A Song of Tang Dynasty Beauties

A page of verse from a prosperous place,

A brushstroke of past love, a wisp of smoke.

Green traces weep, shattering the incense dream,

White hair leaves regret in the Shangyang verse.

The eloquent Hongfu sighs over her zither,

The frost-struck sword gleams, cold and sharp.

Since ancient times, heroes have cherished beauty,

Yet cast pearls aside to drift in the vast sea.

-- "Ode to the Beauties of the Tang Dynasty"