On the Southern Han Incident 汉南书事
西师万众几时回， xī shī wàn zhòng jǐ shí huí，
哀痛天书近已裁。 āi tòng tiān shū jìn yǐ cái。
文吏何曾重刀笔， wén lì hé céng zhòng;chóng dāo bǐ，
将军犹自舞轮台。 jiāng jūn yóu zì wǔ lún tái。
几时拓土成王道， jǐ shí tà tǔ chéng wáng dào，
从古穷兵是祸胎。 cóng;zòng;cōng gǔ qióng bīng shì huò tāi。
陛下好生千万寿， bì xià hǎo shēng qiān wàn shòu，
玉楼长御白云杯。 yù lóu cháng;zhǎng yù bái yún bēi。
When will the generals rouse their thousands of troops
Alas, the Imperial decree was already decided!
How can officials still weld their knives and pens
While the generals dance jigs in Luntai
How can we draw on the Emperor’s benevolence
When poverty stricken soldiers are the problem!
Cups of good fortune will flow from the Jade Palace
His grace and benevolence towards the people will last forever!
To The Old Fieldhand 赠田叟
荷筱衰翁似有情， hè;hé xiǎo shuāi;cuī wēng sì yǒu qíng，
相逢携手绕村行。 xiāng féng xié shǒu rào cūn xíng;háng;xìng。
烧畬晓映远山色， shāo shē;yú xiǎo yìng yuǎn shān sè，
伐树暝传深谷声。 fá shù míng zhuàn;chuán shēn gǔ shēng。
鸥鸟忘机翻浃洽， ōu niǎo wàng jī fān jiā qià，
交亲得路昧平生。 jiāo qīn;qìng dé;děi;de lù mèi píng shēng。
抚躬道地诚感激， fǔ gōng dào dì chéng gǎn jī，
在野无贤心自惊。 zài yě wú xián xīn zì jīng。
The old man and his long picker make a sentimental scene
Would that we could link hands and circle the village green
At break of day, light from razed fields bounces off far mountains
From deep gulleys, one hears the echoes of chopping trees
The gull soars, twisting serenely in the breeze
We discuss kin and travelling, how strange it all seems
How grateful I am to know myself through his pure and honest ways
How astounding to hear “The countryside has nothing to offer,’ as some say!
Listening to the Drums 听鼓
城头叠鼓声， chéng tóu dié gǔ shēng，
城下暮江清。 chéng xià mù jiāng qīng。
欲问渔阳掺， yù wèn yú yáng chān，
时无祢正平。 shí wú mí zhèng;zhēng píng。
From the city heights, listen to the drums[1]
Below, the clear Mi river flows
How we all want to hear the Xu Yang Songs, but alas
This first lunar month, no memorial tablets for heroes of the past!
Chu Station 楚泽
夕阳归路后， xī yáng guī lù hòu，
霜野物声干。 shuāng yě wù shēng gān;gàn;hàn。
集鸟翻渔艇， jí niǎo fān yú tǐng，
残虹拂马鞍。 cán hóng fú mǎ ān。
刘桢元抱病， liú zhēn yuán bào bìng，
虞寄数辞官。 yú jì shǔ;shù;shuò cí guān。
白袷经年卷， bái jiá jīng nián juǎn;juàn，
西来及早寒。 xī lái jí zǎo hán
At sunset, after I head back on the road
In the frosty countryside, not a sound is heard
From the fishing boats, a flock of birds suddenly soars
On the horse saddle, dust like a dull rainbow seems yo pour
From the beginning, Liu Zhen was sickly
Official Yu often asked to resign, like me,
Too thin, too fine, these old white garments of mine
Until morning, a cold wind blows from the west.
Song of Chu 楚吟
山上离宫宫上楼， shān shàng lí gōng gōng shàng lóu，
楼前宫畔暮江流。 lóu qián gōng pàn mù jiāng liú。
楚天长短黄昏雨， chǔ tiān cháng duǎn huáng hūn yǔ，
宋玉无愁亦自愁。 sòng yù wú chóu yì zì chóu。
Above the mountain, the Expedition Palace, above the Palace, the tower
Before the tower, the Palace promenade, next to which the Mu Jiang flows
Even from the clear sky, sunset brings a drizzling rain
As in Song Yu’s song, autumn reveals ambition, ambition, pain! [2]
Because of Your Letter 因书
绝徼南通栈， jué jiào;jiǎo nán tōng zhàn，
孤城北枕江。 gū chéng běi zhěn jiāng。
猿声连月槛， yuán shēng lián yuè jiàn，
鸟影落天窗。 niǎo yǐng luò;lào;là tiān chuāng。
海石分棋子， hǎi shí fēn qí zǐ，
郫筒当酒缸。 pí tǒng dāng;dàng jiǔ gāng。
生归话辛苦， shēng guī huà xīn kǔ，
别夜对凝釭， biè;bié yè duì níng gāng，
Southwards there is an impasse on the cliff plank road
Towards the solitary city, north the Zhen river flows
From the railings, under the moon, I hear apes scream
In the window, a bird’s shadow lies behind the screen
Silken stones are arranged like chess pieces
Pi Tong Pool seems like a pool of wine
Talk of returning is a painful subject
Rather let us spend the night beneath the darkening lamps.
