“Dreaming of the South”
How much regret
In last night’s dream!
It seemed as if we were in royal garden yet:
Dragonlike steeds and carriages run like flowing stream;
In vernal wind the moon and flowers beam.
How many tears
Crisscross my cheeks between my ears!
Don’t ask about my grief of recent years
Nor play on flute when tears come out,
Or else my heart would break, no doubt!
这是首是望江南
Gazing on the South
My idle dream goes far:
In fragrant spring the southern countries are.
Sweet music from the boats on the green river floats;
Fine dust and willow down run riot in the town.
It is the busy hours for admirers of flowers.
My idle dream goes far:
In autumn clear the southern countries are.
For miles and miles a stretch of hills in chilly hue,
Amid the reeds is moored a lonely boat in view.
In moolit tower a flute is played for you.