A pot of wine before me admidst the flowers:
I drink alone - there's none to drink with me.
Lifting my cup to invite the brillant moon,
I find that with my shadow we are three.
Though the moon does not know how to drink,
And my shadow in vain follows me,
Let me have their company for the moment,
For while it's spring one should be care-free.
As I sing, the moon lingers about;
As I dance, my shadow seems to fly.
When still sober we enjoy ourselves together;
When rapt with wine be bid each other good-bye.
Let us form a friendship free from passions
And meet again in yonder distant sky!

—

James J.Y. Liu, in: James J.Y. Liu, The art of Chinese poetry, London, 1962; p. 25