Wind 风
迥拂来鸿急， jiǒng fú lái hóng jí，
斜催别燕高。 xié cuī biè;bié yàn gāo。
已寒休惨淡， yǐ hán xiū cǎn dàn，
更远尚呼号。 gèng yuǎn shàng hū hào;hū háo。
楚色分西塞， chǔ sè fēn xī sè;sài;sāi，
夷音接下牢。 yí yīn jiē xià láo。
归舟天外有， guī zhōu tiān wài yǒu，
一为戒波涛。 yī wèi;wéi jiè bō tāo。
A sudden gust drives the geese toward me
With a push to the side, the swallow dives
Already chilled, I nest in your gloom
From afar you seem to cry in distress
Chu’s desolation was marked by the Western Heights
Here the Yi people welcomed the garrisons
Homeward bound, the boat seems to touch the sky
One should guard against the billowing waves!
The Cypresses at the Mausoleum of Duke Wu 武侯庙古柏
蜀相阶前柏， shǔ xiàng;xiāng jiē qián bǎi，
龙蛇捧閟宫。 lóng shé pěng bì gōng。
阴成外江畔， yīn chéng wài jiāng pàn，
老向惠陵东。 lǎo xiàng huì líng dōng。
大树思冯异， dà shù sī féng;píng yì，
甘棠忆召公。 gān táng yì zhào gōng。
叶凋湘燕雨， yè diāo xiāng yàn yǔ，
枝拆海鹏风。 zhī chāi hǎi péng fēng。
玉垒经纶远， yù lěi jīng lún yuǎn，
金刀历数终。 jīn dāo lì shǔ zhōng。
谁将出师表， shuí jiāng;jiàng chū shī biǎo，
一为问昭融。 yī wèi;wéi wèn zhāo róng。
The cypresses lie astride the prime minister of Shu
Dragons coil, supporting the hidden palace
Silently reaching across the river bank
The teacher faces east, towards his emperor’s tomb
The great arbors recall ‘Big Tree General’ Feng Yi[3]
The Imperial summons is remembered by the sweet birch
Leaves fall on the Xiang, sparrows fly in the rain
Broken branches, a Great Roc in the wind
Great matters of state are settled far from the Jade Mountain
One by one, gold knives have come to an end
Who will read the teacher’s scriptures
Wherefore our nation’s glory?
Two Parting Poems About The Jianliang River In Wang Jiayi Prefecture 望喜驿别嘉陵江水二绝
其一
嘉陵江水此东流， jiā líng jiāng shuǐ cǐ dōng liú，
望喜楼中忆阆州。 wàng xǐ lóu zhōng yì làng zhōu。
若到阆中还赴海， ruò dào làng zhōng hái;huán fù hǎi，
阆州应更有高楼。 làng zhōu yīng;yìng gèng;gēng yǒu gāo lóu。
其二
千里嘉陵江水色， qiān lǐ jiā líng jiāng shuǐ sè，
含烟带月碧于蓝。 hán yān dài yuè bì yú lán。
今朝相送东流后， jīn zhāo xiàng;xiāng sòng dōng liú hòu，
犹自驱车更向南。 yóu zì qū chē gèng;gēng xiàng nán。
1st Poem
Where the Jialiang river flows west
Seeing Wangxi mansions bring Lang county to mind
Towards Lang’s centre it seems the water flows into the sea
If only it had towers as lofty!
2nd Poem
Colors drift over the Jialiang for 1000 miles
In the thick mists, the moon changes from blue to indigo
In the mornings, after the waters have carried one east
If one takes a carriage, to the south one seems to go
A Walk Interrupted By Snow While Traveling To East Shu , Written After An Injury 悼伤后赴东蜀辟至散关遇雪
剑外从军远， jiàn wài cóng jūn yuǎn，
无家与寄衣。 wú jiā yǔ jì yì;yī。
散关三尺雪， sǎn guān sān chǐ xuě，
回梦旧鸳机。 huí mèng jiù yuān jī。
Beyond Sabre Terrace,a soldier from far away
With no family to send clothes
The walk is blocked with 3 chi of snow
In my dream, I look back and see her loom and an old mandarin duck
The Dragon Pool at Lizhou 利州江潭作
神剑飞来不易销， shén jiàn fēi lái bù yì xiāo，
碧潭珍重驻兰桡。 bì tán;dǎn zhēn zhòng zhù lán ráo;náo。
自携明月移灯疾， zì xié míng yuè yí dēng jí，
欲就行云散锦遥。 yù jiù xíng yún sǎn jǐn yáo。
河伯轩窗通贝阙， hé bó xuān chuāng tōng bèi quē;què，
水宫帷箔卷冰绡。 shuǐ gōng wéi bó juǎn;juàn bīng xiāo。
他时燕脯无人寄， tā shí yàn fǔ wú rén jì，
雨满空城蕙叶雕。 yǔ mǎn kōng chéng huì yè diāo
Resilient, with a magic sword the flying dragon arrives
On the green pool, Lady Zhu welds her magnolia oars
Dazzling, the moonlight overwhelms the sickly lamps,
A longing embrace, the long dragon’s scales shine like brocade
From his cowry towers and lofty windows,the Sea God passes
In the Water Palace, rolls of muslim lie before screens of reeds
Alas, no one sends him roasted swallow meat, just[4]
Flooding rain, withered orchid leaves and empty city streets
At A Farewell Banquet, Delivered While Traveling From Shu Across Ziuzhou 饯席重送从叔余之梓州
莫叹万重山， mò tàn wàn zhòng;chóng shān，
君还我未还。 jūn hái;huán wǒ wèi hái;huán。
武关犹怅望， wǔ guān yóu chàng wàng，
何况百牢关。 hé kuàng bǎi láo guān
Ten thousand mountains crossed without a sigh
The gentlemen complain, but not I I
At Wu Pass, homesick is my gaze
But not as much as at at Bailao Pass.
