Chinese Poems

卜算子. 缺月挂疏桐 （黄州定慧院寓居作） 原作：苏东坡 (11世纪) 英译：闵晓红（2022） 缺月挂疏桐， 漏断人初静。 谁见幽人独往来？ 飘缈孤鸿影。 惊起却回头， 有恨无人省。 拣尽寒枝不肯栖， 寂寞沙洲冷。 A Waning Moon Descended the Parasol Tree （composed at Dinghui Monastery,Huangzhou） - to the tune of Busuanzi written by Su Dongpo（11th century） translated by Julia Min (2022) A waning moon descended the parasol tree near a wanderer in the dark -- just the old me. The night smiled serenely as water clock stopped and a goose arrived seeking for his flock of geese. He winged up the air, turning head back to check, only to find regrets in a barren world retrieved. No company, no home on cold branches to rest, he’d surrender to the unblemished sandy beach. For appreciation: Composed in 1082 during his first career downturn after being banished from the Royal Court to this remote little town Huangzhou (in today’s Hubei Province) on the north bank of the Yangtze River. He arrived here in 1080 with his family and had to live in a small house by Dinghui Monastery, still under the watch of the town’s magistrate. Without any income from government, he had to plough the fields for food like the local farmers – a challenge that would weigh on his tolerance…...

临江仙（夜归临皋） 原作：苏轼 英译：戈登.奥赛茵，闵晓红 新版：闵晓红 夜饮东坡醒复醉， 归来仿佛三更。 家童鼻息已雷鸣， 敲门都不应， 倚杖听江声。 长恨此身非我有， 何时忘却营营！ 夜阑风静縠纹平， 小舟从此逝， 江海寄余生。 Returning at Night to Riverbank - to the tune “The Celestial Man by the River” written by Su Dongpo（11th century） translated by Gordon Osing and Julia Min (1991) revised by Julia Min (2022) I drank and woke up at Dongpo, and drank again; And went home, vaguely aware it was midnight. My houseboy snored as thunder. I knocked in vain. Leaning on my stick, I listened to the River rhymes… I have my body but not my life; Please tell me why. When can I forget the hustle-bustle of the times? The River so quiet, I’d drift from the town’s quay, and live what’s left of my days on rivers and seas. For appreciation: This is another of his drinking poems written by Su Shi in Huangzhou, Hubei in 1082. He was in the third year here as a banished political convict. An old legend says that when the town’s people found the poet’s clothing hanging on a tree next morning and his boat out of sight, they feared he had drifted in his little boat down the Yangtze River. They rushed to his home only…...

寒食雨二首 原作：苏轼 英译+注解：闵晓红 其一 自我來黃州，已過三寒食。年年欲惜春，春去不容惜。今年又苦雨，兩月秋蕭瑟。臥聞海棠花，泥污燕支雪。暗中偷負去，夜半真有力。何殊病少年，病起頭已白。 On the Cold Food Festival written by: Su Shi ( 11th AC) En. trans., notes and appr'n by: Julia Min Poem One Three years have now elapsed in a flash since my banishment to this hinterland. Huangzhou knows also the return of Spring, only the spirit’s sapped before the full swing. The rain descends in floods upon the terrain, as cold as dark autumn the March east wind. In sickbed I’m told my favourite begonia tree ripped bare by sweeping rain in chasing wind, like a junior grey-haired by a deadly syndrome, or a beauty sacked at night by an invisible hand. Her Yanzhi-snow blooms descend to muddy ruins. as usual, the Creator's plan is beyond us humans. Notes: 1. Huangzhou, an old town by the Yangtze River, witnessed Su Shi’s biggest stumble of his life – The Poetry Case at the Crows Court, so called because everyone knew it was a set-up against their beloved Su Shi. Yet it was here he fulfilled his world outlook that gave birth to most of his masterpieces of art. 2. Yanzhi: the Yanzhi Mountain where the soil is red. When it snows, the surface looks pink, so…...

