Mandarin Ducks 鸳鸯
雌去雄飞万里天，cí qù xióng fēi wàn lǐ tiān，
云罗满眼泪潸然。yún luó;luō mǎn yǎn lèi shān rán。
不须长结风波愿，bù xū cháng;zhǎng jié;jiē fēng bō yuàn，
锁向金笼始两全。suǒ xiàng jīn lǒng;lóng shǐ liǎng quán。
She leaves, he flies ten thousand Li
Eyes moist, she cries, tears trickle onto a cloudy net
No need to prove their love with waves and wind
For two pieces of gold, just lock them in a gilded cage.
Jade Mountain 玉山
玉山高与阆风齐，yù shān gāo yǔ làng fēng qí，
玉水清流不贮泥。yù shuǐ qīng liú bù zhù ní。
何处更求回日驭，hé chǔ gèng;gēng qiú huí rì yù，
此中兼有上天梯。cǐ zhōng jiān yǒu shàng tiān tī。
珠容百斛龙休睡，zhū róng bǎi hú lóng xiū shuì，
桐拂千寻凤要栖。tóng fú qiān xún fèng yào;yāo qī。
闻道神仙有才子，wén dào shén xiān yǒu cái zǐ，
赤箫吹罢好相携。chì xiāo chuī bà;ba hǎo;hào xiàng;xiāng xié。
Jade Mountain rises as high as Langfeng’s Eden[1]
The water freely flows, without sediment even.
Are dreams achieved here, without turning back?
Indeed, again one can ascend high up on the ladder’s racks
Dragons rest amid one hundred hu tubs of pearls
On Wu tree branches a thousand fathoms long phoenixes their wings unfurl.
One hears that Immortals value talented scholars to boot
So let us together be happy as we hear the red bamboo flute!
Yue Yang Tower 岳阳楼
汉水方城带百蛮，hàn shuǐ fāng chéng dài bǎi mán，
四邻谁道乱周班。sì lín shuí dào luàn zhōu bān。
如何一梦高唐雨，rú hé yī mèng gāo táng yǔ，
自此无心入武关。zì cǐ wú xīn rù wǔ guān。
The waters of Fang Chang hold a hundred perils
What westerners would dare this crazy path to the Kingdom of Zhou?
How is it that an emperor dreamed of Gaotang’s rain
And was rendered spineless as he entered the trap at Wuguan Plain?
Offered And Posted To Master Song Of Huayang Temple And Elder Liu Of Qingdu.赠华阳宋真人兼寄清都刘先生
沦谪千年别帝宸，lún zhé qiān nián biè;bié dì chén，
至今犹谢蕊珠人。zhì jīn yóu xiè ruǐ zhū rén。
但惊茅许同仙籍，dàn jīng máo xǔ tóng;tòng xiān jí，
不道刘卢是世亲。bù dào liú lú shì shì qīn。
玉检赐书迷凤篆，yù jiǎn cì shū mí fèng zhuàn，
金华归驾冷龙鳞。jīn huá guī jià lěng lóng lín。
不因杖屦逢周史，bù yīn zhàng jù féng zhōu shǐ，
徐甲何曾有此身。xú jiǎ hé céng yǒu cǐ shēn。
Since I left the emperor’s palace it’s been a thousand years of decay
I remember those of the sacred temple right to this day
How surprising you both attained a profound knowledge of the Way
Even as your mortal family through Liu and Lu, is linked, people say
Next to the Scrolls of Luan, strange seemed my jade covered letters
The dragon rode back to Jin Hua Mountain, indifferent to these scaly fetters
Age and walking sticks had nothing to with the Sage of Zhou
The Immortal Branch blessed you with good health, it goes to show!
