The Jewel Stairs' Grievance
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he jewelled steps are already quite white with dew,It is so late that the dew soaks my gauze stockings,And I let down the crystal curtainAnd watch the moon through the clear autumn. _By Rihaku._ Note.--Jewel stairs, therefore a palace. Grievance,therefore there is something to complain, of. Gauzestockings, therefore a court lady, not a servant whocomplains. Clear autumn, therefore he has no excuse onaccount of weather. Also she has come early, for the dewhas not merely whitened the stairs, but has soaked herstockings. The poem is especially prized because she uttersno direct reproach.
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