Ma Zhiyuan (1250-1321) styled Dongli, was born in Dadu (today's Beijing). One of the Four Master Dramatists of the Yuan dynasty, Ma wrote altogether 15 plays, of which seven have survived. His Sanqu poems give expressions to his regrets of an unrecognized talent and the longings of an undetermined recluse. He was a success wherever he directed his efforts in terms of poetry writing whether in a sublime or beautiful style.
马致远（1250-1321）号东篱，大都（今北京）人。为“元曲四大家”之一，著杂剧十五种，今存七种。其散曲主要抒发文士怀才不遇的悲愤与消极遁世思想。艺术上纵横挥洒，无不如意，豪放清丽，兼而有之。
Thoughts on Autumn to the tune of Sky Scouring Sand
天净沙·秋思
A withered vine, an old tree gaunt and a raven croaking on high;
枯藤老树昏鸦，
A small bridge, the murmuring water and a thatched cottage nearby;
小桥流水人家，
An ancient path, the west wind and a bony horse is heard to neigh;
古道西风瘦马。
Lo! The sun sets today;
夕阳西下，
At the earth-end a heart-broken traveller plods his weary way.
断肠人在天涯。