Nostalgia 寓目
园桂悬心碧， yuán guì xuán xīn bì，
池莲饫眼红。 chí lián yù yǎn hóng。
此生真远客， cǐ shēng zhēn yuǎn kè，
几别即衰翁。 jǐ;jī biè;bié jí shuāi;cuī wēng。
小幌风烟入， xiǎo huǎng fēng yān rù，
高窗雾雨通。 gāo chuāng wù yǔ tōng。
新知他日好， xīn zhī tā rì hǎo;hào，
锦瑟傍朱栊。 jǐn sè bàng zhū lóng。
From the green of the cassia grove my deep feelings arise
Many shades of red from the lake’s lotus fill my eyes
All these places truly make us distant travelers
After a few farewells one grows senile and old
The wind through small screens softly blows
Mist and rain pass through windows high above
I recall my bride that auspicious day
By vermillion cabinets her ornamented zither lay
Posted to Anguo’s Master Monk on behalf of disciple Jian Zimeng 奉寄安国大师兼简子蒙
忆奉莲花座， yì fèng lián huā zuò，
兼闻贝叶经。 jiān wén bèi yè jīng。
岩光分蜡屐， yán guāng fēn là jī，
涧响入铜瓶。 jiàn xiǎng rù tóng píng。
日下徒推鹤， rì xià tú tuī hè，
天涯正对萤。 tiān yá zhèng;zhēng duì yíng。
鱼山羡曹植， yú shān xiàn cáo zhí，
眷属有文星。 juàn shǔ yǒu wén xīng。
One remembers to give thanks at Lotus Buddha Hill
Twice I heard the Patta sutras
Your waxed shoes parted the bright peaks
The sound of your copper cups echoed from ravines so deep
In past days you put in a good word for this crane
At World’s End would I read sutras by the fireflies’ dull flames
Official Cao Zhi thought Yu Mountain was a wonderful site
His disciple had talent, a star so bright!
To Hermit Sun of Hua Yue Mountain 寄华岳孙逸人
灵岳几千仞， líng yuè jǐ qiān rèn，
老松逾百寻。 lǎo sōng yú bǎi xún。
攀崖仍蹑壁， pān yá réng niè bì，
啖叶复眠阴。 dàn yè fù mián yīn。
海上呼三岛， hǎi shàng hū sān dǎo，
斋中戏五禽。 zhāi zhōng xì wǔ qín。
唯应逢阮籍， wěi;wéi yīng;yìng féng ruǎn jí，
长啸作鸾音。 cháng;zhǎng xiào zuò luán yīn。
Yue Hua Mountain ascends thousands of ren[1]
The old pines grow more than 100 xun
Above the sea the three birds call
In your repast, 5 dishes, scrumptious all
In order to meet Master Ruan Ji
Seek the luan bird’s mournful cry
I Saw A Cherry Tree In The Deep Woods At Shangzai 深树见一颗樱桃尚在
高桃留晚实， gāo táo liú wǎn shí，
寻得小庭南。 xún dé;děi;de xiǎo tíng nán。
矮堕绿云髻， ǎi duò lǜ yún jì，
欹危红玉簪。 yī wēi hóng yù zān。
惜堪充凤食， xī kān chōng fèng shí;sì，
痛已被莺含。 tòng yǐ bèi yīng hán。
越鸟夸香荔， yuè niǎo kuā xiāng lì，
齐名亦未甘。 qí míng yì wèi gān。
High on the lofty cherry tree, at dusk
By the small courtyard, I sought you in southern park
Green arbors, like cloudy hair coiling
A reddish jade hairpin, precariously dangling
Once welcomed, hosting dragons, treasured
Now filling the bellies of orioles, at their pleasure
The Yue bird marvels at the fragrant lichee
Just as famous, but not as sweet as thee!
On The 6th Of May Remembering Those Past Days I Lived With Master Che 五月六日夜忆往岁秋与彻师同宿
紫阁相逢处， zǐ dū;gé xiāng féng chù;chǔ，
丹岩议宿时。 dān yán yì sù;xiǔ shí。
堕蝉翻败叶， duò chán fān bài yè，
栖鸟定寒枝。 qī niǎo dìng hán zhī。
万里飘流远， wàn lǐ piāo liú yuǎn，
三年问讯迟。 sān nián wèn xùn chí。
炎方忆初地， yán fāng yì chū dì;de，
频梦碧琉璃。 pín mèng bì liú lí。
At the Purple Pavilion we met,
By the vermillion cliffs we stayed
To fallen leaves, The cicada crawls
On cold branches, the bird remains
Cast thousands of li afar by turbulent fate
For three years, inquiring after you, I was late
While in the hot south, I remembered that seminal place
Many times dreaming of the pagoda’s green glaze
Dream Lake 梦泽
梦泽悲风动白茅， mèng zé bēi fēng dòng bái máo，
楚王葬尽满城娇。 chǔ wáng zàng jìn;jǐn mǎn chéng jiāo。
未知歌舞能多少， wèi zhī gē wǔ néng duō shǎo，
虚减宫厨为细腰。 xū jiǎn gōng chú wèi;wéi xì yāo。
Under the crying wind, the white reeds of Dream Lake rustle
A city of beauties hiding the King of Chu’s tomb
Countless numbers would dance and sing
How much food for these slender waists did empty kitchens bring?[2]
Guilin 桂林
城窄山将压， chéng zhǎi shān jiāng;jiàng yà;yā，
江宽地共浮。 jiāng kuān dì;de gòng fú。
东南通绝域， dōng nán tōng jué yù，
西北有高楼。 xī běi yǒu gāo lóu。
神护青枫岸， shén hù qīng fēng àn，
龙移白石湫。 lóng yí bái shí qiū;jiǎo。
殊乡竟何祷， shū xiāng jìng hé dǎo，
箫鼓不曾休。 xiāo gǔ bù céng xiū。
Grouped cities, mountains, press right down
Broad rivers, the land seems to float all around
The South-East rejects the cities
Thje North-West has its lofty towers
Gods protect the maple shores
Dragons lurk in the marble pools
In this faraway land how can one pray
When the Xiao and drums constantly play?
