If High Heaven had no love for wine,
There would not be a Wine Star in the sky.
If Earth herself had no love for wine,
There would not be a city called Wine Springs.[2]
Since Heaven and Earth both love wine,
I can love wine, without shame before God.
Clear wine was once called a Saint;[3]
Thick wine was once called “a Sage.”[3]

Of Saint and Sage I have long quaffed deep,
What need for me to study spirits and _hsien_?[4]
At the third cup I penetrate the Great Way;
A full gallon--Nature and I are one ...
But the things I feel when wine possesses my soul
I will never tell to those who are not drunk.

[1] The Milky Way.

[2] Ch‘iu-ch‘üan, in Kansuh.

[3] “History of Wei Dynasty” (Life of Hsü Mo): “A drunken visitor said,
‘Clear wine I account a Saint: thick wine only a Sage.’”

[4] The lore of Rishi, Immortals.




[6] IN THE MOUNTAINS ON A SUMMER DAY