He Man could sing with grace and skill so fine,
In Tianbao era, rare was his design.
Facing punishment, confined in prison's hold,
His Water Melody voiced sorrow bold.
The Pear Garden musicians played for the Emperor's ear,
One song brought grace, his fetters to clear.
Thus 'He Man' became the tune's own name,
The royal score inscribed, to music's fame.
The Yu family's skill within the court was peerless,
The Ye clan's voice grew faint through passing years, stress.
From outside, one toils to recall the verse,
Rhythm just set, boasts already disperse.
I came beyond the lake to pay respects to you, my lord,
Just as the spring pipe's ash flew, in accord.
A grand feast at the riverside pavilion opened for me,
Brightly adorned ladies pressed close, warm as flowers on a tree.
Then one with grace stepped onto the splendid mat,
Ere words flowed forth, her calm demeanor sat.
Dark brows turned, swaying hairpins like a sparrow's flight,
Green sleeves hung as she sang, turning a crane's egg white.
Face stilled, gaze fixed, one note she then released,
Clouds paused, dust settled, all other sounds ceased.
Distant chime stones rang, clear and lingering long,
Each pearl-like note strung even, a measured song.
She shifted modes, blending notes high and low,
Pouring feeling, conveying meaning, letting strings go.
Like Xiangfei's precious zither rising from the water's face,
Or the Qin maid's jade flute filling empty space.
Most earnest in layered, broken phrases' art,
Then adjusting her robes, a leisurely part.
Like ice containing a distant stream, choked then flowing free,
Like orioles in evening blossoms, song growing lazy.
Frowning, swallowing voice as if self-wronged she'd been,
Like Zheng Xiu discarded, or Xi Shi washing, unseen.
At dawn, wild geese cry over Yin Mountains, breaking their line,
At night, mournful gibbons in Wu Gorges call, a companion's sign.
In ancient times, lords feasted foreign guests with cheer,
'Deer Cry' played thrice, with jade vessels clear.
How does this compare? With grace, one song done,
The ivory tally records the order, the red conch cup spun.