Yueyang Tower 岳阳楼
欲为平生一散愁， yù wèi;wéi píng shēng yī sǎn chóu，
洞庭湖上岳阳楼。 dòng tíng hú shàng yuè yáng lóu。
可怜万里堪乘兴， kě lián wàn lǐ kān chéng xìng，
枉是蛟龙解覆舟。 wǎng shì jiāo lóng jiě fù zhōu。
To disperse a lifetime of worries, one’s brow hanging low
I mount the tower on Dongting Lake, called Yueyang Lou
One could have sailed for thousands of miles, but it’s a pity
Dragons would try to tip the boat, just wait and see!
Given To Official Cui Jue While On The Way To Sichuan 送崔珏往西川
年少因何有旅愁， nián shào yīn hé yǒu lǚ chóu，
欲为东下更西游。 yù wèi;wéi dōng xià gèng;gēng xī yóu。
一条雪浪吼巫峡， yī tiáo xuě làng hǒu wū xiá，
千里火云烧益州。 qiān lǐ huǒ yún shāo yì zhōu。
卜肆至今多寂寞， bo;bǔ sì zhì jīn duō jì mò，
酒垆从古擅风流。 jiǔ lú cóng;zòng;cōng gǔ shàn fēng liú。
浣花笺纸桃花色， huàn huā lán;jiān zhǐ táo huā sè，
好好题诗咏玉钩。 hǎo hāo tí shī yǒng yù gōu。
In youth, how I worried about traveling on the road
Preferring the East, I instead settled for a Western route
Roaring waves and snow are along Wu Xia Gorge[3]
Thousands of burning summer clouds light up Yi Zhou[4]
So many astrologer’s tents are quite alone
Wine stands are preferred by those who meander and roam
I use Xue Tao paper with peaches and flowers[5]
Writing songs of jade wine ladles – of these one never tires
Westwards From Jingmen 荆门西下
一夕南风一叶危， yī xī nán fēng yī yè wēi，
荆云回望夏云时。 jīng yún huí wàng xià yún shí。
人生岂得轻离别， rén shēng qǐ dé;děi;de qīng lí bié，
天意何曾忌嶮巇。 tiān yì hé céng jì xiǎn xī.
骨肉书题安绝徼， gú ròu shū tí ān jué jiào;jiǎo，
蕙兰蹊径失佳期。 huì lán xī jìng shī jiā qī。
洞庭湖阔蛟龙恶， dòng tíng hú kuò jiāo lóng è;wù;ě，
却羡杨朱泣路岐。 què xiàn yáng zhū qì lù qí。
At sunset, a southerly wind, a small skiff dangerous and free
Turning my head, stranded in the clouds, Jingmen I see
How is it that people so easily disappear?
It’s not that God doesn’t give us plenty to fear!
Peaceful, my flesh, bones, writing this far away
Lost, the orchid path from my nuptial day
Awful are these dragons of Dongting Lake
I admire Yang Zhu, who sobbed over which road to take
Five Pine Station 五松驿
独下长亭念过秦， dú xià cháng tíng niàn guò qín，
五松不见见舆薪。 wǔ sōng bù jiàn jiàn;xiàn yú xīn。
只应既斩斯高后， zhī;zhǐ yīng;yìng jì zhǎn sī gāo hòu，
寻被樵人用斧斤。 xún bèi qiáo rén yòng fǔ jīn。
Alone, beneath the long pavilion, I think of the fall of Qin
I see woodcarts, but no sight of the five pine trees
Even after Xi and Gao’s heads were cut free
You were sought by woodcutters with axes and jins[6]
The New Shang Yu Road 商於新开路
六百商於路， liù bǎi shāng yū;yú;wū lù，
崎岖古共闻。 qí qū gǔ gòng wén。
蜂房春欲暮， fēng fáng chūn yù mù，
虎阱日初曛。 hǔ jǐng rì chū xūn。
路向泉间辨， lù xiàng quán jiān;jiàn;xiàn biàn，
人从树杪分。 rén cóng shù miǎo fēn。
更谁开捷径， gèng;gēng shuí kāi jié jìng，
速拟上青云。 sù nǐ shàng qīng yún。
Six hundred Li of the Shang Yu road
Rugged, of ancient fame, reknowned
Over cliffs of honeycombs, summer welcomes dusk
Over tiger traps, the sun begins to dim
From road to stream a division is sown
People crossing seem from treetops to have flown
Indeed, whoever builds this magnificent route
Will quickly soar across the clouds!
The Western White Shrine 四皓庙
羽翼殊勋弃若遗， yǔ yì shū xūn qì ruò yí，
皇天有运我无时。 huáng tiān yǒu yùn wǒ wú shí。
庙前便接山门路， miào qián biàn;pián jiē shān mén lù，
不长青松长紫芝。 bù cháng;zhǎng qīng sōng cháng;zhǎng zǐ zhī。
Soaring achievements are cast aside like relics
My fortunes bereft, heaven holds the cards
In the road by the mountain gate, before the shrine
The green pines are stunted, the purple sesame is long and fine.
