Good-Bye to the People of Hangchow

[46] GOOD-BYE TO THE PEOPLE OF HANGCHOW

(A.D. 824)

Elders and officers line the returning road;
Wine and soup load the parting table.
I have not ruled you with the wisdom of Shao Kung; 1
What is the reason your tears should fall so fast?
My taxes were heavy, though many of the people were poor;
The farmers were hungry, for often their fields were dry.
All I did was to dam the water of the Lake 2
And help a little in a year when things were bad.