To Meng Haoran
I cherish Master Meng;
His generous spirit is known throughout the land.
In youth he set aside official rank;
With white hair he rests among pines and clouds.
Drinking beneath the moon, he often becomes merry;
Enchanted by flowers, he does not serve the ruler.
How can one fully look up to such a lofty mountain?
I can only bow here to his pure fragrance.
Notes
Master Meng is Meng Haoran. Carriage and cap signify official rank. “Meeting the sage” is an old expression for drinking; a high mountain and pure fragrance praise admired character.
Meaning
Li Bai praises Meng Haoran’s character and life among pines and flowers, ending with an image of reverence.
Appreciation
The opening directly states admiration for Meng Haoran.
Read the full appreciationCollapse
Youth and old age frame the speaker’s praise, not a complete biography.
Moonlit drinking and flowers give the portrait a relaxed setting.
A mountain, fragrance and a bow turn reverence into images and action.
About the poet
Li Bai (c. 701–762), courtesy name Taibai, was a Tang poet whose travels inspired many poems about landscapes, friendship and journeys.
Read about the poetCollapse
Life: Li Bai grew up in the Shu region and traveled widely. He was summoned to serve at the Tang court before continuing his journeys.
Works: His poems include Thoughts on a Quiet Night, Viewing the Waterfall at Mount Lu and To Wang Lun.