A dirty song

This poem by the pre-Tang ruler Chen Shubao was a byword for decadence and immorality

Jade Trees and Flowers in the Harem
Chen Shubao (Emperor of the Chen Dynasty)

Behind the high rooves
Luxurious rooms and gorgeous groves
Ladies you'd sell out a city for
Made pretty with fresh make up
Dancing to the door
Then pausing, holding the pose
Out from the canopy with a cancan, smiling to meet their man
Beads of dew on a face like a flower
Trees of jade in the light flowing hour by hour
Petals open, petals fall, the time soon done
Red flowers bloom and run, then quiet comes

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Chen Shubao was the last emperor of Chen, which ruled most of southern China from 557–589. He was defeated by the Sui, who reunified China (but were quickly replaced in their turn by the Tang Dynasty). Historians declared that Chen Shubao lost power because he was a moral reprobate: he is remembered as a womaniser who spent all his time in the harem. This poem fits that historical image of Chen perfectly: the "red flowers" are a rather unsubtle reference to deflowering virgin girls. The jade trees also objectifies willowy concubines, like some sort of expensive ornament.

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陈叔宝  玉树后庭花

丽宇芳林对高阁，新妆艳质本倾城。

映户凝娇乍不进，出帷含态笑相迎。

妖姬脸似花含露，玉树流光照后庭。

花开花落不长久，落红满地归寂中。