Thirty Four Ryhmes Presented To The “Five Classics” Scholar Liu赠送前刘五经映三十四韵
建国宜师古，jiàn guó yí shī gǔ，
兴邦属上庠。xìng;xīng bāng shǔ shàng xiáng。
从来以儒戏，cóng lái yǐ rú xì，
安得振朝纲。ān dé;děi;de zhèn cháo gāng。
叔世何多难，shū shì hé duō nán，
兹基遂已亡。zī jī suì yǐ wáng。
泣麟犹委吏，qì lín yóu wěi lì，
歌凤更佯狂。gē fèng gèng;gēng yáng kuáng。
屋壁馀无几，wū bì yú wú jǐ，
焚坑逮可伤。fén kēng dǎi kě shāng。
挟书秦二世，jiā shū qín èr shì，
坏宅汉诸王。huài zhái hàn zhū wáng。
草草临盟誓，cǎo cǎo lín méng shì，
区区务富强。qū qū wù fù qiáng。
微茫金马署，wēi máng jīn mǎ shǔ，
狼藉斗鸡场。láng jí dǒu jī cháng。
尽欲心无窍，jìn;jǐn yù xīn wú qiào，
皆如面正墙。jiē rú miàn zhèng;zhēng qiáng。
惊疑豹文鼠，jīng yí bào wén shǔ，
贪窃虎皮羊。tān qiè hǔ pí yáng。
南渡宜终否，nán dù yí zhōng fǒu;pǐ，
西迁冀小康。xī qiān jì xiǎo kāng。
策非方正士，cè fēi fāng zhèng shì，
贡绝孝廉郎。gàng;gòng jué xiào lián láng。
海鸟悲钟鼓，hǎi niǎo bēi zhōng gǔ，
狙公畏服裳。jū gōng wèi fú cháng。
多岐空扰扰，duō qí kōng rǎo rǎo，
幽室竟伥伥。yōu shì jìng chāng chāng。
凝邈为时范，níng miǎo wéi shí fàn，
虚空作士常。xū kōng zuò shì cháng。
何由羞五霸，hé yóu xiū wǔ bà，
直自呰三皇。zhí zì zǐ;cī sān huáng。
别派驱杨墨，biè;bié pài qū yáng mò，
他镳并老庄。tā biāo bìng lǎo zhuāng。
诗书资破冢，shī shū zī pò zhǒng，
法制困探囊。fǎ zhì kùn tàn náng。
周礼仍存鲁，zhōu lǐ réng cún lǔ，
隋师果禅唐。suí shī guǒ chán;shàn táng。
鼎新麾一举，dǐng xīn huī yī jǔ，
革故法三章。gé gù fǎ sān zhāng。
星宿森文雅，xīng xiù sēn wén yǎ，
风雷起退藏。fēng léi qǐ tuì zàng;cáng。
缧囚为学切，léi qiú wèi;wéi xué qiè;qiē，
掌故受经忙。zhǎng gù shòu jīng máng。
夫子时之彦，fū zǐ shí zhī yàn，
先生迹未荒。xiān shēng jī wèi huāng。
褐衣终不召，hè yì;yī zhōng bù zhào，
白首兴难忘。bái shǒu xìng;xīng nán wàng。
感激殊非圣，gǎn jī shū fēi shèng，
栖迟到异粻。qī chí dào yì zhāng。
片辞褒有德，piān cí bāo yǒu dé，
一字贬无良。yī zì biǎn wú liáng。
燕地尊邹衍，yàn dì;de zūn zōu yǎn，
西河重卜商。xī hé zhòng;chóng bo;bǔ shāng。
式闾真道在，shì lǘ zhēn dào zài，
拥彗信谦光。yōng huì xìn qiān guāng。
获预青衿列，huò yù qīng jīn liè，
叨来绛帐旁。dāo lái jiāng zhàng páng。
虽从各言志，suī cóng;zòng;cōng gè;gě yán zhì，
还要大为防。hái yào dà wèi;wéi fáng。
勿谓孤寒弃，wù wèi gū hán qì，
深忧讦直妨。shēn yōu jié zhí fáng。
叔孙谗易得，shū sūn chán yì dé;děi;de，
盗跖暴难当。dào zhí bào nán dāng。
雁下秦云黑，yàn xià qín yún hēi，
蝉休陇叶黄。chán xiū lǒng yè huáng。
莫逾巾屦念，mò yú jīn jù niàn，
容许后升堂。róng xǔ hòu shēng táng。
Studying the classic teachers is appropriate for building a nation
A prosperous land’s subjects should go to university
As long as Conficianism has been mocked
Hasn’t peace in the Courts been rocked?
How many difficulties a declining country faces
Once it has fled from a basic moral foundation
Weep for the slain unicorn, as did the County Clerk
In the song of the Phoenix, madness truly led to abandoning the world
The manuscripts hidden in rooms were few
For the scroll burning caused such great harm
The second Qin King carried these books
But all the Han Emperors defiled the Master’s home
With great difficulty a temporary alliance was formed
With much hard work people grew rich and strong
The golden sentry horses of academies were tarnished
Scholars disordered and scattered like on a rooster’s fight stage
Greed left behind holes in the heart
Everyone was like a wooden totem by the wall
The leopard behind mousy writing caused confusion and bewilderment
The sheep in the tiger skin caused corruption and theft
After the Southern Crossing it declined in the later years
With a final flowering during the Western Migration
Strategies did not consider frank criticism of the leadership
Studies of filial piety and honesty were reasons to cancel tributes
The sea bird despaired at the sound of the drums
The monkeys fearfully submitted to the rituals of Shang
The many paths were empty and troubling
Remote dwellings held baffled faces
Taoism’s dream state was for a time a model
Buddha’s concept of emptiness enlightened the learned
Wherefore the direct speaking way of Five Frosts
When three kings accused them of calumny?