蝶恋花 . 花褪残红青杏小 原作：苏东坡 (11世纪) 英译：闵晓红（2022） 花褪残红青杏小。 燕子飞时， 绿水人家绕。 枝上柳绵吹又少。 天涯何处无芳草。 墙里秋千墙外道。 墙外行人， 墙里佳人笑。 笑渐不闻声渐悄。 多情却被无情恼。 When the catkins are vanishing in weakening wind - to the tune “Butterflies in Love with Flowers” written by Su Dongpo（11th century） translated by Julia Min (2022) When the catkins are vanishing in weakening wind， and the spring blossoms give way to apricots green, swallows swoop around the houses and over waters. There is splendour in grass as the glory in flowers. Behind the walls some girls are laughing on swings. Outside on the road a traveller’s lost in thinking, until the rejoicing cheers faded in the distance. The sentiments of autumn, the innocence of spring. For appreciation: This poem could be, more likely, written in Huangzhou, Hubei Province. The composing structure is designed by contrasting between the young and the old, the happy world and the lonely melancholy, and possibly, the favoured new party inside the Song Royal Court and the banished old party outside. Dongpo made an effort in the last line of the first stanza comforting himself with an optimistic turn of tone: life still has so much to offer. Let’s appreciate and enjoy the ‘philosophic mind’ that can only be…...

阳关曲·赠张继愿 原作：苏东坡 (11世纪) 英译：闵晓红（2022） 受降城下紫髯郎， 戏马台南古战场。 恨君不取契丹首， 金甲牙旗归故乡。 An Ode to Emperor Zhang Jiyuan - to the tune of Yangguan written by Su Dongpo（11th century） translated by Julia Min (2022) In Three Receive-Surrender Towns stood Zhang Jiyuan on the old battlefield by the south of Reviewing Stand. I wish he had taken all the heads of the invading Qidan, before his gold armour and flag staffs back to homeland. For appreciation: This poem was composed in 1078. The first two lines sigh for the Tang dynasty, a time of great defences and armaments against invasions. Zhang Jiyuan once came up with a genius design of a defence infrastructure with three cities strategically connected over hundreds of kilometres along the north of the Yellow River. The invaders who breached the first city would find the people escaped to a second fortification. Su Shi aims at a criticism on the present where things now have fallen a bit to ruin these days, not just the three towns, but also the Song’s military power too. The Qi Dan was a tribe of warring invaders to the north of China, in the late Yi Dynasty. Notes： 1. Three Receive-Surrender Towns: According to the Ancient…...

西江月. 照野弥弥浅浪 ( 顷在黄州，春夜行蕲水中，过酒家饮。酒醉，乘月至一溪桥上，解鞍曲肱，醉卧少休。及觉已晓，乱山攒拥，流水锵然，疑非尘世也。书此语桥柱上。) 原作：苏轼（ 11th Century） 英译：戈登.奥赛茵，闵晓红(1991) 新版修订：闵晓红(2022) 照野弥弥浅浪， 横空隐隐层霄。 障泥未解玉骢骄， 我欲醉眠芳草。 可惜一溪风月， 莫教踏碎琼瑶。 解鞍欹枕绿杨桥， 杜宇一声春晓 The Moon Brightens the Murmuring Shallow Stream - to the tune of the Moon on River West (composed during my spring trip on my horse from Huangzhou to Qishui Town; After a few drinks at the local tavern, I felt tipsy while walking to a bridge under a bright moon. So I unsaddled the horse and inclined by the bridge for a nap, only to find myself wake up to a spring dawn with the murmuring river winding the landscape from distant mountains and hills. It was so beautiful. For a moment I thought it were the dream world, hence I wrote this poem on a baluster of the bridge.) Written by: Su Shi ( 11th AC) English trans. by: Gordon Osing & Julia Min (1990) Revision by: Julia Min (2022) The haziness in the sky might be the thinnest clouds. The moon brightens the murmuring shallow stream. Holding back my steed from crossing in his turnouts, I want to lie down in the rich grass on the sand beach. It’s so lovely, the river gleaming in the cool breeze. I can’t let…...

永遇乐. 明月如霜 (彭城夜宿燕子楼，梦盼盼，因作此词) 原作：苏轼 英译：戈登.奥赛茵，闵晓红 明月如霜， 好风如水， 清景无限。曲港跳鱼， 圆荷泻露， 寂寞无人见。紞如三鼓， 铿然一叶， 黯黯梦云惊断。 夜茫茫, 重寻无处， 觉来小园行遍。 天涯倦客， 山中归路， 望断故园心眼。燕子楼空， 佳人何在， 空锁楼中燕。古今如梦， 何曾梦觉， 但有旧欢新怨。异时对、黄楼夜景， 为余浩叹。 The moon’s frost white; the wind’s fresh and cool - to the tune of Yongyule written by: Su Shi ( 11th century) translated by: Gordon Osing and Julia Min The moon’s frost white; The wind’s fresh and cool. A boundless quietude till a fish leaps the winding pool. The dews trickle from lotus leaves, and no one but me.- The night hears three drum-beats and then, a falling leaf. A sadness takes me as I startle awake from a deep sleep. Out in the garden I seek her of my dream: where’re thee? I can feel her everywhere, yet nowhere to be retrieved. The night is seemingly endless here in the far east. A traveller, tired of the world, I’ve drained my heart‘s eye looking for my way back in the mountains of the west. The Swallow Pavilion is long empty, the beauty, where? Locked in dust, there’re only deserted nests in here. The past and the present are dreams that never end. What added daily are just memories and new regrets. Someday, there’ll be travellers to…...

