THE SONG OF A GUITAR(Pipa)
（Seven-character-ancient-verse）
Bai Juyi
One night by riverside I bade a friend good-bye; In maple leaves and rushes autumn seemed to sigh.
My friend and I dismounted and came into the boat; We wished to drink but there was no music afloat.
Without flute songs we drank our cups with heavy heart; The moonbeams blent with water when we were to part.
Suddenly o'er the stream we heard a pipa sound; I forgot to go home and the guest stood spellbound.
We followed where the music led to find the player, But heard the pipa stop and no music in the air.
We moved our boat beside the player's to invite Her to drink at replenished feast by lamplight.
Again we called the urged her to appear until She came, her face half hid behind a pipa still.
She turned the pegs and tested twice or thrice each string; Before a tune was played we heard her feelings sing.