Mandarin

An eminent scholar who passes various exams and qualifies to become an imperial Chinese government official.

"I am a prisoner in the hands of the enemy,
Enduring the shame of captivity.
My bones stick out and my strength is gone
Through not getting enough to eat.
My brother is a Mandarin
And his horses are fed on maize.
Why can't he spare a little money
To send and ransom me?"

Anonymous, "The Other Side of the Valley"

[Translated by Arthur Waley.]