定风波.莫听穿林打叶声 ( 三月七日，沙湖道中遇雨。雨具先去，同行皆狼狈，余独不觉。已而遂晴，故作此词。) 原作：苏轼（ 11th Century） 英译：戈登.奥赛茵，闵晓红(1990) 新版修订：闵晓红(2022) 莫听穿林打叶声， 何妨吟啸且徐行。 竹杖芒鞋轻胜马， 谁怕？ 一蓑烟雨任平生。 料峭春风吹酒醒， 微冷， 山头斜照却相迎。 回首向来萧瑟处， 归去， 也无风雨也无晴 Barely, I hear the rains - to the tune “ Pacify the Turmoil” (on 7 March, we encountered stormy weather on our way to Sand Lake. Unfortunately our rain gear were taken before us, so we were all soaking wet. Everyone else felt out of place except me. The sky cleared a moment later when I wrote this ci poem.) Written by: Su Shi ( 11th AC) English trans. by: Gordon Osing & Julia Min (1990) Revision by: Julia Min (2022) Barely, I hear the rains invading the woods, lashing the leaves… You can’t have all these bugging your reciting of poems, walking in ease. Straw shoes and a bamboo stick, have been doing just great as one on steed. Who cares! One straw raincape is all you need for a lifetime’s beating rains and thick mist … A crisp wind wakes me， to a chilly spring from a cosy wine dream. But then, on a crest, some angling beams of a sunset greeting me! Looking back at the road taken, where the rains rattled the trees, I fear no difference.…...

阳关曲·中秋月 原作：苏东坡 (11世纪) 英译：闵晓红（2022） 暮云收尽溢清寒， 银汉无声转玉盘。此生此夜不长好， 明月明年何处看？ The Clouds at Dusk have All Cleared Up - to the tune of Yangguan written by Su Dongpo（11th century） translated by Julia Min (2022) The clouds at dusk have all cleared up, and here, you and me under the blue and cool empyrean. The Milky Way, so quiet, slowly appears, pulling the full and bright moon high and near. This night of this life will be over soon; Where might we be to see the moon next year? For appreciation: This poem moves from natural scenery to the sentiments inside the poet’s mind – a common practice in poetry. The source text is one four-line stanza, while the English version is restructured and settled at six lines. The poem was composed in 1077 when finally the two brothers ( Su Shi and Su Zhe) joined together for the Moon Festival after being apart for 8 years. The previous Moon Festival saw the birth of his masterpiece “When was the Moon ever so Bright”. You could imagine the joy they shared when they quietly sat there in the garden as in childhood, maybe together with other friends, waiting for the dusk clouds cleared for…...

水调歌头 黄州快哉亭赠张偓佺 原作：苏轼（ 11th Century） 英译旧版：戈登.奥赛茵，闵晓红(1990) 英译新版：闵晓红(2023) 落日绣帘卷， 亭下水连空。 知君为我， 新作窗户湿青红。 长记平山堂上， 欹枕江南烟雨， 杳杳没孤鸿。 认得醉翁语， 山色有无中。 一千顷， 都镜净， 倒碧峰。 忽然浪起， 掀舞一叶白头翁。 堪笑兰台公子， 未解庄生天籁， 刚道有雌雄。 一点浩然气， 千里快哉风。 To Zhang Woquan，at the Bracing Pavilion of Huangzhou - to the tune “River Tune’s First Notes” Written by: Su Shi (11th AC, social name 'Dongpo') En. trans. by: G. Osing, J. Min & H. Huang (1990) En. revision by: Julia Min ( Feb. 2023) The embroidered curtains rolled at sunset, the river before the porch runs to the sky. The scarlet ink is shining, paint still wet, just for me, this window, this splendid sight. I often recall my times at the Hall of Mt Ping for the mist and rains of River South’s spring. The best view was from the window on my pillow. Some lonely goose would fly by and out of sight. “The hills appear to disappear” in drifting smoke…. I could taste Xiu’s thinking in his drinking ci poem. The river by the pavilion spreads far and wide, like broad sea, mirrors easily all the green peaks. A wind rises, lifting as if a white leaf yonder -- an old boy in his boat winding down the river, as free…...