The other sects were guided by Yang and Mou
Lao and Zhang also led the horse’s bit
Books and plays served to dig up old graves
Legalism was the province of shallow fools
The teachings of Zhou were preserved in the land of Lu
What formed in the Sui Kingdom matured under the Tang
With the new Ding it led the way
Old laws were simplified to three basic points
Eloquent scholars flourished under the stars
With the wind and the thunder of the Tang they could find seclusion
Imprisoned, Official Lei was sentenced to study
There are anecdotes of his busy work with the 5 Classics
Your esteemed time was one of superb talent
The elderly scholars maintained an orderly path
Course clothes finally paid the court no heed
Hard to forget was the joy of the ‘White Way’
Be thankful capital punishment was not based on lawless gods
A strange food arrived late on the perch.
Simple phrases nursed righteousness with vigilance
One character resulting in demotion was a bad thing
The sparrows on the land respected Zou Yan
The western rivers looked up to Bo Shang
On the true road you had a carriage armrest
The broom swept the chambers, revealing a trusted light
Line up to attain the purple scholar’s collar
And may you be favored to arrive by the scarlet curtains
Although you bring inspiring words
Above all be vigilant, beware
Be forewarned that rejection is lone and cold
Deeply worry how past misdeeds can hamper one
How easy it is to slander sons and uncles
In a time of violent Robber Barons like Zhi
Wild geese fly beneath the black clouds of Qin
The cicadas rest under the yellowed autumn leaves of Long
Do not consider changing the raiments of Master Kong
Afterwards, please allow me into your hallowed halls!
When Lu Jia Mocked Beautiful Mo Chou 追代卢家人嘲堂内
道却横波字，dào què héng bō zì，
人前莫谩羞。rén qián mò màn;mán xiū。
只应同楚水，zhī;zhǐ yīng;yìng tóng;tòng chǔ shuǐ，
长短入淮流。cháng duǎn rù huái liú。
Her words are perverse as retreating waves[2]
Before men, she doesn’t bother to play shy
Only in dreams our vices and virtues
Toss among the waters of the Hei.
To Myself 自贶
陶令弃官后，táo lìng qì guān hòu，
仰眠书屋中。yǎng mián shū wū zhōng。
谁将五斗米，shuí jiāng;jiàng wǔ dòu;dǒu mǐ，
拟换北窗风。nǐ huàn běi chuāng fēng。
After Magistrate Tao retired
He laid back in his room of books
Who would choose to be paid five pecks of rice?
Rather savor the breeze from the North Window!.
In Zhao Zhou 昭州
桂水春犹早，guì shuǐ chūn yóu zǎo，
昭川日正西。zhāo chuān rì zhèng;zhēng xī。
虎当官道斗，hǔ dāng guān dào dòu;dǒu，
猿上驿楼啼。yuán shàng yì lóu tí。
绳烂金沙井，shéng làn jīn shā jǐng，
松干乳洞梯。sōng gān;gàn;hàn rǔ dòng tī。
乡音殊可骇，xiāng yīn shū kě hài，
仍有醉如泥。réng yǒu zuì rú ní。
On the Gui River the summer arrives early, it seems.
On the Zhao Plain, westwards, in the first month,
At the head of the county road, tigers lurk,
And above the Yi Inn, apes scream.
Frayed are the ropes of Jinsha Well,
Rotting, Ru Gang’s poplar ladders.
How startling are the locals’ rough accents
I often drink, as if sloshing through mud!
From The Southern Mountains Returning Northwards, Passing The Watershed自南山北归经分水岭
水急愁无地，shuǐ jí chóu wú dì;de，
山深故有云。shān shēn gù yǒu yún。
那通极目望，nà;nèi tōng jí mù wàng，
又作断肠分。yòu zuò duàn cháng fēn。
郑驿来虽及，zhèng yì lái suī jí，
燕台哭不闻。yàn tái kū bù wén。
犹馀遗意在，yóu yú yí yì zài，
许刻镇南勋。xǔ kè zhèn;chēn nán xūn。
The agitated water, spills everywhere
Clouds hover over the dark mountains
Even over there as far as the eye can see
It breaks my heart into as many pieces
Although I have arrived at Zhang Station
No one at Sparrow Stage has heard my cries
It is as though his last words to me were
You may inscribe an epitaph on Southern Mountain
Travelling Through Zhaoying County, Accompanying Revenue Commissioner Li On The Mission To Pacify Zhaoyi 行次昭应县道上，送户部李郎中充昭义攻讨
将军大旆扫狂童，jiāng jūn dà pèi sào;sǎo kuáng tóng，
诏选名贤赞武功。zhào xuǎn míng xián zàn wǔ gōng。
暂逐虎牙临故绛，zàn zhú hǔ yá lín gù jiāng，
远含鸡舌过新丰。yuǎn hán jī shé guò xīn fēng。
鱼游沸鼎知无日，yú yóu fèi dǐng zhī wú rì，
鸟复危巢岂待风。niǎo fù wēi cháo qǐ dāi fēng。
早勒勋庸燕石上，zǎo lè xūn yōng yàn shí shàng，
伫光纶綍汉庭中。zhù guāng lún fú hàn tíng zhōng。
The General’s great banners sweep away the naughty children
The Court chooses virtuous and righteous men for glorious deeds
For now, follow Tiger Tooth to the brink of ancient Jiang
To the distant halls scented with cloves and past Xinfeng
Where fish swimming in the boiling ding have no future
And birds with precarious nests fool with the wind
Soon will your force’s great exploits be inscribed on the Swallow Mountain
And the glorious black-ribboned summons arrive from the great Court!
