Three Hundred Ancient Poems (Illustrated Text)

Author: Cao Minggang (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2000-11-01
Features: The published illustrated texts of Tang poetry, Song ci, and Yuan qu have become treasures for many readers due to their integration of images, comments, and annotations. The newly published illustrated text 《》 continues the features of the illustrated texts and also completes a more comprehensive system for them. Poems from the Tang Dynasty and earlier dynasties are collectively referred to as ancient poetry, as they are not regulated by the rules of regulated verse. This includes Shijing, Han Yuefu, the Nineteen Ancient Poems, Tao Yuan, Xie Ling, the Three Caos, the Seven Scholars, Xu Geng, and others. These ancient poems are either simple or extraordinary, expressing their thoughts directly and naturally.
Excerpt:
Shi Jing Cai Hu Liang
Shi Jing Cai Hu Liang, Lan Ze Duo Fang Cao.
Hu Liang: Lotus flower. Lan Ze: Low wet places with orchids.
Cai Zhi Yu Wei Shi? Suo Si Zai Yuan Dao.
Wei (wèi): Give. In ancient times, there was a custom of gifting fragrant grasses to express affection.
Hui Gu Wang Jiu Xiang, Chang Lu Man Hao Hao.
Man Hao Hao: Describes the long journey.
Tong Xin Er Li Ji, You Xiang Yi Zhong Lao.
Tong Xin: Generally refers to love. The Book of Changes, Commentary on the Changes: "When two people are of one heart, their strength can cut through metal."
This is a deeply moving lyrical short poem that expresses the longing of a traveler for his hometown and family. From "Shi Jing Cai Hu Liang," the poet reflects on wanting to pick the lotus to give to someone, and from giving, the thought of the person to whom it is given arises. Then, with "Suo Si Zai Yuan Dao," the poet gazes at his hometown, and finally, due to lamenting separation, sorrow ensues. The poem is full of twists and turns, and the emotions expressed are deeply sincere and poignant. This style of expression is entirely thanks to the poetic techniques of the Chu Ci. The term "Shi Jing" in this poem is the title of a piece in the Chu Ci, and whether in word choice, sentence structure, or artistic conception, the poem carries traces of the Chu Ci.
Zhu Ziqing Explanation of the Nineteen Ancient Poems: The repetitive effect in this poem is easy to see. Yet, the depth of the host's longing is revealed through these repetitions.
Miscellaneous Poem
Cool wind rises in the autumn night,
Clear air dispels the warmth of the heat.
Xuan (xuān): Warm.
Crickets chirp on the steps below,
Moths brush the bright candle.
Qing Lie (liè): Cricket.
The nobleman is far away on duty,
The beauty stays alone.
Qiong (qióng) alone: Solitary.
How long has the separation lasted?
Fire-making materials change with the seasons.
No footprints in the rooms,
Courtyard grasses turn green.
Fang Long (lóng): Rooms, windows.
Green moss clings to the empty walls,
Spider webs spread throughout the house.
Filled with reflections on things,
Deep sorrow twists the heart.
A poem of a woman's grievances.
The charm of the poem lies in its use of the (hōngtuō) technique. Only the lines "The nobleman" and "the beauty" explain the cause of longing, while the lines "separation" and "long" lament its duration. The rest of the lines are descriptions of the environment of solitude: cool autumn wind, dim candlelight, cricket sounds as if pleading, revealing the emptiness and boredom of solitary life, reflecting the poet's lonely and desolate feelings. The courtyard grass is green, the moss-covered walls, and the empty rooms show the prolonged solitude, revealing the deep sorrow and loneliness that arise from reflecting on things. Using subtle techniques to express emotions through scenery, the poem is moving and touching.
Zhong Rong Taste of Poetry: Its origin is from Wang Can. The style is elegant and pure, with few flaws, and skillfully constructs imagery.