Seven-Character Quatrain: Qu Yuan
(Autumn, 1961)
Qu Zi[1] once composed the “Li Sao” for Chu;
In his hand he held a blade that could slay.
With mugwort and artemisia rampant while fragrant spices and orchids scarce,
He leapt forth into ten thousand miles of surging waves.
(4)
Chuan
“Qu Zi” refers to Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan (340–278 BCE), whose given name was Ping and courtesy name Yuan, was a native of the State of Chu during the Warring States period and is regarded as China’s earliest great poet. He once served King Huai of Chu, rising to the positions of Left Tutor and Grand Counselor, but was later slandered and dismissed from office. Under King Qingxiang of Chu, he was exiled. Feeling powerless to avert his country’s impending doom and realizing that his political ideals could never be realized, he ultimately cast himself into the Miluo River and died.
[2]
“To hold a blade that can slay” metaphorically signifies the combative power inherent in Qu Yuan’s “Li Sao.”
[3]
“Mugwort and artemisia thrive while fragrant spices and orchids are few”: Mugwort and artemisia here symbolize treacherous villains and petty men; shen jiao and orchid grass, both aromatic plants, represent virtuous and worthy scholars.
[4]
“To leap forth into ten thousand miles of surging waves” describes how, consumed by sorrow and despair, Qu Yuan threw himself into the Miluo River and perished.