Chinese poet Xu Zhimo, who became a very close friend of Tagore’s, was asked by the Lecture Association in Beijing to accompany the poet during his stay in China and act as interpreter when necessary. Xu Zhimo was overjoyed to be able to wait upon ‘one of the greatest spirits the world has ever seen.’
He wrote to Rabindranath:
“I am supposed to interpret your speeches. But to interpret for a great Poet! One might as well try to transcribe the grand roars of a Niagara or the passionate songs of a nightingale.”