The Mountain Spirit
Qu Yuan
Fragrant dress and mutual desire
Give the mountain's fragrance to the one you await.
Vines, a glance, a smile, animal companions and a fragrant gift create an active self-presentation.
若有人兮山之阿，被薜荔兮带女萝。
There seems to be someone in a fold of the mountain, clad in creeping fig with a sash of nǚluó vine.
既含睇兮又宜笑，子慕予兮善窈窕。
With a sidelong glance and a charming smile, I know you admire my graceful beauty.
乘赤豹兮从文狸，辛夷车兮结桂旗。
I ride a red leopard with a patterned wildcat following; magnolia forms my carriage and cinnamon branches my banner.
被石兰兮带杜衡，折芬馨兮遗所思。
Clad in shílán and belted with dùhéng, I pluck fragrant flowers for the one I long for.
Personal fragrance becomes a gift, showing active and confident affection at the beginning of waiting.