Chinese Poem, "In Praise of the Orange Tree" (Ju song)

This poem has an unknown author, but some credit it to Qu Yuan. This is one of my favorite Chinese poems. the others are 250+ lines. Translated by David Hawkes, edited by me.

Fairest of all God’s trees, the orange came and settled here. Commanded by him not to move, but only to grow in the South Country.

Deep-rooted, firm and hard to shift, showing its single purpose.

Its leaves of green and pure white blossoms delight the eye of the beholder

And the thick branches and spines so sharp and the fine round fruits

Green ones and yellow intermingling to make a pattern of gleaming brightness

Pure white beneath the rich-hued surface; a parable of virtuous living.

Its lusty growth to the gardener’s art respondent, producing beauty without blemish

Oh! Young resolution has something different from the rest!

Alone and unmoving, standing. Everyone admires you!

Deep-rooted, hard to shift; peerless.

Alert to this world’s way, holding ground, unyielding against the vulgar tide.

Sealed heart; guarded with care; never falling into error.

Holding nature free from bias, impartial even as Heaven and Earth are.

Fading as you fade with passing years and ever be your friend.

Pure and apart and free from sin; strong in your path

Young in years; fit to teach men.

Your acts are like Bo Yi: you are My model.

Bo Yi- Someone who was pure since he died of starvation since they didn't want to eat corn of usurpers. He ate ferns to live for a while, the thought that even the herbs care the usurper's food. Then he lived off a white doe's milk before dying, according to legend.