When I heard from the riverside a voice calling; “e; my darling!”
I shut my book and opened the window to look out。
I saw a big buffalo with mud…stained hide; standing near the river with placid;patient eyes; and a youth; knee deep in water; calling it to its bath。
I smiled amused and felt a touch of sweetness in my heart。
The Gardener 79
I often wonder where lie hidden the boundaries of recognition between man and the beast whose heart knows no spoken language。
Through what primal paradise in a remote morning of creation ran the simple path by which their hearts visited each other。
Those marks of their constant tread have not been effaced though their kinship has been long forgotten。
Yet suddenly in some wordless music the dim memory wakes up and the beast gazes into the man’s face with a tender trust; and the man looks down into its eyes with amused affection。
It seems that the two friends meet masked and vaguely know each other through the disguise。
The Gardener 80
With a glance of your eyes you could plunder all the wealth of songs struck from poets’ harps; fair woman!
But for their praises you have no ear; therefore I e to praise you。
You could humble at your feet the proudest heads in the world。
But it is your loved ones; unknown to fame; whom you choose to worship; therefore I worship you。
The perfection of your arms would add glory to kingly splendour with their touch。
But you use them to sweep away the dust; and to make clean your humble home; therefore I am filled with awe。
The Gardener 81
Why do you whisper so faintly in my ears; O Death; my Death?
When the flowers droop in the evening and cattle e back to their stalls; you stealthily e to my side and speak words that I do not understand。
Is this how you must woo and win me with the opiate of drowsy murmur and cold kisses; O Death; my Death?
Will there be no proud ceremony for our wedding?
Will you not tie up with a wreath your tawny coiled locks?
Is there none to carry your banner before you; and will not the night be on fire with your red torch…lights; O Death; my Death?
e with your conch…shells sounding; e in the sleepless night。
Dress me with a crimson mantle; grasp my hand and take me。
园丁集 第十二章(7)
Let your chariot be ready at my door with your horses neighing impatiently。
Raise my veil and look at my face proudly; O Death; my Death!
The Gardener 82
We are to play the game of death tonight; my bride and I。
The night is black; the clouds in the sky are capricious; and the waves are raving at sea。
We have left our bed of dreams; flung open the door and e out; my bride and I。
We sit upon a swing; and the storm winds give us a wild push from behind。