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。
Autumn Moon above Lake Dongting (2) to the tune of Life-giving Sun
寿阳曲·洞庭秋月（二）
To him I dare
心间事，
my heart bare,
说与他。
Yet he is apt to say "Let's break."
动不动早言两罢！
The word "break" he utters only for fun's sake.
罢字儿碜可可你道是耍。
How can my heart stand such an unbearable shake?
我心里怕那不怕！