Chinese Poems

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。...

水调歌头·明月几时有 苏轼 〔宋代〕 丙辰中秋，欢饮达旦，大醉，作此篇，兼怀子由。 明月几时有？把酒问青天。不知天上宫阙，今夕是何年。我欲乘风归去，又恐琼楼玉宇，高处不胜寒。起舞弄清影，何似在人间。(何似 一作：何时；又恐 一作：惟 / 唯恐)转朱阁，低绮户，照无眠。不应有恨，何事长向别时圆？人有悲欢离合，月有阴晴圆缺，此事古难全。但愿人长久，千里共婵娟。(长向 一作：偏向) Simple TranslationDuring the Mid-Autumn Festival in the year of Bingchen (1076 AD), I drank heavily all night until dawn and became drunk. I took the opportunity to write this article while expressing my yearning for my younger brother and disciple You.When will the bright moon like the Mid Autumn Festival come? I held a glass of wine and asked the sky. I don't know what day Gao Yao is in the upper palace. I wanted to take a look back in the sky with the wind, but I was worried that the beautiful jade buildings were too high for me to withstand the cold. Get up and dance to enjoy your clear shadow under the moonlight. The moon palace is no warmer than human fireworks.The moon moved and turned over the vermilion pavilion, hanging low on the carved window, illuminating the sleepless person. The bright moon shouldn't have any resentment towards people, but why does it always come round when people leave? There are joys and sorrows in life, and the moon is often full and short. (The moon happens to be full when people want to be reunited) Such…...

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…...

满江红·题南京夷山驿 宋·王清惠 太液芙蓉，浑不似、旧时颜色。曾记得、春风雨露，玉楼金阙。名播兰馨妃后里，晕潮莲脸君王侧。忽一声、鼙鼓揭天来，繁华歇。 龙虎散，风云灭。千古恨，凭谁说？对山河百二，泪盈襟血。驿馆夜惊尘土梦，宫车晓辗关山月。问姮娥、于我肯从容，同圆缺。 P’u – Man Chiang Hung (To the tune-title ‘Sunset on the River’) Journey into Captivity Wang Ch’ing-hui Mimosa at T’ai-yeh Cannot have the same Colour as in those days of old Remembered from a past Of spring-time dew and wind and rain In the Jade Tower and Palace of Gold. My name among the royal ladies spread like orchid-scent; A blushing, bashful lotus-flower the Sovereign’s grace befriended. When suddenly a clamour Of war-drums fit to startle heaven burst. The gay life ended. Dragon and Tiger fled, Cloud and Wind were gone.To share such depth of sorrow Whom could I count upon? Faced with the sight of all those rivers and mountains Blood stained my dress, and tears fell so. Each night at road-side inns I woke in terror from dreams of travel; Each dawn the palace carriages rolled through passes lit by the moon. I begged Ch’ang-O In kindness to allow me to go with her Wherever she might go. （Alan Ayling and Duncan Mackintosh 译）...

中秋夜八绝 苏辙 长空开积雨，清夜流明月。 看尽上楼人，油然就西没。 The Mid-Autumn Night Su Zhe After rain the sky is vast and clear, And the bright moon sails at night. The watchers go to sleep one by one; Seeing this, she gladly shuts her light. （陈君朴 译）...

春草 刘敞 春草绵绵不可名，水边原上乱抽荣。 似嫌车马繁华地，才入城门便不生。 Spring Grass Liu Chang* Grass is profuse and wildly bred. At riverside and on plains it grows at a quick rate. It seems to dislike the places where horses with chariots tread, So it is not seen inside the city gate. * Liu Chang was a poet of the Northern Song Dynasty (10th to 12th century). The poem seems to allude to hermits who dislike city life. （丰华瞻 译）...

