The Lesser Lord of Fate
Qu Yuan
Fragrant herbs and answering eyes
Among the whole gathering, one glance meets yours.
Green leaves, white flowers and purple stems lead into a private recognition amid the crowd.
秋兰兮蘼芜，罗生兮堂下。
Autumn lan and míwú grow in clusters beneath the hall.
绿叶兮素华，芳菲菲兮袭予。
Green leaves and white flowers send their rich fragrance over me.
夫人兮自有美子，荪何以兮愁苦。
People have their own fine children; why are you still so troubled?
秋兰兮青青，绿叶兮紫茎。
The autumn lan is lush and green, with purple stems among its leaves.
满堂兮美人，忽独与余兮目成。
The hall is full of beautiful people; suddenly your eyes meet mine alone in understanding.
入不言兮出不辞，乘回风兮载云旗。
You enter without speaking and leave without farewell, riding the whirlwind beneath cloud banners.
悲莫悲兮生别离，乐莫乐兮新相知。
No sorrow is greater than parting while both still live; no joy is greater than finding a new kindred heart.
An answering glance replaces speech, and the silent departure reveals how much the brief recognition mattered.