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Chou Pi-ta (1126–1204) was from Chi-an in Kiangsi province. As an official, he was known for his unflinching honesty and willingness to criticize policies he thought harmful. On this occasion, which would have been one of the great events in any official’s life, he was summoned to a private audience with Emperor Hsiao-tsung (r. 1163–1189). At the time, Chou was serving in the Hanlin Academy, which was in charge of preparing official documents. It was also called Jade Hall, and during the T’ang, when it was in Ch’ang-an, it acquired the appellation Purple Myrtle Court, after the flowers planted around its courtyard and along the walkways outside. After returning from his audience Chou sees in the crescent moon his own prospects waxing as well. In 1189 he was appointed deputy prime minister; hence, this poem would have been written sometime earlier. Pagoda trees (Sophora japonica) were known for their shade and also for their pagoda-like panicles of fragrant yellow blossoms that bloomed during summer. Thus, they were often planted in front of temples and palaces whenever a deciduous tree was favored over an evergreen. The crows also refer to black-robed officials returning from the palace.

Retiring After Attending a Tea at Hsuante Palace

CHOU PI-TA

Pagoda trees crowd the path crows flock at dusk

a messenger brings a summons to a tea

returning to Jade Hall how can I sleep

with a new crescent moon above the myrtle