Down through history the Chinese have looked upon poetry as a natural and solacing part of life. Of all the art they felt it to be the most personal. It is solely dependent upon man's memory, and is carried about in his heart. The poems in this volume are by many different poets - some of whom have long since lost their identity - and include the best efforts of a variety of translators. Even after as many s 1700 years these verses remain vital, human and appealing, full of richness, warmth, and color. Many are sensuous; others tell of bitterness, loneliness, suffering, and grief. All are justified in taking their place beside the love poetry of today.