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Lazy Cloud’s Nest 1

Ali Hsiying (late Yüan)

write poems when I’m sober, and sing when I’m drunk

I leave my fancy lute untuned,

throw down my book, and sleep.

I don’t dream dreams of empire

to have a little idle time is good enough

the sun and moon race like the weaver’s shuttle

wealth and rank are blossoms, bloom and fall

spring goes

why not enjoy it?

Translated by Jerome P. Seaton

 

Ali Hsiying was a Moslem, the son of Ali Haiyai.

 

Lazy Cloud’s Nest 2

Ali Hsiying

If someone came what would I do

dozing here with my clothes on

completely at ease, feeling frisky

human life? What can you say

rank is above me a bit

wealth, I don’t need it

haha, you laugh

I laugh, haha.

Translated by Jerome P. Seaton