A Reply Sent From The Southwest Expedition 西南行却寄相送者
百里阴云覆雪泥， bǎi lǐ yīn yún fù xuě ní，
行人只在雪云西。 xíng rén zhī;zhǐ zài xuě yún xī。
明朝惊破还乡梦， míng zhāo jīng pò huán xiāng mèng，
定是陈仓碧野鸡。 dìng shì chén cāng bì yě jī
For hundreds of miles , darkening clouds cover snow and mud
Here is just a line of men marching westward
Bright morning forces me awake, but I still dream of home
Indeed, of the wild green rooster of Chen Cang!
A Poem Given To Wei Zhi As A Souvenir Of Zitang赴职梓潼留别畏之员外同年
佳兆联翩遇凤凰， jiā zhào lián piān yù fèng huáng，
雕文羽帐紫金床。 diāo wén yǔ zhàng zǐ jīn chuáng。
桂花香处同高第， guì huā xiāng chù;chǔ tóng;tòng gāo dì，
柿叶翻时独悼亡。 shì yè fān shí dú dào wáng。
乌鹊失栖长不定， wū què shī qī cháng;zhǎng bù dìng，
鸳鸯何事自相将。 yuān yāng hé shì zì xiāng jiāng。
京华庸蜀三千里， jīng huá yōng shǔ sān qiān lǐ，
送到咸阳见夕阳。 sòng dào xián;xiān yáng jiàn;xiàn xī yáng
What good fortune to meet Phoenixes Feng and Huang
Carved inscriptions, feather plumed canopies, a purple and gold bed
Once as lofty as the cassia’s flower and scent
After the persimmon leaves were disturbed, alone and bereaved
His perch lost, the magpie has long been unsettled
But why is it that mandarin ducks are forever paired?
It’s three thousand miles to the Shu and Yong capitols
Let me take you to see Xianyang’s sunset instead!
A Poem Given As A Souvenir to Wei Zhi 留赠畏之
清时无事奏明光，qīng shí wú shì zòu míng guāng，
不遣当关报早霜。 bù qiǎn dāng guān bào zǎo shuāng。
中禁词臣寻引领， zhōng jìn;jīn cí chén xún yǐn lǐng，
左川归客自回肠。 zuǒ chuān guī kè zì huí cháng。
郎君下笔惊鹦鹉， láng jūn xià bǐ jīng yīng wǔ，
侍女吹笙弄凤凰。 shì nǚ chuī shēng nòng;lòng fèng huáng。
空寄大罗天上事， kōng jì dà luó;luō tiān shàng shì，
众仙同日咏霓裳。 zhòng xiān tóng;tòng rì yǒng ní cháng。
When all is still, the Temple of Heavenly light needs no rites
No need to make announcements in the early morning frost
At Zhongjin gate, candidates line up for a look
At Zuochuan, heartbroken, failed guests return home
Surprised by the parrot, the good son dropped his pen
Frolicking with phoenixes, the daughter blew her sheng.
I have empty memories of reaching heaven’s heights,
On the same day, Immortals sang. clothed in a rainbow’s light. [5]
Startling The Birds One Evening At Jin Pavilion宿晋昌亭闻惊禽
羁绪鳏鳏夜景侵， jī xù guān guān yè jǐng qīn，
高窗不掩见惊禽。 gāo chuāng bù yǎn jiàn;xiàn jīng qín。
飞来曲渚烟方合， fēi lái qū zhǔ yān fāng hé;gé，
过尽南塘树更深。 guò jìn;jǐn nán táng shù gēng shēn。
胡马嘶和榆塞笛， hú mǎ sī hé yú sè;sài;sāi dí，
楚猿吟杂橘村砧。 chǔ yuán yín zá jú cūn zhēn。
失群挂木知何限， shī qún guà mù zhī hé xiàn，
远隔天涯共此心。 yuǎn gé tiān yá gòng cǐ xīn
In a shifting place, sleepless as the night intrudes
From the lofty window, one sees the startled birds
Mist,rounding thesandbank, floating towards me, blends with Qu Lake
Beyond the southern embankment, the forest turns deep
A wild horse neighs, the sentry whistles
Monkeys scream as pestles pound by the orange groves
Scattered in groups, hanging from branches, they know their bounds
Although I might as well be on the moon, all these souls are around
Sentiments At The Old Post Station While Paying Homage At The Funeral Of A Former Official故驿迎吊故桂府常侍有感
饥乌翻树晚鸡啼， jī wū fān shù wǎn jī tí，
泣过秋原没马泥。 qì guò qiū yuán méi;mò mǎ ní。
二纪征南恩与旧， èr jì zhēng nán ēn yǔ jiù，
此时丹旐玉山西。 cǐ shí dān zhào yù shān xī
Hungry crows clamber over the treetops, the rooster crows late
Horses sink into last autumn’s mud
I recall your grace and kindness in the south two years ago
Now, on West Jade Mountain, red banner’s flutter over you..