念奴娇.赤壁怀古 原作: 苏轼（11世纪北宋） 中英旧版: 戈登.奥赛茵, 闵晓红, 黄海鹏(1990) 英版修改: 闵晓红(2023) 大江东去浪淘尽， 千古风流人物。 故垒西边人道是， 三国周郎赤壁。 乱石崩云， 惊涛裂岸， 卷起千堆雪。 江山如画， 一时多少豪杰！ 遥想公瑾当年， 小乔初嫁了， 雄姿英发。 羽扇纶巾谈笑间， 樯橹灰飞烟灭。 故国神游， 多情应笑我， 早生华发。 人生如梦， 一樽还酹江月。 Meditating on the Past at the Red Cliff - to the tune of Niannujiao written by: Su Shi (11th Century) First En. trans. by: G. Osing, J. Min & H. Huang (1990) En. revision by: Julia Min (2023) To the East Sea flows the Yangtze River, washing away forever, in tides of times, all the heroes of the past we remember. On the west side of this slopy stronghold, some say, in Three Kingdoms’ chaotic era, Zhou Yu won his Red Cliff Battle on water. What a splendid picture was unfolded across -- walls of rolled waves crashing on savage rocks, great bursts of snowy foam pervading the shore. So many noted warriors came forth and fought. Long before, the younger Qiao, a girl of virtues, married Gongjin, a youth of valor and values. With silk bonnet on head, a feather fan in hand, he chatted at ease as he had victory achieved. The tides had turned, sailed his burning boats over, Cao Cao’s fleet jammed in smoke, doomed in fire… Where…...

浣溪沙. 游蕲水清泉寺 （游蕲水清泉寺，寺临兰溪，溪水西流。） 原作：苏轼（ 1082） 英译：闵晓红(2022) 山下兰芽短浸溪， 松间沙路净无泥。 潇潇暮雨子规啼。 谁道人生无再少？ 门前流水尚能西！ 休向白发唱黄鸡。 A visit to the Clear Stream Temple - to the tune “The Washing Stream“ ( I visit the Clear Stream Temple today at Qishui County. It’s a catching view from the temple on the slope, and the Orchard Stream at the foot of the hill actually flows west, hence the poem.) Written by: Su Shi ( 1082) English trans. by: Julia Min (2022) Down the hill, all along the white sandy beach, sweet orchids are budding again in the stream. A sand path winds into the pine trees, mud free. The dusk, drizzling, hears the cuckoos’ melodies. Who said our time can’t fly back to youth, to teens? Look here, back to west flowing the Orchid Stream! You may stop sighing over your hair turning grey, It’s just your swelling fear by cockcrow or the day. Notes: 1. cuckoos’ melodies: implying a traveller’s homesickness in Chinese culture; 2. back to west: all rivers in China flow from the west to the east, with Yangtse and the Yellow River both sourced from Himalaya region; 3. the Orchid Stream: named in the Tang dynasty for the wild orchids growing like…...

浣溪沙. 细雨斜风作晓寒 (元丰七年十二月二十四日，从泗州刘倩叔游南山。) 原作: 苏轼（11世纪北宋） 英译旧版: 戈登.奥赛茵, 闵晓红, 黄海鹏(1990) 英版修改: 闵晓红(2023) 细雨斜风作晓寒， 淡烟疏柳媚晴滩。 入淮清洛渐漫漫。 雪沫乳花浮午盏， 蓼茸蒿笋试春盘。 人间有味是清欢。 A Light Rain in Cold Wind Sways the Willows (I visited Mt South with Liu Qianshu in Sizhou on 24 Dec. 1084) - to the tune “The Washing Stream" written by: Su Shi (1084) 1st En. trans. by: G. Osing, J. Min & H. Huang (1990) En. revision by: Julia Min (2023) A light rain in cold wind sways the willows, Embracing the river banks in drifting smoke. - River Luo feeds into River Huai in vast folds. My lunch is the tade sprouts and bamboo shoots, And the tea crema tops my cup like smooth snow.- The real taste of life roots in a simple living mode. Appreciation: In 1084, Su Shi was moved from Huangzhou to Ruzhou ( in today’s Henan Province), a turning point for his career. On his way passing Sizhou, he visited Mt. South with a friend. The life in the mountain was so peaceful, not to mention the locals had all the fresh produce of spring on the table. His spirit had been troubled with too much chaos and complexity from the so-called civilization, and here, he…...

