Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c10.s2.t1.7

v2.c10.s2.t1.7

**Translation and Comment on Tagore** As the first Chinese to attempt the translation of Rabindranath Tagore’s works in “To the Youth” (*Youth Magazine*, Issue I, Vol. 1, September 15, 1915), he thought highly of Tagore and compared him to Leo Tolstoy. He selected Articles 1, 2, 25 and 35 from Tagore’s *Gitanjali* (a collection of religious lyrics) and translated them into five-character Chinese poems, *Songs of Praise* which were published in *Youth Magazine* (Issue II, Vol. 1, October 15, 1915). If *Gitanjali* is a masterpiece of Tagore, then Article 35 is the best part of this masterpiece. An Indian scholar once said, even without any other poem, Article 35 of *Gitanjali* (Where the mind is without fear) alone would be enough to bring a lasting name to the poet. Chen Duxiu made an excellent translation, and below is a copy: