The Emperor taxes the people without relent,
Rumors of rebellion are whispered in the streets.
By the time the eunuchs have taken what they want,
There is hardly anything left to get through the winter.
Mothers suffocate their babies in the night,
Others sell their daughters to officials or whore houses for food.
I weep for the extravagance of the court
I weep for the pains of the people.
AD 856