鹧鸪天（时谪黄州） 原作: 苏轼（字子瞻, 号东坡居士; 11世纪北宋） 英译旧版:戈登.奥赛茵, 闵晓红, 黄海朋(1990) 英译修改:闵晓红(2023) 林断山明竹隐墙， 乱蝉衰草小池塘。 翻空白鸟时时见， 照水红蕖细细香。 村舍外，古城旁， 杖藜徐步转斜阳。 殷勤昨夜三更雨， 又得浮生一日凉。 Before the Walls the Bamboos Extend to the Hills - to the tune “ Francolin Sky” written by: Su Shi (11th AC, social name 'Dongpo') En. trans. by: G. Osing, J. Min & H. Huang (1990) En. revision by: Julia Min ( Feb. 2023) Before the walls the bamboos extend to the hills. In drooping grass by the pool the cicadas still trill. Flocks of white birds rise to the sky here and there, Lotus are flushed in water mirror, sweet and subtle. Walking past the village outside the old town, My cane moves slowly and the sun’s going down. How kind and thoughtful was the midnight’s rain, To make this short life of mine fulfilled, still again. Appreciation: This ci was composed at early autumn in 1083. The poet cleanses his senses here with a rich country scene after a rain. The premise is again filled with Taoist implications where an ordinary scene treasures true magic. Sounds familiar? Yeah, Wordsworth and Monet come to mind… Reference: Blooming Alone in Winter by Gordon Osing, Julia Min and Huang Haipeng，published by the People's Publication…...

满庭芳.归去来兮 苏轼 （元丰七年四月一日，余将去黄移汝，留别雪堂邻里二三君子，会仲览自江东来别，遂书以遗之。） 原作: 苏轼（11世纪北宋） 英译旧版: 戈登.奥赛茵, 闵晓红, 黄海鹏(1990) 英版修改: 闵晓红(2023) 归去来兮，吾归何处？ 万里家在岷峨。 百年强半， 来日苦无多。 坐见黄州再闰， 儿童尽、楚语吴歌。 山中友，鸡豚社酒， 相劝老东坡。 云何，当此去， 人生底事，来往如梭。 待闲看秋风， 洛水清波。 好在堂前细柳， 应念我、莫剪柔柯。 仍传语，江南父老， 时与晒渔蓑。 Go back to the mountains! But where are they? (On 01 April, 1084, I’m about to leave Huangzhou after being reappointed to another post in Ruzhou. It’s an unforgettable moment saying farewell to my Snow Hall, my good neighbours and a few gentlemen friends. My friend Zhongluan also came all the way from River East.) written by: Su Shi (1084) 1st En. trans. by: G. Osing, J. Min & H. Huang (1990) En. revision by: Julia Min (2023) “Go back to the mountains!” But where are they? Mt. Min and Mt E Mei are a thousand miles away. I’m half a hundred now, numbered are my days, Still idling away to the 2nd leap year since I came. My kids have learned Wu songs and Chu’s lingo. I’ve made many friends from villages in the hills. With chickens, pigs, wine for the shrine, and more, They’re tempting me to grow old at my East Slope. Yet, I’m taking my leave today. What can I say? Time flies faster than a weaver’s shuttle game.…...

