Ch'in Chia
Chinese poet
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ch'in Chia (Chinese: 秦嘉; courtesy name: Shih-hui),[1] also known as Qin Jia (c. first century BC – first century AD),[2] was a Chinese poet of the Eastern Han dynasty.
Ch'in Chia | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 1st century BC |
| Died | 1st century AD |
| Occupation | Poet |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Period | Eastern Han dynasty |
Name
The word "Ch'in Chia" means all relations who bear a different family name.[3]
Life
Ch'in Chia came from Lunghsi.[1] He lived during the Eastern Han dynasty,[4] and was a civil servant.[5]
Separation from his wife
He was married to Hsu Shu,[6] who was also a poet. They had a very harmonious relationship.[4]
When Ch'in Chia was promoted to the post of commandery supervisor at the capital (Luoyang),[7] and summoned to take up an appointment there, his wife fell ill and had to stay at home with her parents.[2][1] He was therefore unable to say goodbye to her personally,[8] and sent her a series of three poems instead, entitled "Poems for My Wife".[9]
Hsu Shu, in her turn, responded by sending him poems of her own,[10] maintaining a loving correspondence, of which the following is a sample:
Alas! I wish I were your shadow and
Never to be separated from your dear self.
I still hope you will enjoy the capital
And do not feel too unhappy for my sake.[13]
Poetry
Ch'in Chia's first poem to his wife expresses his sorrow at their separation, and longing for reunion:
Mindful that I had soon to leave on service,
Farther and farther away from you every day,
I sent a carriage to bring you back;
But it went empty, and empty it returned.
I read your letter with feelings of distress;
At meals I cannot eat;
And I sit alone in this desolate chamber.
Who is there to solace and encourage me?
Through the long nights I cannot sleep,
And solitary I lie prostrate on my pillow, tossing and turning.
Sorrow comes as in a circle
And cannot be rolled up like a mat.[11]
Legacy and influence
A 1968 edition of China Today explains that "Ch'in Chia and his wife Hsui Shu are supposed to be a couple of constant and profound lovers and therefore have often been referred to as such in subsequent ages by people when they laud wedded bliss."[14]
Anne Birrell, in Games Poets Play, stated: "Ch'in Chia's expression of helpless melancholy and graceful, gallant compliments influenced the development of poems on conjugal love."[15]