By the fence, deep in autumn sleep, a single clear dream;
With clouds and moon for company—nothing is distinct.
To ascend as immortal, she does not envy Zhuangzi's butterfly;
Recalling the past, she seeks again Tao Yuanming's compact.
Falling asleep, she follows the fading geese with lingering gaze;
Startled awake, vexed by the persistent cricket's cry.
When she wakes, to whom does she confide her hidden sorrow?
Withered grass and cold mist—boundless feeling.
English titles, text, and notes are AI-assisted for reading only; for scholarship cite the Chinese and authoritative editions.
Annotation
From Chapter 38, composed by Daiyu (pen name: Fairy of the Naiad's House) on 'Chrysanthemum Dream.' 'When she wakes, to whom does she confide?' again reflects Daiyu's lonely, dependent situation. 'Not envying Zhuangzi's butterfly' alludes to the famous butterfly dream parable.
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