My Retreat at Mount Zhongnan

Portrait of Wang Wei
Wang Wei 699–761

My heart in middle age found the Way. And I came to dwell at the foot of this mountain. When the spirit moves, I wander alone Amid beauty that is all for me.... I will walk till the water checks my path, Then sit and watch the rising clouds -- And some day meet an old wood-cutter And talk and laugh and never return.

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