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Li He (790-816), Bring in the Wine

In goblets of lapis lazuli,
an amber dark and strong,
from small casks the wine dribbles down
in pearls of red.
Stew a dragon, roast a phoenix,
let tears of marble fat be shed;
mesh curtains and broidered arras
enfold an aromatic breeze.

Blow dragon fifes,
strike lizard-skin drums,
gleaming teeth sing,
frail waists dance.
Now most of all in the green of spring
with the sun about to set,
and a tumult of peach blossoms falling,
rainstorms of red.
I urge you to spend this whole day through
reeling drunk,
for wine will never reach the soil
of the grave of Liu Ling.

 

translation: I found this fine translation unattributed; I am trying to find the name of the translator for attribution.

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