Venice masks

Monday 22 September 2014

No one can please forever - Zhang Hua

No one can please forever; affection cannot be for one alone;
if it be so, it will one day end in disgust.
When love has reached its highest pitch, it changes its object;
for whatever has reached fullness must needs decline.
This law is absolute.
The 'beautiful wife who knew herself to be beautiful' was soon hated.
If by a mincing air you seek to please, wise men will abhor you.
From this cause truly comes the breaking of favour's bond.

Zhang Hua (232 - 300) China
Source: British Museum Chinese Love Poetry edited by Jane Portal, British Museum Press, 2004
From Admonitions of the Court Instructress

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