The Jewel Stairs´ Grievance

Cathay 1915

The Jewel Stairs’ Grievance

The jewelled steps are already quite white with dew,It is so late that the dew soaks my gauze stockings,And I let down the crystal curtainAnd watch the moon through the clear autumn.

by Rihaku

Note.—Jewel stairs, therefore a palace. Grievance, thereforethere is something to complain of. Gauze stockings, therefore acourt lady, not a servant who complains. Clear autumn, thereforehe has no excuse on account of weather. Also, she has come early,for the dew has not merely whitened the stairs, but has soaked herstockings. The poem is especially prized because she utters nodirect reproach.

“The Jewel Stairs’ Grievance” From Cathay 1915