Sent To 12th Brother Wang And Weizhi As They Have A Drink. I Am Unable To Attend, Having Just Completed Mourning My Deceased Wife. 王十二兄与畏之员外相访，见招小饮时余以悼亡日近不去因寄
谢傅门庭旧末行， xiè fù mén tíng jiù mò xíng，
今朝歌管属檀郎。 jīn zhāo gē guǎn shǔ tán láng。
更无人处帘垂地， gèng;gēng wú rén chù;chǔ lián chuí dì;de，
欲拂尘时簟竟床。 yù fú chén shí diàn jìng chuáng。
嵇氏幼男犹可悯， jí shì yòu nán yóu kě mǐn，
左家娇女岂能忘。 zuǒ jiā jiāo nǚ qǐ néng wàng。
秋霖腹疾俱难遣， qiū lín fù jí jù;jū nán qiǎn，
万里西风夜正长。 wàn lǐ xī fēng yè zhèng;zhēng cháng;zhǎng。
Long has it been since we were classmates at the Xie Home
Today, a morning of music and singing with Official Tan.
In my room, with the unrolled curtains, alone
My bed cold, I sweep dust from my mat
One can pity Ji Shi’s little boy
How can one forget Master Zuo’s beloved daughter?
In the autumn downpour, my stomach remains sick, moves with pain
Long the night , ten thousand Li brings westerly wind and rain.
Intimate Thoughts 相思
相思树上合欢枝， xiāng sī shù shàng hé;gé huān zhī，
紫凤青鸾共羽仪。 zǐ fèng qīng luán gòng yǔ yí。
肠断秦台吹管客， cháng duàn qín tái chuī guǎn kè，
日西春尽到来迟。 rì xī chūn jìn;jǐn dào lái chí。
Our thoughts intertwine, like the happy branches on this tree
A purple phoenix and indigo luan, feathers curl around
The flutes on the terrace once played for Qin’s heartbroken guest
Love fades, returns late, the sun has begun to set,
Seventh Evening of the Seventh Month in the Year Xinwei 辛未七夕
恐是仙家好别离， kǒng shì xiān jiā hǎo;hào bié lí，
故教迢递作佳期。 gù jiào;jiāo tiáo dì zuò jiā qī。
由来碧落银河畔， yóu lái bì luò yín hé pàn，
可要金风玉露时。 kě yào;yāo jīn fēng yù lù;lòu shí。
清漏渐移相望久， qīng lòu jiàn;jiān yí xiāng wàng jiǔ，
微云未接过来迟。 wēi yún wèi jiē guò lái chí。
岂能无意酬乌鹊， qǐ néng wú yì chóu wū què，
惟与蜘蛛乞巧丝。 wéi yǔ zhī zhū qǐ qiǎo sī。
I fear the Immortals enjoy keeping lovers apart[6]
By having re-unions and festivals at inappropriate times
The blue sky emerges from the Milky Way’s silvery banks
Mustn’t the golden wind and the jade dew appear?
Long is her gaze, the water clock overflows!
Rippling clouds arrive, she waits so late
How is it no appreciates the black magpie?
Why does she weave her silk only by the spider’s side?
With Feeling 有感
中路因循我所长， zhōng lù yīn xún wǒ suǒ zhǎng，
古来才命两相妨。 gǔ lái cái mìng liǎng xiàng;xiāng fáng。
劝君莫强安蛇足， quàn jūn mò qiáng;qiǎng ān shé zú，
一盏芳醪不得尝。 yī zhǎn fāng láo bù dé cháng。
In the middle of my life, I have been good at following the rules
Since ancient times, talent has been stopped at either end
Blame one for not trying to draw legs on a snake
For me no cups of sweet wine, even just a taste!
26 Heartfelt Verses For The Former Official Of Mige咏怀寄秘阁旧僚二十六韵
年鬓日堪悲， nián bìn rì kān bēi，
衡茅益自嗤。 héng máo yì zì chī。
攻文枯若木， gōng wén kū ruò mù，
处世钝如锤。 chǔ shì dùn rú chuí。
敢忘垂堂戒， gǎn wàng chuí táng jiè，
宁将暗室欺。 nìng;níng jiāng;jiàng àn shì qī。
悬头曾苦学， xuán tóu céng;zēng kǔ xué，
折臂反成医。 zhé;shé bì fǎn chéng yī。
仆御嫌夫懦， pú;pū yù xián fū nuò，
孩童笑叔痴。 hái tóng xiào shū chī。
小男方嗜栗， xiǎo nán fāng shì lì，
幼女漫忧葵。 yòu nǚ màn yōu;yǒu kuí。
遇炙谁先啖， yù zhì shuí xiān dàn，
逢齑即便吹。 féng jī jí biàn chuī。
官衔同画饼， guān xián tóng;tòng huà bǐng，
面貌乏凝脂。 miàn mào fá níng zhī。
典籍将蠡测， diǎn jí jiāng;jiàng lí cè，
文章若管窥。 wén zhāng ruò guǎn kuī。
图形翻类狗， tú xíng fān lèi gǒu，
入梦肯非罴。 rù mèng kěn fēi pí。
自哂成书簏， zì shěn chéng shū lù，
终当咒酒卮。 zhōng dāng;dàng zhòu jiǔ zhī。
懒沾襟上血， lǎn zhān jīn shàng xiě，
羞镊镜中丝。 xiū niè jìng zhōng sī。
橐籥言方喻， tuó yuè yán fāng yù，
樗蒱齿讵知。 chū pú chǐ jù zhī。
事神徒惕虑， shì shén tú tì lǜ，
佞佛愧虚辞。 nìng fú;fó kuì xū cí。
曲艺垂麟角， qǔ yì chuí lín jiǎo，
浮名状虎皮。 fú míng zhuàng hǔ pí。
乘轩宁见宠， chéng;shèng xuān nìng;níng jiàn;xiàn chǒng，
巢幕更逢危。 cháo mù gèng;gēng féng wēi。