赤壁赋 苏轼 〔宋代〕 　　壬戌之秋，七月既望，苏子与客泛舟游于赤壁之下。清风徐来，水波不兴。举酒属客，诵明月之诗，歌窈窕之章。少焉，月出于东山之上，徘徊于斗牛之间。白露横江，水光接天。纵一苇之所如，凌万顷之茫然。浩浩乎如冯虚御风，而不知其所止；飘飘乎如遗世独立，羽化而登仙。(冯 通：凭) 　　于是饮酒乐甚，扣舷而歌之。歌曰：“桂棹兮兰桨，击空明兮溯流光。渺渺兮予怀，望美人兮天一方。”客有吹洞箫者，倚歌而和之。其声呜呜然，如怨如慕，如泣如诉；余音袅袅，不绝如缕。舞幽壑之潜蛟，泣孤舟之嫠妇。 　　苏子愀然，正襟危坐而问客曰：“何为其然也？”客曰：“‘月明星稀，乌鹊南飞。’此非曹孟德之诗乎？西望夏口，东望武昌，山川相缪，郁乎苍苍，此非孟德之困于周郎者乎？方其破荆州，下江陵，顺流而东也，舳舻千里，旌旗蔽空，酾酒临江，横槊赋诗，固一世之雄也，而今安在哉？况吾与子渔樵于江渚之上，侣鱼虾而友麋鹿，驾一叶之扁舟，举匏樽以相属。寄蜉蝣于天地，渺沧海之一粟。哀吾生之须臾，羡长江之无穷。挟飞仙以遨游，抱明月而长终。知不可乎骤得，托遗响于悲风。” 　　苏子曰：“客亦知夫水与月乎？逝者如斯，而未尝往也；盈虚者如彼，而卒莫消长也。盖将自其变者而观之，则天地曾不能以一瞬；自其不变者而观之，则物与我皆无尽也，而又何羡乎！且夫天地之间，物各有主，苟非吾之所有，虽一毫而莫取。惟江上之清风，与山间之明月，耳得之而为声，目遇之而成色，取之无禁，用之不竭。是造物者之无尽藏也，而吾与子之所共适。”(共适 一作：共食) 　　客喜而笑，洗盏更酌。肴核既尽，杯盘狼籍。相与枕藉乎舟中，不知东方之既白。 Simple TranslationIn the autumn of Renxu, on July 16th, I went boating with my friends under the Red Cliff. The breeze blew in gusts, but the water couldn't rise. Raise your glass to persuade your partner to drink, and recite the chapter "Get Lean" in "The Bright Moon". After a while, the bright moon rose from behind the Dongshan Mountain and moved back and forth between Dousu and Niusu. The vast expanse of water vapor traverses the river, and the water light connects the sky. Indulge in a small boat floating like a reed leaf, crossing the vast expanse of the river. The vast and vast expanse of water seems to travel high in the wind, without knowing where to stop. It seems to float and shake as if it is about to leave the world and fly up, turning into a fairy and entering a fairyland.At this moment, he drank and was very happy, singing to the beat. The song reads, "The laurel wood boat paddles, the fragrant orchid boat paddles, beating the clear waves under the moonlight, rising against the current on the moonlit water surface. My thoughts…...

江城子·乙卯正月二十日夜记梦 苏轼 〔宋代〕十年生死两茫茫，不思量，自难忘。千里孤坟，无处话凄凉。纵使相逢应不识，尘满面，鬓如霜。夜来幽梦忽还乡，小轩窗，正梳妆。相顾无言，惟有泪千行。料得年年肠断处，明月夜，短松冈。 Simple TranslationIt has been ten years since our husband and wife parted, and it will be unforgettable if we cannot bear to miss each other. The solitary grave is thousands of miles away, and there is no place to tell the sadness and desolation in my heart. Even if you and I meet, I'm afraid I won't recognize me. I've been running around with dust all over my temples.Last night, I returned to my hometown in a dream and saw you dressing in front of the small window. You and I are silent to each other, with only a thousand tears falling down. I expect you to be heartbroken for me every year, on that bleak moonlit night, on that lonely short pine hill. 译文（原文）你我夫妻诀别已经整整十年，强忍不去思念可终究难忘怀。孤坟远在千里之外，没有地方能诉说心中的悲伤凄凉。即使你我夫妻相逢怕是也认不出我来了，我四处奔波早已是灰尘满面两鬓如霜。昨夜在梦中回到了家乡，看见你正在小窗前对镜梳妆。你我二人默默相对无言，只有泪落千行。料想你年年都为我柔肠寸断，在那凄冷的月明之夜，在那荒寂的短松冈上。...

