The word “lyric” used in this anthology refers to a poem composed to a certain tune, and Li Yu represents the highest achievement of the lyric poets in composing shorter poems.
Li Yu (937–978), the last monarch of the Southern Tang (937–975),Most of
Li Yu’s works are direct lyrical expression, revealing the depth of his private feelings. His unusual accomplishment was closely related to his personal experiences. In his early years, as reigning emperor, he indulged in a luxurious life at court. After losing his kingdom to the Northern Song emperor in 976 and becoming a political prisoner in the Song capital, he began to live a life of suffering until his death four years later. The striking contrast of past and present provided him with the need to express his innermost feelings in poetry intensely lyrical...
