Bamboo Flute

Bamboo Flute

by Fan Zuyu

Before the instrument, the phoenix once fed on its fine fruit.

Now sounding like a dragon, after transforming into a flute.

Pity that it wasn't discovered by Cai Yong.

Or ever played by Ma Rong.

Fan Zuyu (1041-1098), a famous historian and litterateur. In Chinese mythology, the phoenix is said to feed exclusively on bamboo seeds. Cai Yong mentioned in the poem was a poet and musician, while Ma Rong mentioned in the poem was a Confucian scholar and a litterateur.