礼俗拘嵇喜， lǐ sú jū jí xǐ，
侯王忻戴逵。 hóu wáng xīn dài kuí。
途穷方结舌， tú qióng fāng jié shé，
静胜但支颐。 jìng shèng;shēng dàn zhī yí。
粝食空弹剑， lì shí;sì kòng dàn jiàn，
亨衢讵置锥。 hēng qú jù shì zhuī。
柏台成口号， bǎi tái chéng kǒu hào，
芸阁暂肩随。 yún dū;gé zàn jiān suí。
悔逐迁莺伴， huǐ zhú qiān yīng bàn，
谁观择虱时。 shuí guān zé shī shí。
瓮间眠太率， wèng jiān;jiàn;xiàn mián tài shuài;lǜ，
床下隐何卑。 chuáng xià yǐn hé bēi。
奋迹登弘阁， fèn jī dēng hóng dū;gé，
摧心对董帷。 cuī xīn duì dǒng wéi。
校雠如有暇， xiào;jiào chóu rú yǒu xiá，
松竹一相思。 sōng zhú yī xiāng sī。
Misfortune arrives with my advancing age
I sneer at my pitiful residence
My writing is like dried up wood
My social graces like a dull hammer
I dare to avoid the hanging caves
Preferring to return to darkened rooms
Bitter studies make my head droop
My broken bones refuse to heal
The servant sacrifices for the timid master
An uncle scoffs at the idiot child savant
A little boy seeks his chestnuts
The baby girl has plenty of sunflowers to chew
Who will be the first to bite the roast?
Don’t forget to blow away the garlic
The poor official paints his cakes
His face looks so unhealthy
Understanding ancient books is like using oyster shells to measure the sea
My writing is like looking at the sky through a bamboo tube
As if pictures could ever scare dogs
Or one banish bears from one’s dreams
I laugh at myself, the foolish nerd
Finally cursing the pitcher of beer
Soggy, stained, my sleeve spotted with blood
I slowly use a tweezer to pick hairs in the mirror
If the supernatural matters, I lack reverence and thought
I flatter the Buddha and offer empty words
Medical skills turn to unicorn horns and phoenix feathers
My shallow name is just a tiger’s skin
I take the chariot to see my sweetheart
But her nest is a precarious matter
Rules and habits restrained Master Ji Xi
Though Emperor Wang praised Dai Kui
I remain tongue tied on my humble path
Before my comrades, who quietly succeed
At Bota, we poets create new songs
At Yunge, we take time to stroll
I regret having friends made from passing exams
Who can claim to understand my heart?
I drink and lead the party
From my bedside, mute to all commands
One strived mightily to reach this place
But I am troubled, like reclusive Master Dong Wei
Proofread me for all its worth
Just don’t expect us to be friends, or kindred souls!
On The Scolding Of Princess Xu 代越公房妓嘲徐公主
笑啼俱不敢， xiào tí jù;jū bù gǎn，
几欲是吞声。 jǐ;jī yù shì tūn shēng。
遽遣离琴怨， jù qiǎn lí;róu qín yuàn，
都由半镜明。 dōu;dū yóu bàn jìng míng。
应防啼与笑， yīng;yìng fáng tí yǔ xiào，
微露浅深情。 wēi lù;lòu qiǎn shēn qíng。
Do not dare to laugh or cry
How many times have I secretly shed tears
Blame yourself, in your haste, for leaving behind the zither
All on account of a broken mirror
Guard against crying and laughter
Barely reveal any deep or trivial feelings! [7]
For the Honorable Princess 代贵公主
芳条得意红， fāng tiáo dé yì hóng，
飘落忽西东。 piāo luò hū xī dōng。
分逐春风去， fēn zhú chūn fēng qù，
风回得故丛。 fēng huí dé;děi;de gù cóng。
明朝金井露， míng zhāo jīn jǐng lù;lòu，
始看忆春风。 shǐ kàn;kān yì chūn fēng。
Scarlet is the fragrant peach tree
The fruit scatters east and west
Fate led her to Spring’s abode
Wind carried her back to the Palace
In the morning the well glimmers like gold
As though remembering youthful love
To What Must Be 代应
本来银汉是红墙， běn lái yín hàn shì hóng qiáng，
隔得卢家白玉堂。 gé dé;děi;de lú jiā bái yù táng。
谁与王昌报消息， shuí yǔ wáng chāng bào xiāo xī，
尽知三十六鸳鸯。 jìn;jǐn zhī sān shí liù yuān yāng。
Once the Milky Way served as a scarlet wall
Keeping you away from Lu’s white jade halls
Who will tell King Ge
There are already 36 pairs of mandarin ducks?
