The Sages’ Dance
by Li Tai Pe

On my flute, tipped with jade, I sang a song to mortals; but the mortals did not understand.

Then I lifted my flute to the heavens, and I sang my song to the Sages.

The Sages rejoiced together, they danced on the glistening clouds.

And now mortals understand me, when I sing to the accompaniment* of my flute tipped with jade.

*Lang changes “accompaniment” to “sound”