Cao Ba-Quat

Cao Ba Quat (1809 – 1854) was a Vietnamese poet, a leading poet of his er. He was a civil servant, and was executed for role in Le Duy Cu’s revolt against the Hue Court.

Wisdom & Quotes

• You need the knack of being obsequious to your superiors

And ingratiating to everyone else.
Is the smell of fleshpots so greatly preferable? For
To strive for the fragrance of good reputation and merit
Entails much suffering.
- 'Tai tu da cung phu' (Song of the Gifted Man Sunk in Abject Poverty)

• The waves of human passion rise and fall; worldly things

Are as transitory as passing clouds.
- 'Tai tu da cung phu' (Song of the Gifted Man Sunk in Abject Poverty)

Sarah Margaret Fuller