Geese 题鹅
眠沙卧水自成群，mián shā wò shuǐ zì chéng qún，
曲岸残阳极浦云。qū àn cán yáng jí pǔ yún。
那解将心怜孔翠，nà;nèi jiě jiāng;jiàng xīn lián kǒng cuì，
羁雌长共故雄分。jī cí cháng;zhǎng gòng gù xióng fēn
Sleeping on the sand, lying on the water, in groups you form
The curving riverbank, beneath the fading sun, ascends to the highest clouds
Free your heart and pity the peacock
Whose bright colors separate him from his love.
Given To Scholar Yuling On The Subject Of Changing Clothes 效徐陵体赠更衣
密帐真珠络，mì zhàng zhēn zhū luò ，
温帏翡翠装。wēn wéi fěi cuì zhuāng 。
楚腰知便宠，chǔ yāo zhī biàn chǒng ，
宫眉正斗强。gōng méi zhèng dǒu qiáng 。，
结带悬栀子，jié dài xuán zhī zǐ 。
绣领刺鸳鸯。xiù lǐng cì yuān yāng 。
轻寒衣省夜，qīng hán yī shěng yè ，
金斗熨沈香 jīn dǒu yùn shěn xiāng 。
Secret drapes and web of pearls
Warm curtains and the jade furnishings
Slender waists of Chu are prized
The palace eyebrows arch proudly
Jasmine links the two of us
Brocaded necks sever the mandarin ducks
A slight chill in the deep night is felt through the fabric
The golden clothes iron emits an eaglewood scent.
Cold Night 夜冷
树绕池宽月影多，shù rào chí kuān yuè yǐng duō ，
村砧坞笛隔风萝。cūn zhēn wù dí gé fēng luó 。
西亭翠被余香薄，xī tíng cuì bèi yú xiāng báo ，
一夜将愁向败荷。yī yè jiāng chóu xiàng bài hé 。
Sweeping the lake, trees glimmering in the moonlight
The inn’s flute, a village anvil sounds, vines tremble in the wind
The emerald quilts of West Pavilion are scented with herbs
Will the water lotus share with me an evening of wine?
七月二十九日崇让宅宴作qī yuè èr shí jiǔ rì chóng ràng zhái yàn zuò
露如微霰下前池，lù;lòu rú wēi xiàn xià qián chí，
月过回塘万竹悲。yuè guò huí táng wàn zhú bēi。
浮世本来多聚散，fú shì běn lái duō jù sàn，
红蕖何事亦离披。hóng qú hé shì yì lí;róu pī。
悠扬归梦惟灯见，yōu yáng guī mèng wéi dēng jiàn;xiàn，
濩落生涯独酒知。huò luò;lào;là shēng yá dú jiǔ zhī。
岂到白头长只尔，qǐ dào bái tóu cháng;zhǎng zhī;zhǐ ěr，
嵩阳松雪有心期。sōng yáng sōng xuě yǒu xīn qī。
Down by the lake, the shore glimmers with icy flakes
A wind blows back over the reservoir as ten thousand bamboos cry
All these lives, ultimately floating together or apart
How could my red lotus also leave me by?
Only the lamp sees my throbbing dreams
Wine alone understands my wretched career
For how long will my hair grow white in a cave?
My heart is on Gao mountain’s snowy pines.
Pitter Patter 促漏
促漏遥钟动静闻，cù lòu yáo zhōng dòng jìng wén，
报章重叠杳难分。bào zhāng chóng dié yǎo nán fēn。
舞鸾镜匣收残黛，wǔ luán jìng xiá shōu cán dài，
睡鸭香炉换夕熏。shuì yā xiāng lú huàn xī xūn。
归去定知还向月，guī qù dìng zhī hái;huán xiàng yuè，
梦来何处更为云。mèng lái hé chǔ gèng wéi yún。
南塘渐暖蒲堪结，nán táng jiàn;jiān nuǎn pú kān jié;jiē，
两两鸳鸯护水纹。liǎng liǎng yuān yāng hù shuǐ wén
The pitter patter of distant clocks shakes the silent night
Silk brocades and weaved garments lie jumbled in the evening light
The dancing luan on the cosmetic case leaves behind smudges
A sleeping duck kiln turns the dusky mist into smoke
You decided to return, knowing your destiny lay with the moon
Dreams arrive, wherefore these clouds and the rain
In the southern bank, soaked and warm, the reeds clutch each other
Ripples guard the mandarin ducks pair by pair.
