刘言史，洛阳（今属河南）人，或谓邯郸（今属河北）人。与孟郊友善。王武俊为恒冀邯团练观察使时对他颇为赏识，曾举荐其为枣强县令，他辞疾不就。世重之，仍称”刘枣强”。后李夷简节度汉南时辟为司功椽。工诗，风格近李贺。皮日休撰《刘枣强碑》云：”所有歌诗千首，其荚丽恢赡，自贺外，世莫得比。”《全唐诗》录其诗1卷。或误为王言史。
Liu Yanshi was born in Luoyang (now part of Henan), also known as Handan (now part of Hebei). Be friendly with Meng Jiao. Wang Wujun was highly appreciated by him when he served as the observation envoy for the Hengji Han Regiment. He once recommended him as the magistrate of Zaoqiang County, but he resigned due to illness. It is still known as’ Liu Zaoqiang ‘due to its importance in the world. Later, during the Jianjie period in Hannan, Li Yijian was appointed as the Minister of Works. Gongshi, with a style similar to Li He’s. Pi Rixiu wrote the “Liu Zaoqiang Stele” and said, “There are thousands of poems and songs, and their pods are magnificent and magnificent, unparalleled in the world.” The “Complete Tang Poetry” records one volume of his poems. Or mistakenly referred to as Wang Yanshi.
Liu Yanshi’s “Two Poems on Viewing Papaya Flowers in the Mountains” depicts the beauty and charm of papaya flowers with delicate brushstrokes, while also conveying the poet’s profound emotions.
刘言史·《看山木瓜花二首》
裛露凝氛紫艳新，千般婉娜不胜春。
年年此树花开日，出尽丹阳郭里人。
柔枝湿艳亚朱栏，暂作庭芳便欲残。
深藏数片将归去，红缕金针绣取看。
Appreciating Wild Chinese Flowering Quince
Liu Yanshi
(1)
The charming, fresh and violet florets, bathed in dew and enveloped in vapour,
Are too tender and slender to be graced by vernal splendour.
Annually on the day of their efflorescence,
All the inhabitants in the suburb of Danyang wend out to appreciate her pulchritudinous appearance.
(2)
Beside the scarlet banister is tender, moist and charming sprays.
In the courtyard, a transient fragrant floret will soon fall into decay.
Bound for my domicile with several cherished petals,
And with golden needle and red thread I embroider after her pattern in a mimic way.
（黄龙 译）