Seat of Farewell 离席
出宿金尊掩， chū sù;xiǔ jīn zūn yǎn，
从公玉帐新。 cóng;zòng;cōng gōng yù zhàng xīn。
依依向馀照， yī yī xiàng yú zhào，
远远隔芳尘。 yuǎn yuǎn gé fāng chén。
细草翻惊雁， xì cǎo fān jīng yàn，
残花伴醉人。 cán huā bàn zuì rén。
杨朱不用劝， yáng zhū bù yòng quàn，
只是更沾巾。 zhǐ shì gèng;gēng zhān jīn。
Leaving my home, my gold pitcher overflows
My ‘Jade Tent’ commission everyone knows
It sets me apart, to face what will be eastern solitude
Across the dust, where no perfume exudes
The fine grass, in waves, rolls and startles the geese
Faded flowers keep drunks company
Don’t bother to advise Yang Zhu
When this handerchief too is soaked with tears
A Song Happily Sent To Guilin From The Crimson Court谢往桂林至彤庭窃咏
辰象森罗正， chén xiàng sēn luó;luō zhèng;zhēng，
句陈翊卫宽。 jù chén yì wèi kuān。
鱼龙排百戏， yú lóng pái bǎi xì，
剑佩俨千官。 jiàn pèi yǎn qiān guān。
城禁将开晚， chéng jìn;jīn jiāng;jiàng kāi wǎn，
宫深欲曙难。 gōng shēn yù shǔ nán。
月轮移枍诣， yuè lún yí yì yì，
仙路下栏干。 xiān lù xià lán gān。
共贺高禖应， gòng hè gāo méi yīng;yìng，
将陈寿酒欢。 jiāng;jiàng chén shòu jiǔ huān。
金星压芒角， jīn xīng yà;yā máng jiǎo，
银汉转波澜。 yín hàn zhuǎi bō lán。
王母来空阔， wáng mǔ lái kōng kuò，
羲和上屈盘。 xī hé shàng qū pán。
凤凰传诏旨， fèng huáng zhuàn;chuán zhào zhǐ，
獬廌冠朝端。 xiè zhì guān cháo;zhāo duān。
造化中台座， zào huà zhōng tái zuò，
威风上将坛。 wēi fēng shàng jiàng tán。
甘泉犹望幸， gān quán yóu wàng xìng，
早晚冠呼韩。 zǎo wǎn guān hū hán。
Above, celestial bodies, an endless tide
Below, the Imperial guard far and wide
Acrobats, like dragons and fish, to a hundred ditties play
Before the ceremonial saber a thousand courtiers stand arrayed
The Palace precincts open late
Light strives to enter the dark courtyard at daybreak
The full moon covers the Ilex groves
Beams fall on crisscrossing paths and roads
May fortune favor us with an heir
And ritual wine greet birthdays with welcoming flair
Powerful is the light from the Gold Star Venus
Great the waves of the Milky Way aloft
The owner of the Phoenix Crest bears the proclamation with a strict visage
Crowned with the Lamb of Truth, he precedes the Imperial Edict
On the pedestal lies good fortune
Fearsome are the oaths of allegiance
The future looks good – as if laced with sweet water
From dawn to dusk, His Majesty favors barbarians with his grace
Guest Of The Sea 海客
海客乘槎上紫氛， hǎi kè chéng;shèng chá shàng zǐ fēn，
星娥罢织一相闻。 xīng é bà;ba zhī yī xiàng;xiāng wén。
只应不惮牵牛妒， zhī;zhǐ yīng;yìng bù dàn qiān niú dù，
聊用支机石赠君。 liáo yòng zhī jī shí zèng jūn。
Above your boat, purple skies and bamboo trees
The Spinning Girl casts a single glance
She should not fear the Cowherd’s jealousy or plans
She offers the King her weaving stone – that’s all
Happily Presented To Young Brother Xi Son On His Candidacy For Exams Administered By The Board of Rites Under Official Wei喜舍弟羲叟及第上礼部魏公
国以斯文重， guó yǐ sī wen;sī wén zhòng;chóng，
公仍内署来。 gōng réng nèi shǔ lái。
风标森太华， fēng biāo sēn tài huā;huá，
星象逼中台。 xīng xiàng bī zhōng tái。
朝满迁莺侣， cháo;zhāo mǎn qiān yīng lǚ，
门多吐凤才。 mén duō tǔ fèng cái。
宁同鲁司寇， nìng;níng tóng;tòng lǔ sī kòu，
惟铸一颜回。 wéi zhù yī yán huí。
Of worthy scholars the nation has many a pick
To serve the public, from where do they come?
From Tai Hua Mountain, noble and serious
The stars thrust to the center similar men
The Court overflows with the orioles’ friends[7]
Talented dragons drool before many doors
How is it that Lu’s Ministry of Justice
Found just one – Yan Hui?
Given To Sun Qi On The Occasion Of His Success In The Exams赠孙绮新及第
长乐遥听上苑钟， cháng;zhǎng lè;yuè yáo tīng shàng yuàn zhōng，
彩衣称庆桂香浓。 cǎi yì;yī chèn qìng guì xiāng nóng。
陆机始拟夸文赋， lù jī shǐ nǐ kuā wén fù，
不觉云间有士龙。 bù jué yún jiān yǒu shì lóng。
From afar, above the garden, happy bells sound anew
The hatless lad has brought honor, the plucked cassia perfume is deep and true
When Lu Ji started to draft his acclaimed ‘Wen Fu’
Little did he know that his brother ‘Cloud’ was a literary dragon too!
The Western White Shrine 四皓庙
本为留侯慕赤松， běn wèi;wéi liú hóu mù chì sōng，
汉庭方识紫芝翁。 hàn tíng fāng shí zǐ zhī wēng。
萧何只解追韩信， xiāo hé zhī;zhǐ jiě zhuī hán xìn，
岂得虚当第一功。 qǐ dé;děi;de xū dāng;dàng dì yī gōng。
Out of admiration for the Great Spirit, and to serve our liege, here you stayed
The Han Court called it the abode of the Purple Sesame Sage
Of Han Xin’s knowledge, Xiao He alone wanted a taste[8]
Yet they say he was the greatest. Doesn’t acclaim seem such a waste?
On the Hong Wen Academy in Mishu County 代秘书赠弘文馆诸校书
清切曹司近玉除， qīng qiè;qiē cáo sī jìn yù chú，
比来秋兴复何如。 bǐ lái qiū xìng;xīng fù hé rú。
崇文馆里丹霜后， chóng wén guǎn lǐ dān shuāng hòu，
无限红梨忆校书。 wú xiàn hóng lí yì xiào;jiào shū。
Near our offices the jade steps rise, graceful and clear
Can we all rouse ourselves in the autumn cheer
At Chongwen Inn the frost turns red
So many red pears bring back memories of my bookish days
Mount Wuyi 武夷山
只得流霞酒一杯， zhǐ dé liú xiá jiǔ yī bēi，
空中箫鼓几时回。 kōng zhōng xiāo gǔ jǐ shí huí。
武夷洞里生毛竹， wǔ yí dòng lǐ shēng máo zhú，
老尽曾孙更不来。 lǎo jìn;jǐn zēng sūn gèng;gēng bù lái。
Were I to drink just one cup of rosy cloud wine
The pipas and drums would bring back the emptiness inside
Hairy bamboos grow in Mount Wuyi’s ravines
People old and exhausted wait in vain for what Immortals foretold
Above The Sea 海上
石桥东望海连天， shí qiáo dōng wàng hǎi lián tiān，
徐福空来不得仙。 xú fú kōng lái bu de xiān。
直遣麻姑与搔背， zhí qiǎn má gū yǔ sāo bèi;bēi，
可能留命待桑田。 kě néng liú mìng dāi sāng tián。
From the right of the bridge, facing eastwards
The horizon traces a long line
The wheel of fortune slowly turns into the sea
A search for immortality turns empty
Were you to find the Flaxen Maiden and scratch her back
Could she really command the sea turn into mulberry fields just like that?
