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Chia Chih (718–772) was born in Loyang and enjoyed a distinguished career under several emperors, all of whom admired his skill in polishing their edicts, a skill he inherited from his father, who served in the same capacity. The son wrote this in late spring of 758 while serving in the Secretariat under Emperor Su-tsung. Although written as a court poem, it was such a good example of the genre that several colleagues responded in the same vein (three such poems follow). Taming Palace housed the royal family and highest offices of the central government in Ch’ang-an. Built on the site of the Han dynasty’s Chienchang Court, it also retained the earlier name. In the first line, courtiers light the sky with their lanterns as they proceed by carriage to the palace. Phoenix Pond was just outside the Secretariat.

Morning Court at Taming Palace

CHIA CHIH

Silver lanterns light the sky along imperial streets

in spring forbidden walls turn bright green at dawn

countless hanging catkins veil the painted gates

a hundred twittering orioles encircle Chienchang Court

the sounds of swords and pendants echo up jade steps

every robe and hat is lined with incense soot

and bathed in waves of grace at Phoenix Pond

and daily stained with ink in the service of our lord