Li Bai (701-December 762), whose name was Taibai, was named Qinglianjushi, also known as “The Immortal”. A great romantic poet in the Tang Dynasty, he was hailed as “The Immortal of Poetry” by future generations, and he was called “The Immortal of Poetry” together with Du Fu.
玉阶怨[1]
玉阶生白露，
夜久侵罗袜[2]。
却下[3]水晶帘，
玲珑望秋月。
如果说《怨情》通过写美人的外形来揭露内心的感情，那么《玉阶怨》却连外形都没有写，只是通过动作来暗示怨情。第一句“起”，“玉阶”表明地点是在宫内，“生白露”表明时间是在深夜。第二句“承”，“罗袜”表明宫女的身份，“侵罗袜”说明伫立时间已久。第三句“转”，“下水晶帘”表明失望。第四句“合”，“玲珑望月”却又表示还不死心，仿佛也要把一片痴情托付给明月，飞到所思念的人身边去。这样“起承转合”，使人从动作中看到宫女的内心，是不言怨而怨自见的写法。
注释：
[1]玉阶怨：乐府古题，是专写“宫怨”的曲题。
[2]罗袜：丝织的袜子。
[3]却下：回房放下。却：还。
Waiting in Vain on Marble Steps
The marble steps with dew turn cold,
Silk soles are wet when night grows old.
She comes in,lowers crystal screen,
Still gazing atthe moon serene.
If “Complaint” reveals the inner feelings by describing the beauty’s appearance, then “Complaint on Jade Steps” does not even describe the appearance, but only implies the resentment through actions. The first sentence “起”, “玉阶” indicates the location is in the palace, and “生白露” indicates the time is late at night. The second sentence “承”, “丝袜” indicates the identity of the palace maid, and “侵丝袜” indicates that she has been standing there for a long time. The third sentence “转”, “下水晶帘” indicates disappointment. The fourth sentence “闭”, “玲隆望月” indicates that she is still unwilling to give up, as if she wants to entrust her love to the bright moon and fly to the person she misses. This “起承转合” allows people to see the palace maid’s heart from the actions, which is a writing method that does not express the resentment but makes it self-evident.