Ode At Hua Mountain To The Queen Of The West 华山题王母祠
莲华峰下锁雕梁， lián huā;huá fēng xià suǒ diāo liáng，
此去瑶池地共长。 cǐ qù yáo chí dì;de gòng cháng;zhǎng。
好为麻姑到东海， hǎo;hào wèi;wéi má gū dào dōng hǎi，
劝栽黄竹莫栽桑。 quàn zāi huáng zhú mò zāi sāng。
The carved bridge is closed below Lotus Peak
Jasper Lake is far away from those who seek[9]
The Flaxen Maiden. Rather, head for the Eastern Seas.
Sing the ‘Yellow Bamboo’ lament rather than plant mulberries!
On Passing Jing Tomb 过景陵
武皇精魄久仙升， wǔ huáng jīng pò jiǔ xiān shēng，
帐殿凄凉烟雾凝。 zhàng diàn qī liáng yān wù níng。
俱是苍生留不得， jù;jū shì cāng shēng liú bù dé，
鼎湖何异魏西陵。 dǐng hú hé yì wèi xī líng。
How long has it been since King Wu’s enlightened soul ascended to heaven?
The shrine’s drapes are dreary, mist and fog congeal
Here , here even the common people have kept away
Just like at Ding Lake’s western tomb of Wei
The Han Palace 汉宫
通灵夜醮达清晨， tōng líng yè jiào dá qīng chén，
承露盘晞甲帐春。 chéng lù;lòu pán xī jiǎ zhàng chūn。
王母不来方朔去， wáng mǔ bù lái fāng shuò qù，
更须重见李夫人。 gèng;gēng xū zhòng;chóng jiàn;xiàn lǐ fū rén。
All night you prepare for sacred rituals on the palace lawn
Dew emerges, the wash basins are dry, and the veils warm
The Goddess of the West has returned, the new moon has left
You must once again face concubine Li! [10]
Ode At Hua Shan Mountain Before The Shrine Of The Goddess Of The West 华岳下题西王母庙
神仙有分岂关情， shén xiān yǒu fēn qǐ guān qíng，
八马虚随落日行。 bā mǎ xū suí luò rì xíng;háng;xìng。
莫恨名姬中夜没， mò hèn míng jī zhōng yè méi;mò，
君王犹自不长生。 jūn wáng yóu zì bù cháng;zhǎng shēng。
Do Immortals that conjure fate make an exception for passionate love?
Into the trough, eight stallions vainly pursued the setting sun
Through the night, not despairing, his only love vanished
Like me – not long for this life – King Wang soon perished. [11]
The Butterfly 蝶
叶叶复翻翻， yè yè fù fān fān，
斜桥对侧门。 xié qiáo duì cè mén。
芦花惟有白， lú huā wéi yǒu bái，
柳絮可能温。 liǔ xù kě néng wēn。
西子寻遗殿， xī zǐ xún yí diàn，
昭君觅故村。 zhāo jūn mì gù cūn。
年年芳物尽， nián nián fāng wù jìn;jǐn，
来别败兰荪。 lái biè;bié bài lán sūn。
Over leaves, tumbling, churning
By the bridge, onto doors you alight
I see only the reeds are white
Can the willow catkins be kind to me?
Xishi looks among the temple’s ruins[12]
Zhao Sun seeks the ancient village
Year after year, fragrant things quickly pass
Come bid farewell, like magnolias and sweet scented grass
King Wu’s Tomb 茂陵
汉家天马出蒲梢， hàn jiā tiān mǎ chū pú shāo，
苜蓿榴花遍近郊。 mù xu liú huā biàn jìn jiāo。
内苑只知含凤觜， nèi yuàn zhī;zhǐ zhī hán fèng zuǐ，
属车无复插鸡翘。 shǔ chē wú fù chā jī qiáo。
玉桃偷得怜方朔， yù táo tōu dé lián fāng shuò，
金屋修成贮阿娇。 jīn wū xiū chéng zhù ā;ē jiāo。
谁料苏卿老归国， shuí liào sū qīng lǎo guī guó，
茂陵松柏雨萧萧。 mào líng sōng bǎi yǔ xiāo xiāo。
The Great Helmsman’s heavenly steeds gallop out of the palace grounds
Delicious beans and pomegranate flowers abound
Within the gardens, bows and arrows are moistened with dragon water
On only one carriage is the Rooster banner allowed to flutter
Steal the jade peaches and attain the new moon’s immortal glow
Embellish the golden manor that holds tender Aho!
Who could have guessed that Su Wu would finally return to his country, old and alone
By then, over cypress and pines, rain pitter pattered onto King Wu’s bones[13]
Reply to the Cherry 樱桃答
众果莫相诮， zhòng guǒ mò xiàng;xiāng qiào，
天生名品高。 tiān shēng míng pǐn gāo。
何因古乐府， hé yīn gǔ yuè fǔ，
惟有郑樱桃。 wéi yǒu zhèng yīng táo。
All these fruit bear you no censure or blame
In all respects you stand tall, great is your name
For, after all, didn’t the ancients give you a song
The ‘Zhang Cherry’ ballade, unique and reknowned
A Present To Master Zhao Delivered Too Late At Happy Water Inn Beneath A Driving Rain 雨中长乐水馆送赵十五滂不及
碧云东去雨云西， bì yún dōng qù yǔ yún xī，
苑路高高驿路低。 yuàn lù gào gào yì lù dī。
秋水绿芜终尽分， qiū shuǐ lǜ wú zhōng jìn;jǐn fēn，
夫君太骋锦障泥。 fū jūn tài chěng jǐn zhàng ní。
The blue clouds head east, the storm clouds west
On the road to the garden my spirits are high, to the station low
At last, the autumn waters and green scrub are torn apart
As the husband’s brocaded saddle pads on a mad gallop depart!
