Nine Songs: The Great Minister of Fate
The gates of heaven swing wide, and I ride the dark clouds in a swirling mass.
I summon the whirling winds to lead the way, and send freezing rain to wash the dust away.
You wheel about in the sky and descend, crossing Kong Sang Mountain to follow me.
The people of the Nine Provinces are a tumultuous multitude; who lives long and who dies young is in my hands.
I soar high and glide at ease, riding the pure breath and commanding yin and yang.
You and I travel together in haste, guiding the Emperor to the Nine Hills.
My spirit robes billow, my jade pendants shimmer.
Now yin, now yang: none can know what I will do.
I pluck the fragrant hemp and its jade-like blossoms, to give to the one who lives far away.
Time passes, and old age draws near; we grow ever more distant, never closer.
I ride a dragon amid rolling thunder, speeding high until I pierce the sky.
I tie a sprig of cassia and wait, yet my longing only deepens, bringing sorrow.
What can I do, sorrowful one? I wish things could remain as they are, unchanged.
Human life has its destined course. Who can control our partings and reunions?
Theme: The mythology of Chu
