On my flute, tipped with jade, I sang a song to mortals; but the mortals did not understand. Then I lifted my flute to the heavens, and I sang my song to the Sages. The Sages rejoiced together, they danced on the glistening clouds. And now mortals understand me, when I sing to the sound of my flute tipped with jade.
Three songs , opus 6
by Margaret Ruthven Lang (1867 - 1972)
1. Chinese song
Language: English
Text Authorship:
- by Stuart Merrill (1863 - 1915)
Based on:
- a text in French (Français) by Judith Gautier (1845 - 1917), "Les sages dansent", appears in Le livre de jade, 1867 edition, in 7. Les poëtes, no. 1, Paris, Alphonse Lemerre, first published 1867
Based on:
- a text in Chinese (中文) by Li-Tai-Po (701 - 762) [text unavailable]
See other settings of this text.
2. A bed‑time song
Language: English
Sway to and fro in the twilight gray, This is the ferry for Shadowtown; It only sails at the end of the day, Just as the darkness closes down. Rest, little head, on my shoulder, now; A sleepy kiss is the only fare, Drifting away from the world we go, Baby and I in the rocking chair. See, where the fire-logs glow and spark, Glitter the lights of the Shadowland; The raining drops on the window -- hark! Are the ripples lapping upon its strand. There, where the mirror is glancing dim, A lake lies shimmering, cool and still; Blossoms are waving above its brim -- Those over there on the window-sill. Rock slow, more slow, in the dusky light; Silently lower the anchor down. Dear little passenger say, "Good night," We've reached the harbor of Shadowtown.
Text Authorship:
- possibly by Lillian Dynevor Rice (d. 1933), "A bed-time song", first published c1889
- possibly by Frederick News, MD. , "A bed-time song", first published c1889
See other settings of this text.
Note: this poem has been attributed to various authors in different publications. Sometimes it is included without an author or given as being "from St. Nicholas".3. Lament
Language: French (Français)
Adieu soulas, tout plaisir et liesse Mon pauvre cœur si vit en grand tristesse, Pour les regrets que j'ay mon amy: Helas! Il ma failly. Je m'en iray lassus au verd bocaige La je feray fonder un hermitage, Ou je vivray en doucer et soulay Et tout pout mon amy!
Text Authorship:
- by S. Galler
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Anonymous/Unidentified Artist)