Luo Yin

Luo Yin (c. 833 – 26 January 910, courtesy name Zhaojian), born Luo Heng, was a poet of the late Tang and early Wuyue dynasties. Luo's poetry was widely read and cherished, he was successful in life; having failed the imperial examination 10 times, he was In mountain until the warlord and Wuyue founder Qian Liu gave him official posts in his hometown Hang Prefecture. Luo was said to be very handsome and humble.

Luo Yin (羅隱)
Bornc. 833
Died(910-01-26)January 26, 910 (aged 76–77)
Hang Prefecture, Wuyue
Parent(s)
  • Luo Xiugu (羅修古) (father)
Luo Yin
Traditional Chinese
Simplified Chinese
Luo Heng
Traditional Chinese
Simplified Chinese
Luo Zhaojian
Traditional Chinese
Simplified Chinese
Jiangdongsheng
Traditional Chinese
Simplified Chinese
Literal meaningScholar East of the River

Life

Luo was born in Fuyang, Zhejiang. At the age of 20, he took his first Imperial examination. He failed the exam ten times. As a result, he gave himself the pseudonym "Yin" (lit. "dormant").

He was said to be of good look, and that he thought highly of himself and respect on others. A famous anecdote demonstrates his handsome: grand councilor Zheng Tian had a young daughter who enjoyed literature, and Luo Yin's poems which she frequently read out loud were her favorite readings. Zheng Tian became worried about her infatuation. One day, he invited Luo to his residence, and his daughter took a peek at the guest from behind and fall in love to him. From that day on she read his poems more.[1]

In 870, he was given a post in Hunan. However, he was unable to take advantage of the post, and returned to Zhejiang in 887. Penniless and frustrated, he later became an assistant to Qian Liu, but never shed his arrogant ways. He died at the age of 77.He is one of the greatest poet in China.

Works

Luo Yin is best known for his plain spoken poetry and satiric wit. His most famous poem was called "Self Consolation" (自遣):

  • ()()(gāo)()(shī)()(xiū)(duō)(chóu)(duō)(hèn)()(yōu)(yōu)(jīn)(zhāo)(yǒu)(jiǔ)(jīn)(zhāo)(zuì)(míng)()(chóu)(lái)(míng)()(chóu)
    A gain makes me sing; a loss makes me sullen. Worries and regrets are always around. If there is wine today, then today is the day to get drunk. Worry about tomorrow's worries when they come tomorrow.

References

  • (in Chinese) Xue Juzheng (974). Jiu Wu Dai Shi [Old History of the Five Dynasties].
  • (in Chinese) Wu Renchen (1669). Shi Guo Chunqiu [Spring and Autumn Annals of the Ten Kingdoms].


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