Two Poems on the Northern Qi Dynasty 北齐二首
一笑相倾国便亡，yī xiào xiàng;xiāng qīng guó biàn;pián wáng，
何劳荆棘始堪伤。hé láo jīng jí shǐ kān shāng。
小怜玉体横陈夜，xiǎo lián yù tǐ héng chén yè，
已报周师入晋阳。yǐ bào zhōu shī rù jìn yáng。
巧笑知堪敌万几，qiǎo xiào zhī kān dí wàn jǐ;jī，
倾城最在著戎衣。qīng chéng zuì zài zhù;zhuó;zhāo róng yì;yī。
晋阳已陷休回顾，jìn yáng yǐ xiàn xiū huí gù，
更请君王猎一围。gèng;gēng qǐng jūn wáng liè yī wéi。
First Poem
One bewitching laugh spelled out a nation’s doom
Painful thistles and brambles on the riverbank loom
As Lady Lian’s small jade figure crossed the night
General Zhou was already reported to have entered Jinyang.
Second Poem
She knows and endures foes and great affairs with a charming smile
Most delightful in military garb, she has quite a charming style
Jinyang was already trapped and could not look back,
Let us welcome the King to surround , pillage and sack!
Feelings Stirred Up By The Reeds By The Pass, When Staying at Pandou Inn
出关宿盘豆馆对丛芦有感
芦叶梢梢夏景深，lú yè shāo shāo xià jǐng shēn，
邮亭暂欲洒尘襟。yóu tíng zàn yù sǎ chén jīn。
昔年曾是江南客，xī nián céng;zēng shì jiāng nán kè，
此日初为关外心。cǐ rì chū wèi;wéi guān wài xīn。
思子台边风自急，sī zǐ tái biān fēng zì jí，
玉娘湖上月应沉。yù niáng hú shàng yuè yīng;yìng chén。
清声不远行人去，qīng shēng bù yuǎn xíng rén qù，
一世荒城伴夜砧。yī shì huāng chéng bàn yè zhēn。
This decadent summer the reed leaves cluster in prickly rows
As I pause at the station I want to wash my dusty clothes
I was a guest from Southern River in days past
Now I am just a foreigner who has left the Pass
By Sizi Post the wind stirs my anxious heart
The moon is cloudy above Jade Maiden Lake
Ignoring your clear voices, travelers go their rounds
In our mortal, unkempt cities, the midnight anvil sounds
Bidding farewell to Linghu on His Replacement Posting 酬别令狐补阙
惜别夏仍半，xī bié xià réng bàn，
回途秋已期。huí tú qiū yǐ qī。
那修直谏草，nà;nèi xiū zhí jiàn cǎo，
更赋赠行诗。gèng;gēng fù zèng xíng;háng;xìng shī。
锦段知无报，jǐn duàn zhī wú bào，
青萍肯见疑。qīng píng kěn jiàn;xiàn yí。
人生有通塞，rén shēng yǒu tōng sè;sài;sāi，
公等系安危。gōng děng xì;jì ān wēi。
警露鹤辞侣，jǐng lù;lòu hè cí lǚ，
吸风蝉抱枝。xī fēng chán bào zhī。
弹冠如不问，tán;dàn guān rú bù wèn，
又到扫门时。yòu dào sào;sǎo mén shí。
I bid farewell in the middle of summer
It will already be autumn when you return
So as to better my straight words to you
Let me offer you this parting verse
When offered a silk scarf and there is no reply
Isn’t the gold dagger allowed to be suspicious?
In life one faces critical moments
When everyone waits for a resolution
Vigilant on the road, the crane bids its companion farewell
With the whistle of the wind, the cicadas crouch by the branches
The armed guard doesn’t care to ask
Who has come to clean the gates. [3]
Chu Palace 楚宫
湘波如泪色漻漻，xiāng bō rú lèi sè liáo liáo，
楚厉迷魂逐恨遥。chǔ lì mí hún zhú hèn yáo。
枫树夜猿愁自断，fēng shù yè yuán chóu zì duàn，
女萝山鬼语相邀。nǚ luó shān guǐ yǔ;yù xiàng;xiāng yāo。
空归腐败犹难复，kōng guī fǔ bài yóu nán fù，
更困腥臊岂易招？gèng;gēng kùn xīng sāo qǐ yì zhāo？
但使故乡三户在，dàn shǐ gù xiāng sān hù zài，
彩丝谁惜惧长蛟。cǎi sī shuí xī jù cháng;zhǎng jiāo。
The waters of the Xiang, so dear, like tears
Chu Yuan’s soul, bewitched, hates searching these distant places
From the maple trees, ape cries break one’s evening reverie
The Mountain Sprite, her tendrils reaching out, utters words of welcome
Because of today’s corruption, it would be hard to revive the dead
When here and there the stench has spread!
