Poetry Index
Complete collection of poems, songs, verdicts, and riddles from Dream of the Red Chamber.
Poetry Index
Ode to White Begonia: Xiangyun I
诗Yesterday a fairy descended to the capital gate And planted a pot of Lantian jade.
Chapter 37
Ode to White Begonia: Xiangyun II
诗Where hengzhi grows by steps, the door draped in creeping vines— Fit for a corner or a pot alike.
Chapter 37
Chrysanthemum Poems: Remembering Chrysanthemums
诗Gazing west in the wind, wrapped in melancholy thought— Red knotweed, white reeds—a time to break one's heart.
Chapter 38
Chrysanthemum Poems: Singing of Chrysanthemums
诗The relentless poetry demon haunts me day and night; By the fence, leaning on a rock, I murmur to myself.
Chapter 38
Chrysanthemum Poems: Questioning the Chrysanthemum
诗Wishing to ask of autumn's heart—no one else knows; Murmuring, hands behind my back, I knock at the eastern fence.
Chapter 38
Ode to the Crab: Baochai
诗Beneath cassia mist and paulownia shade we raise our cups; In Chang'an, watering mouths await the Double Ninth.
Chapter 38
Ode to the Crab: Daiyu
诗In iron armor with long halberd, even in death unyielding; Piled on the plate, a feast for eager eyes.
Chapter 38
Ode to the Crab: Baoyu
诗Holding the claw, more delighted in the cassia's shade; Dashing vinegar, crushing ginger—excitement near to madness.
Chapter 38
Couplet of the Land of Illusion
对联When the false is taken for the true, the true becomes false; Where nothing is treated as something, something becomes nothing.
Chapter 1
Verse of the Monk and the Taoist
偈语They laugh at your folly in pampering and spoiling; The caltrop blossom faces the snow in vain.
Chapter 1
Xi Jiang Yue: Mocking Jia Baoyu (I)
词For no reason he seeks sorrow and courts resentment; At times he seems a fool, at times a madman.
Chapter 3
Xi Jiang Yue: Mocking Jia Baoyu (II)
词In wealth he knew not how to enjoy his lot; In poverty he could not endure the desolation.
Chapter 3
Rhapsody on the Fairy Disenchantment
赋Just departed from the willow grove, newly emerged from the flower chamber. Wherever she walks, birds startle from the courtyard trees;
Chapter 5
Yuanchun's Lantern Riddle
灯谜It can make all demons' courage crumble; Its body like bundled silk, its voice like thunder.
Chapter 22
Yingchun's Lantern Riddle
灯谜Heaven's will and human skill—their principles are endless; With skill but without fate, success is hard to meet.
Chapter 22
Tanchun's Lantern Riddle
灯谜When children at the steps gaze upward, Qingming Festival dress is most becoming.
Chapter 22
Xichun's Lantern Riddle
灯谜In her former body, form and appearance came to naught; She listens not to water-caltrop songs but to Buddhist sutras.
Chapter 22
Baochai's Lantern Riddle
灯谜After the morning audience, who carries smoke in both sleeves? Beside the zither, within the quilt—always without companion.
Chapter 22
Couplet on the Gate of Rongguo Mansion
对联Imperially Constructed Rongguo Mansion
Chapter 3
Couplet on the Gate of Ningguo Mansion
对联Imperially Constructed Ningguo Mansion
Chapter 3