Desolation - Kao-Shih

I
There was a King of Liang—a king of wondrous might—
Who kept an open palace, where music charmed the night—

II
Since he was Lord of Liang a thousand years have flown,
And of the towers he builded yon ruin stands alone.

III
There reigns a heavy silence; gaunt weeds through windows pry,
And down the streets of Liang old echoes, wailing, die.

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Kao Shih (8th Century) China
Translated by L. Cramner-Byng
Source: A lute of jade: selections from the classical poets of China, rendered with an introduction by L. Cranmer-Byng, 1911