Were the three families to be in one’s hometown
Who would need the colored silk and fear the water dragon? [4]
The Moth 蝶
孤蝶小徘徊，gū dié xiǎo pái huí，
翩翾粉翅开。piān xuān fěn chì kāi。
并应伤皎洁，bìng yīng;yìng shāng jiǎo jié，
频近雪中来。pín jìn xuě zhōng lái。
The little moth wavers back and forth
Darts quickly, opening its powdery wings
As if to shatter the moonlight,
Again and again it circles the frosty center
Cold Night 昨夜
不辞鶗鴂妒年芳，bù cí tí;chí jué dù nián fāng，
但惜流尘暗烛房。dàn xī liú chén àn zhú fáng。
昨夜西池凉露满，zuó yè xī chí liáng lù;lòu mǎn，
桂花吹断月中香。guì huā chuī duàn yuè zhōng xiāng。
Do not bid the cuckoo farewell, or be jealous of those loving years
But treasure the swirling dust and the dim, candle-lit chamber
Yesterday evening, over West Lake, how cold was the wind
Cutting short the cassia flowers scent, your lunar charms.
A Piece Of Jade 一片
一片琼英价动天，yī piān qióng yīng jià dòng tiān，
连城十二昔虚传。lián chéng shí èr xī xū zhuàn;chuán。
良工巧费真为累，liáng gōng qiǎo fèi zhēn wèi;wéi lěi;lèi;léi，
楮叶成来不直钱。chǔ yè chéng lái bù zhí qián。
The price of a piece of jade shakes the world
Lian City jade has been made through twelve generations
The jade workers truly make an effort
For mulberry leaves bring no profit
Written For The Magpies On The Seventh Night Of The Seventh Month壬申闰秋题赠乌鹊
绕树无依月正高，rào shù wú yī yuè zhèng;zhēng gāo，
邺城新泪溅云袍。yè chéng xīn lèi jiàn yún páo。
几年始得逢秋闰，jǐ nián shǐ dé;děi;de féng qiū rùn，
两度填河莫告劳。liǎng dù tián hé mò gào láo。
You swirl about the trees, no matter how lofty is the moon
Above the city, fresh tears sprinkle the cloudy robes
How long did you prepare for this leap year
Twice crossing the Milky Way, without difficulty?
Written While At Golden Ox Station And Sent To The High Official of Xingyuan 行至金牛驿寄兴元渤海尚书
楼上春云水底天，óu shàng chūn yún shuǐ dǐ tiān
五云章色破巴笺。wǔ yún zhāng sè pò bā jiān 。
诸生个个王恭柳，zhū shēng gè gè wáng gōng liǔ ，
从事人人庾杲莲。cóng shì rén rén yǔ gǎo lián 。
六曲屏风江雨急，liù qū píng fēng jiāng yǔ jí ，
九枝灯檠夜珠圆。jiǔ zhī dēng qíng yè zhū yuán 。
深惭走马金牛路，shēn cán zǒu mǎ jīn niú lù ，
骤和陈王白玉篇。zhòu hé chén wáng bái yù piān 。
From the towers I see spring clouds and streams
Five cloud colors shatter the Ba paper inferior hues
Each of the scholars gave rise to Wang Gongliu
Talented men emerged, such as handsome Shou Guolian
The six faced screens are filled with scenes of rivers and rain
The lamp shelves holds nine candles, the full moon a pearl
Deeply humbled, one rides over Gold Ox road
Trotting in the company of King Chen’s White Jade Odes.
The Distressed Zither 哀筝
延颈全同鹤，yán gěng quán tóng hè，
柔肠素怯猿。róu cháng sù qiè yuán。
湘波无限泪，xiāng bō wú xiàn lèi，
蜀魄有馀冤。shǔ pò yǒu yú yuān。
轻幰长无道，qīng xiǎn cháng;zhǎng wú dào，
哀筝不出门。āi;yǐ zhēng bù chū mén。
何由问香炷，hé yóu wèn xiāng zhù，
翠幕自黄昏。cuì mù zì huáng hūn。
The cranes eagerly bend their necks to look
But the ape’s white heart is soft and timid
The Ladies of the Xiang cry endless tears
Shu’s soul suffered countless wrongs
The carriage’s light curtain has been still for so long
Distressed, the zither refuses to leave the chamber
Wherefore the candlewick’s scent as
Twilight settles over my green curtains?
