The Quiet Maiden

"Quiet Maiden"

Preface: "Quiet Maiden" is a poem satirizing current affairs. The ruler of the state of Wei was without virtue, and the ruler's consort lacked moral conduct.

The quiet maiden, how lovely she is, waiting for me at the corner of the city wall. She deliberately hides and does not appear, leaving me scratching my head and pacing back and forth.

The quiet maiden, how beautiful she is, gave me a red flute. The red flute shines brightly; I delight in your beauty.

She brought me reeds from the outskirts, truly lovely and unique. It is not that the reeds themselves are so beautiful, but because they were given by a beauty.

"Quiet Maiden" has three stanzas, each stanza with four lines.