念奴娇·赤壁怀古 苏轼 〔宋代〕 大江东去，浪淘尽，千古风流人物。故垒西边，人道是，三国周郎赤壁。乱石穿空，惊涛拍岸，卷起千堆雪。(穿空 一作：崩云)江山如画，一时多少豪杰。 遥想公瑾当年，小乔初嫁了，雄姿英发。羽扇纶巾，谈笑间，樯橹灰飞烟灭。(樯橹 一作：强虏)故国神游，多情应笑我，早生华发。人生如梦，一尊还酹江月。(人生 一作：人间；尊 同：樽) Simple TranslationThe water of the great river keeps flowing eastward, and the surging waves wash away the heroes of the ages.To the west of the old camp, people say it was the Red Cliff where Zhou Lang smashed Cao's troops during the Three Kingdoms period.The shore is littered with rocks, as if to pierce the sky. Amazing waves are pounding the river bank, stirring up waves like thousands of piles of snow.The magnificent rivers and mountains are as beautiful as pictures, and how many heroes and heroines have emerged at one time.Looking back on Zhou Yu's triumphant years, Xiao Qiao has just married him as his wife, with a heroic and vigorous demeanor."I waved a feather fan and wore a silk scarf on my head, and while talking and laughing, I burned the powerful enemy's warships to ashes.".Now that I am walking in the ancient battlefield and wandering in the past, it is ridiculous that I have so much nostalgic tenderness that my temples are graying like those of premature aging.Life is like a dream, and sprinkle a glass of wine to commemorate the bright moon on the river. 译文（原文）大江之水滚滚不断向东流去，滔滔巨浪淘尽千古英雄人物。那旧营垒的西边，人们说那就是三国时周郎大破曹兵的赤壁。岸边乱石林立，像要刺破天空，惊人的巨浪拍击着江岸，激起的浪花好似千万堆白雪。雄壮的江山奇丽如图画，一时间涌现出多少英雄豪杰。 遥想当年的周瑜春风得意，小乔刚刚嫁给了他做妻子，英姿雄健风度翩翩神采照人。手摇羽扇头戴纶巾，谈笑之间，就把强敌的战船烧得灰飞烟灭。如今我身临古战场神游往昔，可笑我有如此多的怀古柔情，竟如同未老先衰般鬓发斑白。人生犹如一场梦，且洒一杯酒祭奠江上的明月。...

兴贤 王安石 国以任贤使能而兴，弃贤专己而衰。此二者，必然之势，古今之通义，流俗所共知耳。何治安之世有之而能兴，昏乱之世虽有之亦不兴？盖用之与不用之谓矣。有贤而用，国之福也，有之而不用，犹无有也。商之兴也，有仲虺、伊尹，其衰也，亦有三仁。周之兴也，同心者十人，其衰也，亦有祭公谋父、内史过。两汉之兴也，有萧、曹、寇、邓之徒，其衰也，亦有王嘉、傅喜、陈蕃、李固之众。魏、晋而下，至于李唐，不可遍举，然其间兴衰之世，亦皆同也。由此观之，有贤而用之者，国之福也，有之而不用，犹无有也，可不慎欤？今犹古也，今之天下亦古之天下，今之士民亦古之士民。古虽扰攘之际，犹有贤能若是之众，况今太宁，岂曰无之？在君上用之而已。博询众庶，则才能者进矣；不有忌讳，则谠直之路开矣；不迩小人，则谗谀者自远矣；不拘文牵俗，则守职者辨治矣；不责人以细过，则能吏之志得以尽其效矣。苟行此道，则何虑不跨两汉、轶三代，然后践五帝、三皇之途哉。 Advocacy of Talents Wang Anshi A nation thrives when it appoints and utilizes talents, but it declines when it neglects these talents and its ruler monopolizes everything. This is irreversible—true in the past and true at parent and known even by common people. But how is it that a nation in good order can thrive with its talents while a nation in chaos cannot in spite of its talents? This is only a matter of whether talents are utilized or not. If a nation utilizes them, a good fortune will come to it; otherwise, it is just as though they do not exist. There were talents like Zhong Hui and Yi Yin when Shang was flourishing, but as it declined, there were also three talents. There were ten talents making a concerted effort for the King when Zhou was on its rise, but on its fall, there were also talents like Duke Zhai Moufu and Nei Shiguo. There were talents like Xiao He, Cao Can, Kou Xun, Deng Fu, etc. in the prime of both the Eastern Han and the Western Han, but on their downfall, there were also a great number of talents like Wang Jia,…...

谢池春 李之仪 残寒消尽， 疏雨过、清明后。 花径敛余红， 风沼萦新皱。 乳燕穿庭户， 飞絮沾襟袖。 正佳时仍晚昼， 著人滋味， 真个浓如酒。 频移带眼， 空只恁、厌厌瘦。 不见又思量， 见了还依旧， 为问频相见， 何似长相守。 天不老， 人未偶， 且将此恨， 分付庭前柳。 Tune: “Xie Chi Chun” Li Zhiyi Gone is the weakening cold. Light rains come and go. Tomb-Sweeping Day has passed. Withered flowers are buried in the flowery path. Breeze strikes the pond to make wrinkles. Little swallows fly in and out the door or windows. Flying petals stain my sleeves. I enjoy the time from noon till night. The rich flavor is felt like tasting good wine. I repeatedly move my belt from hole to hole. I helplessly watch my body weight to stay low. Not seeing her increases my pining. After singing her, we again end up parting. Let me ask: if we can’t break this chain, why can’t we be together from morning to evening? Heaven can’t get old, it will stay. But I have yet got my mate. Alas, I may as well share my sorrow with the frontcourt willow? （Edward C. Chang 译）...

