负负吟

“There are four sights most deserving of praise in the world; that of the snow, the moon, the wind, and the bloom. Yet their beauty only hides an invariable truth, that nothing gold can stay.

“The snow is pure but fleeting to touch. Come too close, hold too tight, you destroy that which you love. The moon is steadfast but unfeeling, aloof. What can a rock that shines on high know of human woe? The wind is free and travels a thousand miles a day. See how it blows from north to south, the pain of two hearts apart. The bloom is born from tender care and nurtured like a child. He who sows the seed is forever cursed to watch it one day wilt.

“These stories have been written countless times by the scholar’s brush. People come and people go, but the lament remains the same; no joy is greater than a promise made, no pain deeper than hope betrayed.”

A collection of four independent tragedies on the themes of snow, moon, wind and bloom. Inspired by Ming Dynasty history; written and translated in the huaben style.