By comparing the prosperity of the past with the loneliness of today, Zhao Mengfu expressed his inner feelings and nostalgia for the happy times of the past.
纪旧游
[元]赵孟頫
三月江南莺乱飞，
百花开谢柳依依。
落红无数迷歌扇，
嫩绿多情妒午衣[1]。
金鸭焚香川上暝[2]，
画船挝鼓[3]月中归。
如今寂寞东风里，
把酒无言对夕晖[4]。
注释：
[1]午衣：这里代指美女。
[2]暝：日落，天黑。
[3]挝鼓：敲打着鼓。
[4]夕晖：夕阳的光辉，落日余晖。
An Excursion Recalled
Zhao Mengfu
On southern shore in late spring orioles flew in riot;
Hundreds of flowers bade adieu to willows quiet.
The fallen reds and songstress’ fans bewitched the eye;
The envious tender green for dancer’s robe would sigh.
In golden censer incense burned on stream at night,
My pleasure boat ‘mid drumbeats came back by moonlight.
But now I’m solitary in the eastern breeze,
Wine cup in hand at sunset, silent, ill at ease.