羞燕 朱淑真 停针无语泪盈眸，不但伤春夏亦愁。 花外飞来双燕子，一番飞过一番羞。 Abashed before the Swallows Zhu Shuzhen As my needle pauses, tears wordlessly fill my eyes, Not only in spring do I grieve; summer has its sadnesses as well. A pair of swallows fly over the flowers; Each time they pass, I feel shame. （Sophie Volpp 译）...

谐噱·长年术 范正敏 蒲傅正知杭州，有术士请谒，盖年逾九十，而犹有婴儿之色。傅正接之甚欢，因访以长年之术。答曰：“某术甚简而易行，它无所忌，唯当绝色欲耳。”傅正俛思良久，曰：“若然，则寿虽千岁何益！” Longevity While Pu Zhuanzheng was serving as county magistrate in Hangzhou, a sorcerer begged for an audience. Though over 90 years of age, the sorcerer had the complexion of a baby. Zhuang Zheng was very glad to see the old man and inquired of him the secret of long life. “Well,” said the sorcerer, “my method is simple and easy to follow. There’s no taboo whatsoever. Just keep away from women, that’s all.” At this the magistrate mediated for some time and said: “In that case, what’s the use of living to be one thousand years old?” Fan Zhengmin: Xie Xue (Humoourous Stories) （卢允中 译）...

延年术 苏轼 自省事以来，闻世所谓道人有延年之术者，如赵抱一、徐登、张元梦，皆近百岁，然竟死，与常人无异。及来黄州，闻浮光有朱元经尤异，公卿尊师之者甚众，然卒亦病，死时中风搐搦。但实能黄白，有余药，金皆入官。不知世果无异人耶，抑有而人不见，此等举非耶？不知古所记异人虚实，无乃与此等不大相远，而好事者缘饰之耶？ The Secret of Longevity Su Shih Ever since I was a child, I have heard of Taoists who can prolong life. But people like Chao Paoyi, Shü, and Chang Yuanmeng all lived to about a hundred, and died just like any other people. After I came to Huanchow, I heard of Chu Yuanching at Foukuang, who enjoyed a high reputation and was regarded as a master by many high officials. But he, too, died of an illness in a violent paroxysm. However, he really could transmute gold and left some gold and power behind, now in the hands of the government. I am beginning to wonder whether such immortals ever existed, or whether they do exist but are not seen by people. Or are we all mistaken? Is it not possible that the stories in the ancient books about Taoists who never died are just like the cases mentioned above and exaggerated by the writers? （林语堂 译）...

齐天乐·咏蟋蟀 姜夔 庚郎先自吟《愁赋》，凄凄更闻私语。露湿铜铺，苔侵石井，都是曾听伊处。哀音似诉，正思妇无眠，起寻机杼。曲曲屏山，夜凉独自甚情绪？ 西窗又吹暗雨，为谁频断续，相和砧杵？候馆迎秋，离宫吊月，别有伤心无数。豳诗漫与，笑篱落呼灯，世间儿女。写入琴丝，一声声更苦。 Crickets Jiang Kui At first Mr. Zhang chanted a wonderful poetic prose, Like the famous poet Yu Xin used to sing his Rhapsody of Sorrows. Then I heard crickets chirp plaintively from the hollows, From the bronze door ring bases, And from the stone wells covered with mosses. Hearing this querulous sound of crickets, The longing woman in her private room, Unable to sleep, got up to look for the loom. Looking at the winding mountains on the screen, She thought of her husband travelling. What was her emotion in such a lonely cold evening? I seemed to hear wailing wind And weeping rain patter on the west window. For whom the sound of the rain and wind now stopped, now continued, And was accompanied with the clothes-beating sound? Travellers feeling sad in the autumn at a forlorn inn, And concubines in a temporary palace falling into disfavor with the king, Would be all the more heart-broken When they heard the plaintive sound of crickets in a cold moonlit evening. In the Book of Songs a poet wrote an impromptu poem on crickets with deep feeling. Children knowing nothing of the sadness of the world Try to catch crickets…...