Early 15th century Vietnamese poetry collaboratively translated by Nguyen Do and Paul Hoover. It's difficult to assess translations, especially translations from languages with which I have no familiarity. I heard Nguyen & Hoover read a selection of these poems & greatly enjoyed the sound of the Vietnamese as read by Nguyen(unfortunately, not included in the book). Almost without exception these poems (about 150 are included)are short and often have an aphoristic quality. Footnotes explicate references to Vietnamese historical & literary figures as well as Vietnamese names of flowers, trees, animals, places, etc. included in the English text. Occupied with government business & politics and exiled for some years in China, Nguyen Trai writes often about yearning for a simpler life or a return to his natal village, mountains, fields & streams to pass his days fishing, reading & contemplating beauty. Here's a sampling of lines that I particularly enjoyed:
"But my loyal heart is warm as an oven cooking spices" ("Written for Fun III")
"Clean the small hut for a cloud keeping residence there." (Untitled)
"I wish I could trade my pride for a fishing pole." (Untitled)
"If something is desperate to be sold, it becomes inexpensive." (Untitled)
"The boat is so heavy with fog it's hard to lift the oars." (Untitled)
"Don't close the door because you fear the mountain will blind you." (Untitled)
"Because I love to save lives, I am confused about fishing." (Untitled)
"For prolonged lovemaking, proceed at a normal pace." (Untitled)
"Our hands work for our mouths." (Untitled) ( )