Sung to the Air: “The Wanderer”
(Composed by Su Wu in the Time of the Emperor Wu of Han)
By Mêng Chiao
Thread from the hands of a doting mother
Worked into the clothes of a far-off journeying son.
Before his departure, were the close, fine stitches set,
Lest haply his return be long delayed.
The heart—the inch-long grass—
Who will contend that either can repay
The gentle brightness of the Third Month of Spring.