A Poem Composed Listening To The Rain And After A Dream On The Evening Of The 28th Day Of The 7th Month In The Company Of Candidates Wang and Zheng 七月二十八日夜与王郑二秀才听雨后梦作
初梦龙宫宝焰然， chū mèng lóng gōng bǎo yàn rán，
瑞霞明丽满晴天。 ruì xiá míng lì mǎn qíng tiān。
旋成醉倚蓬莱树， xuán chéng zuì yǐ péng lái shù，
有个仙人拍我肩。 yǒu gè xiān rén pāi wǒ jiān。
少顷远闻吹细管， shǎo qǐng yuǎn wén chuī xì guǎn，
闻声不见隔飞烟。 wén shēng bù jiàn gé fēi yān。
逡巡又过潇湘雨， qūn xún yòu guò xiāo xiāng yǔ，
雨打湘灵五十弦。 yǔ dǎ;dá xiāng líng wǔ shí xián。
瞥见冯夷殊怅望， piē jiàn féng;píng yí shū chàng wàng，
鲛绡休卖海为田。 jiāo xiāo xiū mài hǎi wèi;wéi tián。
亦逢毛女无憀极， yì féng máo nǚ wú liáo jí，
龙伯擎将华岳莲。 lóng bǎi qíng jiāng;jiàng huā;huá yuè lián。
恍惚无倪明又暗， huǎng hū wú ní míng yòu àn，
低迷不已断还连。 dī mí bù yǐ duàn hái;huán lián。
觉来正是平阶雨， jué;jiào lái zhèng shì píng jiē yǔ，
独背寒灯枕手眠。 dú bèi;bēi hán dēng zhěn shǒu mián。
In my dream, the treasures of Dragon Palace seemed to burn in the fires
A radiant light, clear and beautiful, spread throughout the day
Tipsy, I soon leaned against a Penglai tree[8]
On my shoulder an immortal gently placed her hand
Then I heard a flute afar
All I saw was a puff of smoke
Rain suddenly fell over the Xiaoxiang rivers[9]
Striking the water sprites’ fifty stringed zither[10]
The River God is despondent, I see
The shark maidens cannot sell silk in oceans of mulberry
The Furry woman looked weak[11]
The Long Bo Giant held aloft Lotus Peak
Light and dark seemed to merge
Misty, in a long, unbroken surge
When I woke, the rainwater was falling on the steps
Behind me was a cold lamp, on pillowed hands I had slept.
Mocking Willow 谑柳
已带黄金缕， yǐ dài huáng jīn lǚ，
仍飞白玉花。 réng fēi bái yù huā。
长时须拂马， cháng;zhǎng shí xū fú mǎ，
密处少藏鸦。 mì chù shǎo;shào zàng;cáng yā。
眉细从他敛， méi xì cóng;zòng;cōng tā liǎn，
腰轻莫自斜。 yāo qīng mò zì xié。
玳梁谁道好， dài liáng shuí dào hǎo;hào，
偏拟映卢家。 piān nǐ yìng lú jiā。
You already carry your precious golden threads
Your white jade flowers still flutter
So long have you brushed against horses
And harbored crows in the shade
Who will sit on the tortoise shell?
How the light bounces off Lu mansion.
The Cicada 蝉
本以高难饱， běn yǐ gāo nán bǎo，
徒劳恨费声。 tú láo hèn fèi shēng。
五更疏欲断， wǔ gēng shū yù duàn，
一树碧无情。 yī shù bì wú qíng。
薄宦梗犹泛， bò;báo;bó huàn gěng yóu fàn，
故园芜已平。 gù yuán wú yǐ píng。
烦君最相警， fán jūn zuì xiàng;xiāng jǐng，
我亦举家清。 wǒ yì jǔ jiā qīng。
Though in a lofty place, how famished you are
How utterly futile are your cries
At the fifth hour you seem to stop
How heartless are the emerald trees
Reckless, I lived on scattered stalks
My garden is now no more than weeds
This vexed and noble creature has made me aware
That one’s path can be pure beyond compare!
Butterfly 蝶
飞来绣户阴， fēi lái xiù hù yīn，
穿过画楼深。 chuān guò huà lóu shēn。
重傅秦台粉， zhòng;chóng fù qín tái fěn，
轻涂汉殿金。 qīng tú hàn diàn jīn。
相兼惟柳絮， xiàng;xiāng jiān wéi liǔ xù，
所得是花心。 suǒ dé shì huā xīn。
可要凌孤客， kě yào;yāo líng gū kè，
邀为子夜吟。 yāo wèi;wéi zǐ yè yín。
You fly into dim, richly furnished parlors
Penterating the depths of the painted pavilions
The Qin ladies are once again masters of glittering powder
Lightly applying their ritual gold
Converging just for the willows catkins[12]
They desire the flower’s soul
How dare you insult the lovely guest
By inviting her to sing at midnight?
