(132) On Verse Writing
遣兴
Yuan Mei (1716-1798)
袁枚
It's hard to make a verse which could afford delight;
爱好由来下笔难，
I cannot feel at ease till I write and rewrite.
一诗千改始心安。
An old beauty should make up like a maiden fair;
阿婆还似初笄女，
She would not show herself unless she's dressed her hair.
头未梳成不许看。