Brightly shines the Starry River
Flowing down the Heavenly glade;
From the north-west comes the 'Herd-Boy',
From the south-east looks the 'Maid'.
Quickly waves a white hand shapely,
Sadly smiles her beauteous face,
When she sees her faithful lover
Far across the glittering space.
Arms stretched out towards each other--
With impulsive feet they stand;
Eyes with sorrow's tears bedewed--
On the Star-Stream's shining strand.
But, alas, that bridgeless River
Is the cause of all their pain,
Dooming 'Spinning-Maid' and 'Herd-Boy'
Nevermore to meet again.
[5] According to a Chinese legend the stars K'ien-Niu (Cowherd) and
Chih-Nue (Spinning-Maid) are two lovers, doomed by the gods to live on
opposite sides of the 'River of Stars' (Milky Way). As there is no
bridge over this river, the two lovers can only stand afar and gaze at
each other. (See note to 'The Swallow's Song'.)
_The Old Soldier's Return_