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Liu Yu-hsi (772–842) was from the Grand Canal town of Hsuchou in Kiangsu province. He rose to the position of censor at court but was banished for siding with a group of reformers opposed to the power of the eunuchs, the military, and the aristocracy. This poem is directed against the latter group, though it is conveniently set in the past to avoid political repercussions. In 826 Liu was sent south to serve as prefect of Hohsien. This was one of five poems he wrote while visiting Nanching, not far downriver from his post. During the Six Dynasties (222–589), Red Bird Bridge spanned the Chinhuai River just outside Nanching’s South Gate, and Black Robe Lane was just inside the gate. During the Wu dynasty (222–277) this was the location of Black Robe Palace, named for the black-robed officials who hovered around the court. During the subsequent Chin dynasty (278–419) this was where the powerful Wang and Hsieh clans lived. It was also the location of Laiyentang (Arriving Swallow Hall), where they welcomed visiting relatives. Both of these clans were wiped out at the beginning of the T’ang (618–906). Here, black-robed swallows replace the officials.

Black Robe Lane

LIU YU-HSI

Wildflowers bloom by Red Bird Bridge

the fading light slants down Black Robe Lane

where swallows once lived among Hsiehs and Wangs

they now frequent homes of ordinary people