Chinese poetry

The Frivolous Rich

With their arrogant manner, they fill up the road; The horses they ride glisten in the dust. "May I inquire, who might that be?" People say that's a palace eunuch. Those with red sashes are all high ministers; The purple tassels might signify generals. Haughtily they go to dine with the troops, Their prancing horses passing like clouds. Goblets and tankards will overflow with every wine; Water and land have yielded every delicacy. Fresh-picked fruits, and Tung-t'ing oranges; T'ien-ch'ih fish, all scaled and sliced. After gorging themselves, their minds will be at ease; Drunk on wine, their spirits will soar. This year drought devastated the South, And in Ch'u-chou people cannibalized each other.

*China's Imperial Past: An Introduction to Chinese History and Culture
by Charles O. Hucker.