Listening to a Song 闻歌
敛笑凝眸意欲歌，liǎn xiào níng móu yì yù gē，
高云不动碧嵯峨。gāo yún bù dòng bì cuó é。
铜台罢望归何处，tóng tái bà;ba wàng guī hé chǔ，
玉辇忘还事几多。yù niǎn wàng hái;huán shì jǐ duō。
青冢路边南雁尽，qīng zhǒng lù biān nán yàn jìn;jǐn，
细腰宫里北人过。xì yāo gōng lǐ běi rén guò。
此声肠断非今日，cǐ shēng cháng duàn fēi jīn rì，
香灺灯光奈尔何。xiāng xiè dēng guāng nài ěr hé。
I don’t laugh, my eyes look at you, wishing only you would sing
The lofty clouds are still, mountains craggy and serene
From the Copper Stage, backwards you peer
Forgotten by the Jade Chariot, how much do you fear?
From the south the wild geese on the tomb’s green grass alight
The slender northern beauty is in the palace, confined
Let not today’s sounds be those of hearts broken, opened wide
Yet how to avoid the final blaze, once the scented candle subsides?
Ode To The Incense 烧香曲
钿云蟠蟠牙比鱼， diàn;tián yún pán pán yá bǐ yú，
孔雀翅尾蛟龙须。 kǒng què chì wěi jiāo lóng xū。
漳宫旧样博山炉， zhāng gōng jiù yàng bó shān lú，
楚娇捧笑开芙蕖。 chǔ jiāo pěng xiào kāi fú qú。
八蚕茧绵小分炷， bā cán jiǎn mián xiǎo fēn zhù，
兽焰微红隔云母。 shòu yàn wēi hóng gé yún mǔ。
白天月泽寒未冰， bái tiān yuè zé hán wèi bīng，
金虎含秋向东吐。 jīn hǔ hán qiū xiàng dōng tǔ。
玉佩呵光铜照昏， yù pèi ā;hē;ō guāng tóng zhào hūn，
帘波日暮冲斜门。 lián bō rì mù chōng xié mén。
西来欲上茂陵树， xī lái yù shàng mào líng shù，
柏梁已失栽桃魂。 bǎi liáng yǐ shī zāi táo hún。
露庭月井大红气， lù;lòu tíng yuè jǐng dà hóng qì，
轻衫薄细当君意。 qīng shān bò;báo;bó xì dāng;dàng jūn yì。
蜀殿琼人伴夜深， shǔ diàn qióng rén bàn yè shēn，
金銮不问残灯事。 jīn luán bù wèn cán dēng shì。
何当巧吹君怀度， hé dāng;dàng qiǎo chuī jūn huái dù，
襟灰为土填清露。 jīn huī wèi;wéi tǔ tián qīng lù;lòu。
The cloud coils around the fish teeth without fail
The peacock’s wings follow the water dragon’s tail
Ancient, this Bashan altar of the Zhang Palace looms
Maidens wave doss sticks which, like the lotus, smile and bloom[14]
Set apart are small wicks of ‘Eight Stage’ silk brocade
Like wild things, red flames flicker on the mica fans, in the shade
Bright days and moonlight form an ice-less chill
Eastwards the golden tiger roars, the spirit of Autumn falls
In mirrors, images of jade pendants dimly wait
At dusk, ripples and waves of smoke clash against the courtyard’s side gates
Searching, westwards soaring over the cemetery forests
Your soul finds the cherry blossoms already gone from Bo Liang Terrace
In the inner sanctum of the temple courtyard the fire rages
Among light blouses and thin screens an imperial spirit blazes
Jade women of the Shu Temple care for you through deepest night
For gold bells do not care about lamps fading, less and less bright
How the incense ingeniously billows into the Emperor’s heart
Ash falls from garments, with dust it blends, no longer apart.
Three funeral procession songs dedicated to the Emperor posthumously known as Zhao Sun 昭肃皇帝挽歌辞三首
其一
九县怀雄武， jiǔ xiàn huái xióng wǔ，
三灵仰睿文。 sān líng yǎng ruì wén。
周王传叔父， zhōu wáng zhuàn;chuán shū fù，
汉后重神君。 hàn hòu zhòng;chóng shén jūn。
玉律朝惊露， yù lǜ cháo;zhāo jīng lù;lòu，
金茎夜切云。 jīn jīng yè qiè yún。
笳箫凄欲断， jiā xiāo qī yù duàn，
无复咏横汾。 wú fù yǒng héng;hèng fén。
其二
玉塞惊宵柝， yù sè;sài;sāi jīng xiāo tuò，
金桥罢举烽。 jīn qiáo bà;ba jǔ fēng。
始巢阿阁凤， shǐ cháo ā;ē dū;gé fèng，
旋驾鼎湖龙。 xuán jià dǐng hú lóng。
门咽通神鼓， mén yàn;yè;yān tōng shén gǔ，
楼凝警夜钟。 lóu níng jǐng yè zhōng。
小臣观吉从， xiǎo chén guān jí cóng;zòng;cōng，
犹误欲东封。 yóu wù yù dōng fēng。
其三
莫验昭华琯， mò yàn zhāo huā;huá guǎn，
虚传甲帐神。 xū zhuàn;chuán jiǎ zhàng shén。
海迷求药使， hǎi mí qiú yào shǐ，
雪隔献桃人。 xuě gé xiàn táo rén。
桂寝青云断， guì qǐn qīng yún duàn，
松扉白露新。 sōng fēi bái lù xīn。
万方同象鸟， wàn fāng tóng;tòng xiàng niǎo，
举恸满秋尘。 jǔ tòng mǎn qiū chén。
1st Poem
The 9 continents fondly remember the heroic Wu
All the people, the lands and skies praised his wisdom
King Zhou passed his kingdom to his father’s brother
After the Emperor Han’s death, divination was used to seek another
The jade flute is startled, as if by the morning dew’s brief life
The sounds of golden pipes seem to pierce the night clouds through and through
The wail of the Jia Xiao flute is brief and haunting
Sing no more of the King braving the Fen River crossing.