卜算子 李之仪 我住长江头， 君住长江尾。 日日思君不见君， 共饮长江水。 此水几时休？ 此恨何时已？ 只愿君心似我心， 定不负相思意。 A River-long Love Li Zhiyi I live at the upper end of the river, And at the lower end live you; Every day I long to see you but cannot, Though from the same river we drink. When will the river go dry? When can my sorrow come to an end? Only may your heart be like mine, My love for you will not be in vain. （初大告 译） Busuanzi Li Zhiyi I live by the Yangzi River near its source, While you reside farthest down its course. You and I drink water out of the same stream. I haven’t seen you, though daily of you I dream. When will this river water cease to run? When shall I not love you, the way I do? I only wish our two hearts would beat as one; You wouldn’t disappoint me in my love for you. （徐忠杰 译） Song of Divination Li Zhiyi I live upstream and you downstream. From night to night of you I dream. Unlike the stream you’re not in view, Though we both drink from River Blue. Where will the water no more flow? When will my grief no…...

爱莲说  周敦颐 水陆草木之花，可爱者甚蕃。晋陶渊明独爱菊；自李唐来，世人盛爱牡丹；予独爱莲之出淤泥而不染，濯清涟而不妖，中通外直，不蔓不枝，香远益清，亭亭静植，可远观而不可亵玩焉。 予谓菊，花之隐逸者也；牡丹，花之富贵者也；莲，花之君子者也。噫！菊之爱，陶后鲜有闻；莲之爱，同予者何人？牡丹之爱，宜乎众矣。 The Language of Flowers Zhou Dunyi Lovers of flowering plants and shrubs we have had by scores, but Tao Yüan-ming alone devoted himself to the chrysanthemum. Since the opening days of the Tang dynasty, it has been fashionable to admire the peony; but my favourite is the water-lily. How stainless it rises from its slimy bed! How modestly it reposes on the clear pool – an emblem of purity and truth! Symmetrically perfect, its subtle perfume is wafted far and wide, while there it rests in spotless state, something to be regarded reverently from a distance, and not be profaned by familiar approach. In my opinion, the chrysanthemum is the flower of retirement and culture; the peony, the flower of rank and wealth; the water-lily, the Lady Virtue sans pareille. Alas; few have loved the chrysanthemum since Tao Yüan-ming; and none now love the water-lily like myself; whereas the peony is a general favourite with all mankind. （Herbert A. Giles 译）...

"Thoughts on Reading" is a work by Zhu Xi, a scholar in the Song Dynasty. This poem uses the phenomenon that the water in a pond is clear because of the inflow of fresh water to illustrate that we must constantly accept new things in order to keep our thoughts active and progressive. 《观书有感》是宋代学问家朱熹的作品。本诗借助池塘水清因有活水注入的现象，比喻要不断接受新事物，才能保持思想的活跃与进步。 《观书有感》 朱熹 半亩方塘一鉴开，天光云影共徘徊。问渠那得清如许，为有源头活水来。 The Book Zhu Xi There lies a glassy oblong pool,Where light and shade pursue their course.How could it be so clear and cool?For fresh water comes from the source....

"Zhi Yu Tang Zuo" is a seven-character quatrain written by Hong Zikui, a poet of the Southern Song Dynasty. This poem describes the relaxed and proud feeling of being a direct Hanlin and drafting the edict for the emperor to appoint him as a prime minister. The first sentence describes the silence of the palace after the palace gates were locked; the second sentence describes the poet drafting the appointment letters of the two prime ministers. The last two sentences describe the situation at five o'clock in the morning, and the third sentence describes the sound of the dawn; the last sentence describes the moonlight shining on the steps and the crape myrtle flowers, and secretly uses the allusion of crape myrtle. The poem is subtle and interesting. 《直玉堂作》是南宋诗人洪咨夔创作的一首七言绝句。此诗写入直翰林，替皇帝拟拜相诏书的轻松、得意之情。首句写宫门锁上以后宫内环境的寂静；次句写诗人正在起草两位宰相的任命书。后两句写五更天的情况，三句写已经传来了报晓的声音；末句写月光照着台阶，也照着紫薇花，并暗用紫薇省典故。诗写得含蓄而有味。 《直玉堂作》 洪咨夔 禁门深锁寂无哗，浓墨淋漓两相麻。唱彻五更天未晓，一墀月浸紫薇花。 On Duty in the Jade Hall Hong Zikui The palace silent, with gates and doors locked all,Dense ink is spilt to draft two edicts in Jade Hall.Before the watchmen announce the early daybreak,I see the roses steeped in moonlight not yet awake....