North Tower 北楼
春物岂相干，chūn wù qǐ xiāng gān，
人生只强欢。rén shēng zhī;zhǐ qiáng;qiǎng huān。
花犹曾敛夕，huā yóu céng;zēng liǎn xī，
酒竟不知寒。jiǔ jìng bù zhī hán。
异域东风湿，yì yù dōng fēng shī，
中华上象宽。zhōng huá shàng xiàng kuān。
此楼堪北望，cǐ lóu kān běi wàng，
轻命倚危栏。qīng mìng yǐ wēi lán。
The verdant season displays a spring refrain
People deliriously happy welcome it again
Flowers seem to hold back the sunset
Drinks abound, senseless to the cold
Moist, the east wind looms over the strange city
Over the nation, the land looms vast
This tower has a sweeping northern view
Let me lean into its deadly terrace rail!
Ode In The Style Of Dupo Written At The Farewell Banquet In Shu County 杜工部蜀中离席
人生何处不离群，rén shēng hé chǔ bù lí qún，
世路干戈惜暂分。shì lù gān gē xī zàn fēn。
雪岭未归天外使，xuě lǐng wèi guī tiān wài shǐ，
松州犹驻殿前军。sōng zhōu yóu zhù diàn qián jūn。
座中醉客延醒客，zuò zhōng zuì kè yán xǐng kè，
江上晴云杂雨云。jiāng shàng qíng yún zá yǔ yún。
美酒成都堪送老，měi jiǔ chéng dū kān sòng lǎo，
当垆仍是卓文君。dāng lú réng shì zhuō wén jūn。
Where on earth can one not bid people farewell?
On our mortal journeys weapons give just brief pleasure
The ambassador does not return from Snow Mountain
At Song Zhou, barracks and carts seem stationed by the Palace
Seated among drunk guests, this one wakes up late
Above the Jiang, clear clouds mix with stormy rain
Chengdu’s fine liquor helps one endure one’s age
The wineshop remains the source of this writer’s page
Lofty Flower 高花
花将人共笑，huā jiāng;jiàng rén gòng xiào，
篱外露繁枝。lí wài lù fán zhī。
宋玉临江宅，sòng yù lín jiāng zhái，
墙低不碍窥。qiáng dī bù ài kuī。
The flower blooms, people laugh
Beyond the fence dense branches emerge
The eucalyptus looks over the villa and the river
This wall is too low to obstruct my view
Ballade Over The Sea 海上谣
桂水寒于江，guì shuǐ hán yú jiāng，
玉兔秋冷咽。yù tù qiū lěng yàn;yè;yān。
海底觅仙人，hǎi dǐ mì xiān rén，
香桃如瘦骨。xiāng táo rú shòu gú。
紫鸾不肯舞，zǐ luán bù kěn wǔ，
满翅蓬山雪。mǎn chì péng shān xuě。
借得龙堂宽，jiè dé;děi;de lóng táng kuān，
晓出揲云发。xiǎo chū shé yún fā;fà。
刘郎旧香炷，liú láng jiù xiāng zhù，
立见茂陵树。lì jiàn;xiàn mào líng shù。
云孙帖帖卧秋烟，yún sūn tiě;tiē tiě;tiē wò qiū yān，
上元细字如蚕眠。shàng yuán xì zì rú cán mián
The Southern Sea is cooler than the Jiang
In Autumn, the Jade Hare is speechless
Immortals frolic on the sea bottom
Fragrant peaches are withered to the bone
The Purple Phoenix cannot bear to dance
Her wings are filled with Peng Mountain’s snow
At night, one stays in the vast Dragon Hall
In the morning, one combs cloudy white hairs
The ritual candles have lain long with Liu Lang
Lush trees stand straight above his mausoleum
Each of his descendents dwell in the autumn mist
In Shang Yuan’s sutras silkworms rest!
At Zitong, Gazing From Zhangqing Mountain To Basi, And Thinking Again Of Qiao Xiu 梓潼望长卿山至巴西复怀谯秀
梓潼不见马相如，zǐ tóng bù jiàn mǎ xiàng;xiāng rú，
更欲南行问酒垆。gèng;gēng yù nán xíng;háng;xìng wèn jiǔ lú。
行到巴西觅谯秀，xíng;háng;xìng dào bā xī mì qiào;qiáo xiù，
巴西惟是有寒芜。bā xī wéi shì yǒu hán wú
I did not see Ma Xiangru at Zitong
How I wanted to visit the wine shops on my southern tour
I went to Basi to be entertained by Qiao Xiu
But Basi was just cold and overgrown with weeds!