Southern Swallows – Two Poems 越燕二首
其一
上国社方见， shàng guó shè fāng jiàn;xiàn，
此乡秋不归。 cǐ xiāng qiū bù guī。
为矜皇后舞， wèi;wéi jīn huáng hòu wǔ，
犹著羽人衣。 yóu zhù;zhuó;zhāo yǔ rén yì;yī。
拂水斜纹乱， fú shuǐ xié wén luàn，
衔花片影微。 xián huā piān yǐng wēi。
卢家文杏好， lú jiā wén xìng hǎo;hào，
试近莫愁飞。 shì jìn mò chóu fēi。
其二
将泥红蓼岸， jiāng;jiàng ní hóng lù àn，
得草绿杨村。 dé;děi;de cǎo lǜ yáng cūn。
命侣添新意， mìng lǚ tiān xīn yì，
安巢复旧痕。 ān cháo fù jiù hén。
去应逢阿母， qù yīng;yìng féng ā;ē mǔ，
来莫害王孙。 lái mò hài wáng sūn。
记取丹山凤， jì qǔ dān shān fèng，
今为百鸟尊。 jīn wèi;wéi bǎi niǎo zūn。
1st Poem
I saw you in Chang An on the Festival of She
This autumn you cannot return home
To dance and charm the Empress Wu
Like a dreamer with a garment of feathers
You flutter over the water, darting about
A light bird, a shadow among the flowers
Lu Mansion apricots are so sweet
Please fly close to Miss Sans Souci[13]
2nd Poem
Red flowers blossom on the soft riverbank
By the village, green shrubs and poplars flourish
A companion gives life new meaning
A stable nest is at peace with the past
If you go may you meet Madame Amu
If you come please treat me well
Remember the Red Mountain Phoenix[14]
He is revered by hundreds of birds
Mister Xie Fang Memorized and Recited My Poems , On a Random Day I Sent Him This Epistle 谢先辈防记念拙诗甚多，异日偶有此寄
晓用云添句， xiǎo yòng yún tiān jù，
寒将雪命篇。 hán jiāng;jiàng xuě mìng piān。
良辰多自感， liáng chén duō zì gǎn，
作者岂皆然。 zuò zhě qǐ jiē rán。
熟寝初同鹤， shú qǐn chū tóng;tòng hè，
含嘶欲并蝉。 hán sī yù bìng chán。
题时长不展， tí shí cháng;zhǎng bù zhǎn，
得处定应偏。 dé;děi;de chù;chǔ dìng yīng;yìng piān。
南浦无穷树， nán pǔ wú qióng shù，
西楼不住烟。 xī lóu bù zhù yān。
改成人寂寂， gǎi chéng rén jì jì，
寄与路绵绵。 jì yǔ lù mián mián。
星势寒垂地， xīng shì hán chuí dì;de，
河声晓上天。 hé shēng xiǎo shàng tiān。
夫君自有恨， fū jūn zì yǒu hèn，
聊借此中传。 liáo jiè cǐ zhōng zhuàn;chuán。
At daybreak I use the word ‘clouds’ in my lines
When cold, ‘Snow’ give my words a lift
Feelings appear at certain moments
Shouldn’t it be this way for all scripts?
Peacefully, like a sleeping heron, I lie
Then, like a cicada, I am full of anguished cries
It takes so long to develop a theme
To be like no other is my ultimate scheme
On the southern bank there is no shortage of trees
Over the western pavilion, without end, the fog streams
Then a stillness and peace comes over me,
An unbroken flow of letters over distant roads
Indifferent, stars explode and fall to the ground
The sounds of the great Milky Way remain in heaven’s abode
If there are things a gentleman hates to do
Use the words to express that too!
Reading the Memorial to the Rise of Official Ren 读任彦升碑
任昉当年有美名， rèn fǎng dāng nián yǒu měi míng，
可怜才调最纵横。 kě lián cái diào zuì zòng héng。
梁台初建应惆怅， liáng tái chū jiàn yīng;yìng chóu chàng，
不得萧公作骑兵。 bù dé xiāo gōng zuò qí bīng。
In that year Renfang was a famous name
His talents were remarkable and many
He should have despaired when the Palace was built
But managed soldiers and horses when denied a councillor’s rank
Presented To Former Officials Of Kaifeng 献寄旧府开封公
幕府三年远， mù fǔ sān nián yuǎn，
春秋一字褒。 chūn qiū yī zì bāo。
书论秦逐客， shū lùn qín zhú kè，
赋续楚离骚。 fù xù chǔ lí;róu sāo。
地理南溟阔， dì lǐ nán míng kuò，
天文北极高。 tiān wén běi jí gāo。
酬恩抚身世， chóu ēn fǔ shēn shì，
未觉胜鸿毛。 wèi jué;jiào shèng;shēng hóng máo。
Its been three years of military tents and being in the ranks
For each of the war annals, praise for you and thanks
Essays were written of the traveler expelled by Qin
A sequel to the ‘Song of Sorrow’ is quite fitting
The Southern sea is vast in its geography
Compared to the North Pole, the Heavenly Palace is as remote
When one is favored with a place in this world, a tether
Don’t bother to strive after wild goose feathers
Return to the Capitol 复京
虏骑胡兵一战摧， lǔ qí hú bīng yī zhàn cuī，
万灵回首贺轩台。 wàn líng huí shǒu hè xuān tái。
天教李令心如日， tiān jiào;jiāo lǐ lìng xīn rú rì，
可要昭陵石马来。 kě yào;yāo zhāo líng shí mǎ lái。
Rebels Luji and Tubo were defeated in one campaign
Thousands of souls turned and acclaimed the Court
Heaven gave Liling a heart like the sun
Need we summon the stone horses before the Emperor’s tomb?
