Guan Hanqing also known by his literary name Yizhai Sou, was born in Dadu (today's Beijing). Having extensive theater experience, Guan was the most famous playwright of the Yuan dynasty. Of the more than 60 plays he wrote only over 10 have survived. In his sanqu poetry, he mainly depicts love and the sorrows of parting in an earnest and straightforward manner. The colloquialism he used helps to polish a plain and natural style. Yet, compared with his plays, his sanqu poetry is of inferior quality.
关汉卿 号已斋叟,大都(今北京)人。元代最著名的杂剧作家,有丰富的舞台实践经验。所作杂剧六十多种,现存十多种。散曲多写离愁别恨与爱情生活,感情真挚而表现大胆。喜用通俗口语入曲,风格朴素自然。然而散曲成就不及杂剧。
Leisure (2) to the tune of Four Pieces of Jade
四块玉·闲适(二)
Wine old made new,
旧酒投,
Fresh spirits I brew,
新醅泼,
With mountain monks and old country men
老瓦盆边笑呵呵。
Over earthen pots we laugh with poetry set loose.
共山僧野叟闲吟和。
He offers a roast chicken,
他出一对鸡,
I bring a delicious goose,
我出一个鹅,
-- How happy is this life of leisure on earth!
闲快活。