of the northern capital. The South Wind became a common metaphor for benevolent government after Emperor Shun (r. 2300 B.C.) composed the lines: “The touch of the South Wind can relieve my people’s pains.” Also, while the sun’s ecliptic moves north during the summer, the path of the full moon moves south. Some editions wrongly attribute this poem to Wang An-shih.

Written at the South Tower of Ochou

HUANG T’ING-CHIEN

Mountain light meets water light everywhere I look

from the railing I can smell miles of water lilies

the soft wind and bright moon aren’t controlled by man

together from the south they bring something cool