Nature
On the Classic of the Hills and Sea
Translated by Florence Ayscough and Amy Lowell (1921) · From Fir-Flower Tablets (1921)
In what place does the cinnabar-red tree of the alchemists seed?
Upon the sun-slopes
Of Mount Mi
It pushes out its yellow flowers
And rounds its crimson fruit.
Eat it and you will live forever.
The frozen dew is like white jade;
It shimmers with the curious light of gems.
Why do people regard these things?
Because the Yellow Emperor considers them of importance.
Codex Note
One of the "Written Pictures" (poems inscribed on Chinese paintings): composed by T'ao Ch'ien; the version on the painting was written out by Li Hai-ku (19th century).
Cite this poem
MLA
Ch’ien, T’ao. “On the Classic of the Hills and Sea.” Translated by Florence Ayscough and Amy Lowell. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/tao-chien/16/.
Chicago
Ch’ien, T’ao. “On the Classic of the Hills and Sea.” Translated by Florence Ayscough and Amy Lowell. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/tao-chien/16/.
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