Two Poems on Strange Customs 异俗二首
鬼疟朝朝避，guǐ nüèji cháo;zhāo cháo;zhāo bì，
春寒夜夜添。chūn hán yè yè tiān。
未惊雷破柱，wèi jīng léi pò zhù，
不报水齐檐。bù bào shuǐ qí yán。
虎箭侵肤毒，hǔ jiàn qīn fū dú，
鱼钩刺骨铦。yú gōu cì gǔ xiān;kuò;tiǎn;guā。
鸟言成谍诉，niǎo yán chéng dié sù;xīn，
多是恨彤幨。duō shì hèn tóng chān。
户尽悬秦网，hù jìn;jǐn xuán qín wǎng，
家多事越巫。jiā duō shì yuè wū。
未曾容獭祭，wèi céng róng tǎ jì，
只是纵猪都。zhǐ shì zòng;zōng zhū dōu;dū。
点对连鳌饵，diǎn duì lián áo ěr，
搜求缚虎符。sōu qiú fù hǔ fú。
贾生兼事鬼，gǔ shēng jiān shì guǐ，
不信有洪炉。bù xìn yǒu hóng lú。
First Poem
Malaria is evaded each morning
Spring cold increases night after night
It is normal for thunder to shake pillars
Or water to rush through the eaves, unannounced
Tiger arrow poison breaks through the skin
The point of the fish hook cuts the bone
Birds cry in a foreign tongue
How the carriage’s red curtains are hated!
Second Poem
Houses are stacked with Qin edicts and nets
Yue shamans deal with their many upsets
No neatly arrayed otter fishing here
Just porcupines in all directions,
Lines and lines of turtle cake wait
To search out and catch tiger as bait
Scholar Jia twice dealt with these superstitions
He didn’t think demons could be forged in this mortal furnace!
The Goose 题鹅
眠沙卧水自成群，mián shā wò shuǐ zì chéng qún，
曲岸残阳极浦云。qū àn cán yáng jí pǔ yún。
那解将心怜孔翠，nà;nèi jiě jiāng;jiàng xīn lián kǒng cuì，
羁雌长共故雄分。jī cí cháng;zhǎng gòng gù xióng fēn。
You sleep on sand, live on water, form your groups
As impossibly high clouds circle the lake and the setting sun
May you know how lonely is the peacock
Her partner is gone, their love was long
Sui Palace on the Night of Shou Sui 隋宫守岁
消息东郊木帝回，xiāo xī dōng jiāo mù dì huí，
宫中行乐有新梅。gōng zhōng xíng lè yǒu xīn méi。
沈香甲煎为庭燎，shěn;chén xiāng jiǎ jiān wèi;wéi tíng liáo，
玉液琼苏作寿杯。yù yè qióng sū zuò shòu bēi。
遥望露盘疑是月，yáo wàng lù;lòu pán yí shì yuè，
远闻鼍鼓欲惊雷。yuǎn wén tuó gǔ yù jīng léi。
昭阳第一倾城客，zhāo yáng dì yī qīng chéng kè，
不踏金莲不肯来。bù tà jīn lián bù kěn lái。
The Wood God of the Eastern Suburbs is about to return[5]
The Palace rejoices, fresh peaches already fill the urns
The aloe wood is heated before the ritual flames[6]
Toasts to long life are made with wine of Thyme and Jade
From afar the temple dew receivers glow like the moon
Like thunder, far away crocodile skin drums boom
Zhaoying Temple’s first maiden prepares to welcome her guest
Unless there’s a gold lotus dance, there will be no-one to expect! [7]
[1] This poem refers to the Daoist fairyland, the home of the Jade King and the Immortals.
[2] Emperor Wu of Liang (502-99AD) wrote a song about a girl who married into the rich Lu family and regretted not marrying a young man next door.
[3] Referring to the story of a poor man who, wanting to see the king, cleaned the gates where he would pass
[4] The Chu Dynasty had three prominent families. According to tradition, colored silk was said to appease water spirits.
Chu Yuan (340-278BC) was a Warring States poet
[5] The Shou Sui Festival was a Jin Holiday marked by burning and cooking of scented aloeswood, often burning small carts, drinking, making merry etc. The Wood God of spring helps plants and trees grow. Thyme and Jade wine were said to promote longevity and were very expensive.
[6] Emperor Sui Yang of Jin (563-618AD) was a spendthrift who murdered his father and brother.
[7] Favorite concubines through Chinese history are often associated with the lotus. Some are said to dance on the tips of their toes, resembling lotus leaves. Others would bind their feet into the shape of a lotus. Others were said to dance on tiles marked with golden lotuses, and so forth. Also has connotations with foot-binding.
A Tang Poet From Nairobi 