2nd Poem
The sound of the watchman’s clappers startles, the Jade Gate is closed
Over the Golden Bridge the beacons rise
The Phoenix builds its nest on the terrace
The Dragon Ding is quickly secured in the King’s palace
By the gate, swallows soar with the sacred drumbeat
Night bells call out, as if in dark towers one is to meet
The minor officials peer at the grand procession
Wrongly thinking it is an eastward expedition
3rd Poem
The elegy is indeed that of the Zhao Hua flute
Behind celestial curtains, please take note of this emptiness
The path to the magic elixir is lost at sea
Snow keeps you from she who offers peaches of immortality
The ascent from the Cassia Palace to the Jade Clouds is opposed
You lie by poplar trees and fresh white dew, exposed
Thousands tidy your grave site with elephants and birds
Stirred up by funeral carts, the autumn dust is undeterred.
Given To Wang’s 13th Son On The Allocation Of Journals To County Offices 送王十三校书分司
多少分曹掌秘文， duō shǎo fēn cáo zhǎng mì wén，
洛阳花雪梦随君。 luò yáng huā xuě mèng suí jūn。
定知何逊缘联句， dìng zhī hé xùn yuán lián jù，
每到城东忆范云。 měi dào chéng dōng yì fàn yún。
No matter how many rare texts are assigned to how many official towers
I dream of being among Luoyang’s snow and flowers
You will know why couplet replies became the skill of He Sun[15]
If every time you visit the Eastern Capitol, you just remember Fan Yun
Two Poems On Leaving The Pavilion And Offering Odes To The ‘Song Of The Broken Willow’ 离亭赋得折杨柳二首
其一
暂凭樽酒送无憀， zàn píng zūn jiǔ sòng wú liáo，
莫损愁眉与细腰。 mò sǔn chóu méi yǔ xì yāo。
人世死前惟有别， rén shì sǐ qián wéi yǒu biè;bié，
春风争拟惜长条。 chūn fēng zhēng nǐ xī cháng tiáo。
其二
含烟惹雾每依依， hán yān rě wù měi yī yī，
万绪千条拂落晖。 wàn xù qiān tiáo fú luò;lào;là huī。
为报行人休尽折， wèi;wéi bào xíng rén xiū jìn;jǐn zhé;shé，
半留相送半迎归。 bàn liú xiàng;xiāng sòng bàn yíng guī。
1st Poem
The pitchers of wine briefly dispel one’s worries
When knitted brows and slender waists do not
Before death each of us experiences a loss
How can Spring’s passion compare with these long leaves?
2nd Poem
Luxuriant and rich, inviting a smoky mist
Ten thousand threads, a thousand leaves sweep aside the fading light
As you wave to travelers may your branches not crack
Half bid farewell to the departing, half welcome those arriving
The Han Palace 汉宫词
青雀西飞竟未回， qīng qiāo xī fēi jìng wèi huí，
君王长在集灵台。 jūn wáng cháng;zhǎng zài jí líng tái。
侍臣最有相如渴， shì chén zuì yǒu xiàng;xiāng rú kě，
不赐金茎露一杯。 bù cì jīn jīng lù;lòu yī bēi。
Never to return, the blue sparrow flies west
On the Terrace of Celestial Spirits, the King waits without rest[16]
This educated courtier is most plagued with diabetes
Conjuring jade cups from copper rods is beyond his capabilities
Seventh Evening 七夕偶题
宝婺摇珠佩， bǎo wù yáo zhū pèi，
常娥照玉轮。 cháng é zhào yù lún;qiāng。
灵归天上匹， líng guī tiān shàng pī;pǐ，
巧遗世间人。 qiǎo yí shì jiān;jiàn;xiàn rén。
花果香千户， huā guǒ xiāng qiān hù，
笙竽滥四邻。 shēng yú làn sì lín。
明朝晒犊鼻， míng zhāo shài dú bí，
方信阮家贫。 fāng xìn ruǎn jiā pín。
The Star of Precious Beauty shakes the pearly pendant
Goddess Chang E illuminates the Celestial Jade Wheel
The lovers accompany each other back to Heaven’s vault
To devoted seamstresses, the Weaving Maiden offers talent as part of the deal
The scent of flowers and fruit fills a thousand homes
Between neighbors, the sounds of the Sheng flute flows, and roams
Tomorrow morning the sunlight will on their calf nose aprons fall
Trust that I, like Official Ruan, though poor, will remain virtuous above all
While Writing to Official Ling Hu 寄令狐郎中
嵩云秦树久离居， sōng yún qín shù jiǔ lí;róu jū，
双鲤迢迢一纸书。 shuāng lǐ tiáo tiáo yī zhǐ shū。
休问梁园旧宾客， xiū wèn liáng yuán jiù bīn kè，
茂陵秋雨病相如。 mào líng qiū yǔ bìng xiàng;xiāng rú。
How long we’ve been apart, you at Chang An’s Qin tree arbors, I on Luo Yang’s lofty heights
A single paged epistle lies between we two carps, mutually remote and out of sight
Don’t ask me how long it has been since Liang Court had guests
Here the Zhang Tomb, autumn’s rain, and Xiangru’s[17] sickness, are all I have left
The Sentiments of One Who Lives Alone 独居有怀
麝重愁风逼， shè zhòng;chóng chóu fēng bī，
罗疏畏月侵。 luó;luō shū wèi yuè qīn。
怨魂迷恐断， yuàn hún mí kǒng duàn，
娇喘细疑沈。 jiāo chuǎn xì yí shěn;chén。
数急芙蓉带， shǔ;shù;shuò jí fú róng dài，
频抽翡翠簪。 pín chōu fěi cuì zān。
柔情终不远， róu qíng zhōng bù yuǎn，
遥妒已先深。 yáo dù yǐ xiān shēn。
浦冷鸳鸯去， pǔ lěng yuān yāng qù，
园空蛱蝶寻。 yuán kōng jiá dié xún。
蜡花长递泪， là huā cháng;zhǎng dì lèi，
筝柱镇移心。 zhēng zhù zhèn;chēn yí xīn。
觅使嵩云暮， mì shǐ sōng yún mù，
回头灞岸阴。 huí tóu bà àn yīn。
只闻凉叶院， zhī;zhǐ wén liáng yè yuàn，
露井近寒砧。 lù;lòu jǐng jìn hán zhēn。
The scent of musk is thick and weighs on my anxious mind
Gauze curtains shrink from the intruding moonlight
Blame the restless souls that interrupt my dreams
Faintly breathing, I sense your spirit sink further down
I often tighten the lotus sash about my waist
My jadeite hairpin many times refuses to catch
In the end, my passion is not far away
Jealousy is first hidden down deep
The mandarin ducks have left the chilly river bank
Greedy moths are loose in the empty courtyard
The candle’s flowers release their long tears
The sadness of farewell presses against the Gu zither’s struts
Dusk seeks the messenger over Zhengzhou’s heights
Your head turns back towards the Ba River’s dim banks
One just hears the cold leaves rattle outside
By the well are the mournful sounds of the anvils’ beats
Given to Younger Uncle Official Fan at Zhengzhou 郑州献从叔舍人褎
蓬岛烟霞阆苑钟， péng dǎo yān xiá làng yuàn zhōng，
三官笺奏附金龙。 sān guān lán;jiān zòu fù jīn lóng。
茅君奕世仙曹贵， máo jūn yì shì xiān cáo guì，
许掾全家道气浓。 xǔ yuàn quán jiā dào qì nóng。
绛简尚参黄纸案， jiāng jiǎn shàng cān;shān;shēn huáng zhǐ àn，
丹炉犹用紫泥封。 dān lú yóu yòng zǐ ní fēng。
不知他日华阳洞， bù zhī tā rì huā;huá yáng dòng，
许上经楼第几重。 xǔ shàng jīng lóu dì jǐ;jī zhòng;chóng。
The bells recall Peng Island and sunset’s misty clouds
The Three Gods prepare the Gold Dragon Scroll, an honor that would make Qin proud!