General Hun of Hejong 浑河中
九庙无尘八马回， jiǔ miào wú chén bā mǎ huí，
奉天城垒长春苔。 fèng tiān chéng lěi cháng chūn tāi。
咸阳原上英雄骨， xián;xiān yáng yuán shàng yīng xióng gú，
半向君家养马来。 bàn xiàng jūn jiā yǎng mǎ lái。
When the dust of war settled, the 8 stallions returned to the 9 Temples
Fengtian’s ramparts are now covered with moss
A hero’s bones lie on Xianyang Plain
Half the people then tended to his family’s horses
A Description Of Ying Shu’s Farewell In The Northeast Hall Of Weihou Mansion 魏侯第东北楼堂郢叔言别，聊用书所见成篇
暗楼连夜阁， àn lóu lián yè dū;gé，
不拟为黄昏。 bù nǐ wèi;wéi huáng hūn。
未必断别泪， wèi bì duàn biè;bié lèi，
何曾妨梦魂。 hé céng fáng mèng hún。
疑穿花逶迤， yí chuān huā wēi yí，
渐近火温黁。 jiàn;jiān jìn huǒ wēn nún。
海底翻无水， hǎi dǐ fān wú shuǐ，
仙家却有村。 xiān jiā què yǒu cūn。
锁香金屈戌， suǒ xiāng jīn qū róng，
殢酒玉昆仑。 tì jiǔ yù kūn yuè。
羽白风交扇， yǔ bái fēng jiāo shàn;shān，
冰清月映盆。 bīng qīng yuè yìng pén。
旧欢尘自积， jiù huān chén zì jī，
新岁电犹奔。 xīn suì diàn yóu bēn。
霞绮空留段， xiá qǐ kōng liú duàn，
云峰不带根。 yún fēng bù dài gēn。
念君千里舸， niàn jūn qiān lǐ gě，
江草漏灯痕。 jiāng cǎo lòu dēng hén。
The dark towers blend into the pavilions at night
As though ignoring the dusk
Do not hold back your tears
For how can one suppress dreams?
Flames creep through the blinds
From within it seems a fire is alight
The bottom of the ocean turns dry
Celestial homes become villages
A perfumed gold door knob
In the jade slave’s jars, a bitter wine
A fan of white feathers turns in the wind
Moss lies cold and clear in a silvered tray
Aged, I seem to collect the dust
What is new sparkles like lightning
Rosy clouds reveal gaps in the silk
The misty peaks float without roots
I think of my lord’s boat thousands of miles away
Of rivers and plains, and thinning candle tears
Morning farewell at Woodbridge Inn 板桥晓别
回望高城落晓河， huí wàng gāo chéng luò;lào;là xiǎo hé，
长亭窗户压微波。 cháng tíng chuāng hù yà;yā wēi bō。
水仙欲上鲤鱼去， shuǐ xiān yù shàng lǐ yú qù，
一夜芙蓉红泪多。 yī yè fú róng hóng lèi duō。
Peering back, morning reveals the city’s tall towers and the river below
Along pavilions, tiny ripples seem to press against the windows
The water spirits long to ride away on their carps
One night of lotus leaves covered with blood red tears
Sent from Kaifeng to Li Yang of Suzhou 汴上送李郢之苏州
人高诗苦滞夷门， rén gāo shī kǔ zhì yí mén，
万里梁王有旧园。 wàn lǐ liáng wáng yǒu jiù yuán。
烟幌自应怜白纻， yān huǎng zì yīng;yìng lián bái zhù，
月楼谁伴咏黄昏。 yuè lóu shuí bàn yǒng huáng hūn。
露桃涂颊依苔井， lù;lòu táo tú jiá yī tāi jǐng，
风柳夸腰住水村。 fēng liǔ kuā yāo zhù shuǐ cūn。
苏小小坟今在否， sū xiǎo xiǎo fén jīn zài fǒu;pǐ，
紫兰香径与招魂。 zǐ lán xiāng jìng yǔ zhāo hún
Great men sing of Qi Gate’s bitter waters
Emperor Liang’s ancient park was thousands of miles away
The drapes are cloudy, one should pity my sack cloths
At twilight, over Moon Terrace, with whom do you sing?
By the mossy well, cheeks wet, peaches are covered with dew
The wind in the willows intoxicates those in the watertowns,
Is little Sue’s tiny grave still there?
Just orchids with fragrant stalks, spirits called back from the dead.
Notes:
[1] The drumming song was based on the memorial tablet set up by the soldiers of the Wei kingdom. Xuyan – an old place name in Yang Kingdom of the Warring States, in modern Beijing
[2] Song Yu (319-298BC) was a writer from the Warring States period, and is often associated with Chu Yuan, because of their strong personal voice. His poems excel at blending pathos with nature.
[3] A modest Eastern Han general who often sat under trees while others received rewards. This poem commemorates the great Han strategist Zhu Geliang
[4] Refers to the legend of an Emperor who was illegitimate, and sired by a dragon who seduced the Queen mother with a meal of roasted swallow meat
[5] Refers LSY failed his exams and refers to the frustrations that followed, as well as the political implications of his marriage.
[6] The story of the Cowherd and the Spinning girl, who are destined to meet once a year (on this date) over a bridge of magpies. A spider making a web on fruit offered to the Spinning Maid was considered auspicious.
[7] After Southern Dynasty Princess Lechang married the scholar Xu Deyan, they were forced to separate, but broke a mirror, each keeping the other half. They vowed to try to sell their halves at the market during the Chinese Lantern Festival each year, until they would be reunited. In the end, they found each otehr and lived happily ever after.
[8] Penglai is the garden of the Immortals
[9] Two rivers in modern Hunan province
[10] A palace lady of the Qin court who was covered with hair. She later became an immortal on Lotus Peak of Mount Hua. Long Bo was a fabulous place where giants three hundred feet tall lived.
[11] The modern zither has at most 25 strings. Legend says that the original zither was split into two parts, each 25 strings.
[12] Willow catkins are shaped like and represent money, here used in the context of officials visiting brothels and prostitutes.
[13] Miss No Worry
[14] The Phoenix as representing a peaceful and stable rule
A Tang Poet From Nairobi 