The following poem was written by Meng Chiao
in the eighth century CE. According to legend, it was written
extemporanously upon request. Its structure is one of parallelism
and contrast.
"Impromptu
"
Keep
away from sharp swords
Don't
go near a lovely woman.
A
sharp sword too close will wound your hand;
Woman's
beauty too close will wound your life!
The
danger of the road is not in the distance;
Ten
yards is far enough to break a wheel.
The
peril of love is not in loving too often;
A
single evening can leave its wound in the soul.