When noble Mao ascended to Heaven
He honored each generation of his family through attaining the Way
Imperial Ink is written on the yellow paper scrolls
A Royal Seal’s purple wax may well from cinnabar ovens fall
On the day he reaches the Hua Yang Caves
How many steps will be permitted to ascend?
Delivered to Master Wang Pingshi With Some Malt Gruel And Choice Words Of Reply 评事翁寄赐饧粥走笔为答
粥香饧白杏花天， zhōu xiāng táng bái xìng huā tiān，
省对流莺坐绮筵。 shěng;xǐng duì liú yīng zuò qǐ yán。
今日寄来春已老， jīn rì jì lái chūn yǐ lǎo，
凤楼迢递忆秋千。 fèng lóu tiáo dì yì qiū qiān。
Before hundreds of fragrant apricots and delicious malt porridge bowls
At splendid banquets, we seated the fluttering orioles
These days, spring has left by the time your letters arrive
Phoenix Tower is a distant memory, barely kept alive
Dao Scholar Cui Chu 崔处士
真人塞其内， zhēn rén sè;sài;sāi qí nèi，
夫子入于机。 fū zǐ rù yú jī。
未肯投竿起， wèi kěn tóu gān qǐ，
惟欢负米归。 wéi huān fù mǐ guī。
雪中东郭履， xuě zhōng dōng guō lǚ，
堂上老莱衣。 táng shang lǎo lái yì;yī。
读遍先贤传， dú;dòu biàn xiān xián zhuàn;chuán，
如君事者稀。 rú jūn shì zhě xī。
True souls have solitude and richness inside
Fathers and sons enter in, and by the Wheel of Change abide
One may not just fling the fishing pole
Returning with a bag of rice, welcomed, is the good son’s only role
The deep snow covered Dong Gou
Above the halls it clothed old Lao
Reading the annals of the sages
One knows that noble men are rare and for the ages!
The Playful Host Drinks in Yongle County 县中恼饮席
晚醉题诗赠物华， wǎn zuì tí shī zèng wù huā;huá，
罢吟还醉忘归家。 bà;ba yín hái;huán zuì wàng guī jiā。
若无江氏五色笔， ruò wú jiāng shì wǔ sè bǐ，
争奈河阳一县花。 zhēng nài hé yáng yī xiàn huā。
This tipsy evening I offer poems to my beauty
I cry out, drink deep, forget about returning home
Even if it cannot compare with Jiangshe’s Five Colored Pen[18]
He Yang is still a county of beautiful flowers!
Happy To Hear That Official Cui At Tai Yuan Served The Imperial Censor, And Also Sends Regards To The 3rd And 2nd Year Fellow Exam Candidates 喜闻太原同院崔侍御台拜兼寄在台三二同年之什
鹏鱼何事遇屯同， péng yú hé shì yù tún;zhūn tóng;tòng，
云水升沉一会中。 yún shuǐ shēng chén yī huì;kuài zhōng。
刘放未归鸡树老， liú fàng wèi guī jī shù lǎo，
邹阳新去兔园空。 zōu yáng xīn qù tù yuán kōng。
寂寥我对先生柳， jì liáo wǒ duì xiān shēng liǔ，
赫奕君乘御史骢。 hè yì jūn chéng;shèng yù shǐ cōng。
若向南台见莺友， ruò xiàng nán tái jiàn;xiàn yīng yǒu，
为传垂翅度春风。 wèi;wéi zhuàn;chuán chuí chì dù chūn fēng。
The Roc and the Kun Fish face troubles to match their size
We are clouds and water that fall and rise
Returning to the Old Rooster Forest was not for Liu Fang
Leaving for the Empty Rabbit Clearing was left to Zou Yang
If you happen to meet my oriole friends at the Southern Base
Please tell them my wasted wings (with the Spring breeze) have failed to keep pace!
