preads afar； until the northern sea
Leviathans are amazed and lose their course。
And denser yet it touches on the sky。
And spreads a heavy mantle over the earth。
Then； wide as is the high pitched arch of heaven；
Therein appears no single rift of blue。
Now mighty whales lead up their spouses to sport
Upon the waves； the sinuous dragons dive
Deep down and； breathing； swell the heaving sea；
The earth is moist as with the early rains；
And spring's creative energy is chilled。
Both far and wide and high the damp fog spreads；
Great cities on the eastern bank are hid；
Wide ports and mountains in the south are lost；
Whole fleets of battle ships； a thousand keels；
Hide in the misty depths； frail fishing boats
High riding on a wave are seen………and lost。
The gloom increases and the domed sky
Grows dark and darker as the sun's light fails。
The daylight dies； dim twilight's reign begins；
The ruddy hills dissolve and lose their hue。
The skill of matchless King Yu would fail to sound
The depth and height； and Li Lou's eye； though keen；
Could never pierce this gloom。
Now is the time； O sea and river gods； to use your powers。
The gliding fish and creeping water folk
Are lost； there is no track for bird or beast。
Fair Penglai Isles are hidden from our sight；
The lofty gates of heaven have disappeared。
Nature is blurred and indistinct； as when
A driving rain storm hurries over the earth。
And then； perhaps； within the heavy haze；
A noisome serpent vents his venom foul
And plagues descend； or impish demons work
Their wicked wills。
Ills fall on humans b