The Cowherd and the Spinning-Maid5
By Luh-Ki
Brightly shines the Starry River
Flowing down the Heavenly glade;
From the north-west comes the ‘Herd-Boy’,
From the south-east looks the ‘Maid’.
Quickly waves a white hand shapely,
Sadly smiles her beauteous face,
When she sees her faithful lover
Far across the glittering space.
Arms stretched out towards each other—
With impulsive feet they stand;
Eyes with sorrow’s tears bedewèd—
On the Star-Stream’s shining strand.
But, alas, that bridgeless River
Is the cause of all their pain,
Dooming ‘Spinning-Maid’ and ‘Herd-Boy’
Nevermore to meet again.
Notes
5 According to a Chinese legend the stars K’ien-Niu (Cowherd) and Chih-Nü (Spinning-Maid) are two lovers, doomed by the gods to live on opposite sides of the ‘River of Stars’ (Milky Way). As there is no bridge over this river, the two lovers can only stand afar and gaze at each other. (See note to ‘The Swallow’s Song’.)