Emotions On A Spring Day 春日寄怀
世间荣落重逡巡， shì jiān róng luò;lào;là zhòng;chóng qūn xún，
我独丘园坐四春。 wǒ dú qiū yuán zuò sì chūn。
纵使有花兼有月， zòng shǐ yǒu huā jiān yǒu yuè，
可堪无酒又无人。 kě kān wú jiǔ yòu wú rén。
青袍似草年年定， qīng páo sì cǎo nián nián dìng，
白发如丝日日新。 bái fà rú sī rì rì xīn。
欲逐风波千万里， yù zhú fēng bō qiān wàn lǐ，
未知何路到龙津。 wèi zhī hé lù dào lóng jīn。
In this mortal world, flowers, luxuriant, rush right by
I’ve been alone at the Qin Gardens for four springs, I sigh
Who cares if blossoms and moonbeams appear each night
If there is no wine, or friends, to make things right
My robe stays green as grass, year after year[19]
Day after day, silken white hairs on my crown appear
I pursued the billowing waves for thousands of Li
How to reach the Longmen Grottos remains a mystery
Fallen Flowers 落花
高阁客竟去， gāo gé kè jìng qù，
小园花乱飞。 xiǎo yuán huā luàn fēi。
参差连曲陌， cēn cī lián qū mò，
迢递送斜晖。 tiáo dì sòng xié huī。
肠断未忍扫， cháng duàn wèi rěn sào;sǎo，
眼穿仍欲归。 yǎn chuān réng yù guī。
芳心向春尽， fāng xīn xiàng chūn jìn;jǐn，
所得是沾衣。 suǒ dé shì zhān yì;yī。
Below tall pavilions,the guests have already left
In the small courtyard, fallen flowers scatter, random, bereft
Back and forth, along strange paths
From afar, shifting the beams of scattered light
To be swept away is what these broken hearts cannot bear
They seem ever fewer, in the distance, over there
The flower’s soul with the end of Spring must fade
My cloak is wet with the tears they have earned
The Little Peach Orchard 小桃园
竟日小桃园， jìng rì xiǎo táo yuán，
休寒亦未暄。 xiū hán yì wèi xuān。
坐莺当酒重， zuò yīng dāng;dàng jiǔ zhòng;chóng，
送客出墙繁。 sòng kè chū qiáng fán。
啼久艳粉薄， tí jiǔ yàn fěn bò;báo;bó，
舞多香雪翻。 wǔ duō xiāng xuě fān。
犹怜未圆月， yóu lián wèi yuán yuè，
先出照黄昏。 xiān chū zhào huáng hūn。
All day long in the little peach orchard
A chill wind blows, oh so cold!
I drink wine beneath the oriole’s perch
Where branches stretch, around walls they fold
The bird’s cries are long, bright colors shrink away
Dancing, many fragrant snowflakes fall, as they sway
It seems they are afraid the moon will not unfold
So they illuminate the sunset with gold
When I Lived at Yongle, I Grew Plants And Trees. Seeing Their Luxuriant Abundance This Spring, I Had To Write A Bit. 永乐县所居一草一木无非自栽今春悉已芳茂因书即事一章
手种悲陈事， shǒu zhǒng;zhòng bēi chén shì，
心期玩物华。 xīn qī wán wù huā;huá。
柳飞彭泽雪， liǔ fēi péng;bāng zé xuě，
桃散武陵霞。 táo sǎn wǔ líng xiá。
枳嫩栖鸾叶， zhǐ nèn qī luán yè，
桐香待凤花。 tóng xiāng dāi fèng huā。
绶藤萦弱蔓， shòu téng yíng ruò màn;mán，
袍草展新芽。 páo cǎo zhǎn xīn yá。
学植功虽倍， xué zhí gōng suī bèi，
成蹊迹尚赊。 chéng xī jī shàng shē。
芳年谁共玩， fāng nián shuí gòng wán;wàn，
终老邵平瓜。 zhōng lǎo shào píng guā。
At a difficult time, I planted you with my own hands
Now my heart is happy you have flourished
As at Pengze, snow flies from the willows
As from Wu Tower, the colors of sunset shine off peach trees
The Luan perches among the tender hedge leaves
The Phoenix is carried by the Wu Tong’s fragrant flowers
Silken tassels invade the weaker vines
Grass robes develop new shoots
Although I am learned, with many achievements
The path to success has offered me scant credit
Who is the kindred spirit that will play with me?
Or shall I level fields of melons until my last dying day?
The Little Poplar 题小松
怜君孤秀植庭中， lián jūn gū xiù zhí tíng zhōng，
细叶轻阴满座风。 xì yè qīng yīn mǎn zuò fēng。
桃李盛时虽寂寞， táo lǐ shèng shí suī jì mò，
雪霜多后始青葱。 xuě shuāng duō hòu shǐ qīng cōng。
一年几变枯荣事， yī nián jǐ;jī biàn kū róng shì，
百尺方资柱石功。 bǎi chǐ;chě fāng zī zhù shí gōng。
为谢西园车马客， wèi;wéi xiè xī yuán chē mǎ kè，
定悲摇落尽成空。 dìng bēi yáo luò jìn;jǐn chéng kòng。
In his garden, the caring master tends to the flowering poplar tree
Under gentle breezes, its slender leaves offer cool shade to thee
When the flowers open, although deserted it may seem
After frost and snow, how refreshing it is so green!
In a year when many flowers and plants flourish and fade
One hundred chi high, this pillar stands tall in the glade
Pity West Garden where carriages, horses and guests once flocked
No loss that those shaken boughs have come to nought!
Notes:
[1] Xun/ren: A fathom, about 8 feet.
[2] The King of Chu was reputed to have lavished riches on his harem while the people starved.
[3] The middle of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze river
[4] In Sichuan
[5] Valuable colored paper used for calligraphy and made in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan
[6] Jins are tools for felling trees
[7] Yan Hui was a disciple of Confucius, and known for his love of good governance and distate for war
[8] Jin Xiao He (-193BC) strategist and chancellor; Han Xin (-196BC) Han General; The first Han emperor Liu Bang
[9] Celestial Home of the Queen Mother of the West
[10] The tale of a King who built a shrine in memory of his dead concubine
[11] A historical romance, the Mu tianzhi zhuan (An Account of Emperor Mu), which describes the journeys of the fifth emperor of the Zhou dynasty (1023-983 BC) during which he met Xi Wangmu – the Queen Mother of the West – at Yaozhi (the Jade Pond). The story is about King (Wang) Mu, who dreamed of being an immortal God. He was determined to visit the heavenly paradise and taste the peaches of immortality. A brave charioteer named Zaofu used his chariot to carry the king to his destination. During these travels the emperor’s chariot was pulled by eight horses named after the color of their hair. (gotheberg.com)
[12] Xishi – famous Spring and Autumn period beauty, who was neurotic about her looks
[13] Mythical tale of King Wu’s search for the potion of immortality.
[14] Concubines were buried alive with the dead king, and tended to the incense and candles.
[15] He Sun, Fan Yun were famous poets, here respectively representing Wang and LSY.
[16] A Han King in vain built a terrace to receive the gift of immortality.
[17] LSY often called himself after the poet Sima Xiangru
[18] Southern dynasty legend about a man who dreamed of a many colored pen that made him write beautiful verse.
[19] LSY wore the green robes of a low ranking official
A Tang Poet From Nairobi 