Friday, November 2, 2007
OATHS OF FRIENDSHIP
If you were riding in a coach
And I were wearing a li (1),
And one day we met in the road,
you would get down and bow.
If you were carrying a teng (2)
And one day we met in the road
I would get down for you
(1)= peasant's straw hat
(2)= hawker's umbrellaI want to be your friend
For ever and ever without break or decay.
When the hills are all flat
And the rivers are all dry,
When it lightens and thunders in winter,
When it rains and snows in summer,
When Heaven and Earth mingle-
Not till then will I part from you.
CHINESE 1st CENTURY AD, tr. ARTHUR WALEY
Posted by KELLY (: at 4:10 AM