Fugitive Ideas in an Autumn Night
Lu Xun

Behind the gauzy veil their idle days swiftly pass,
Beside the execution ground is said the Buddhist mass,
The fragrant plants are wilted with cuckoos' wails,
And only thistles decorate the wasted fields.
How can we offer myriads of Buddhas for mercy?
And happily should lotus look like "Miss Nancy".
I get up, as the cock crows in the stormy night;
The fresh air calms me, and a cigarette I light.