Chinese Poetry in English Verse (古今詩選)

Dear Land of Flowers, forgive me! -- that I took These snatches from thy glittering wealth of song, And twisted to the uses of a book Strains that to alien harps can na'er belong.

Thy gems shine purer in their native bed Concealed, beyond the pry of vulgar eyes; And there, through labyrinths of language led, The patient student grasps the glowing prize.

Yet many, in their race toward other goals, May joy to feel, albeit at second-hand, Some far faint heart-throb of poetic souls Whose breath makes incense in the flowery Land.

Introductory poem by H.A.G.