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Jian-guan went the axle ends of my carriage, |
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As I thought of the young beauty, and went [to fetch her]. |
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It was not that I was hungry or thirsty, |
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But [I longed] for one of such virtuous fame to come and be with me. |
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Although no good friends be with us, |
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We will feast and be glad. |
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Dense is that forest in the plain, |
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And there sit the long-tailed pheasants. |
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In her proper season that well-grown lady, |
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With her admirable virtue, is come to instruct me. |
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We will feast, and I will praise her. |
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' I love you, and will never be weary of you. ' |
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Although I have no good spirits, |
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We will drink [what I have], and perhaps [be satisfied]. |
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Although I have no good viands, |
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We will eat [what I have], and perhaps [be satisfied]. |
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Although I have no virtue to impart to you, |
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We will sing and dance. |
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I ascend that lofty ridge, |
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And split the branches of the oaks for firewood. |
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I split the branches of the oaks for firewood, |
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Amid the luxuriance of their leaves. |
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I see you whose match is seldom to be seen, |
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And my whole heart is satisfied. |
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The high hill is looked up to; |
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The great road is easy to be travelled on. |
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My four steeds advanced without stopping; |
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The six reins [made music] in my hands like lute-[strings]. |
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I see you my bride, |
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To the comfort of my heart. |
Published
by The Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities, © Copyright 2003
by Anne Kinney and the University of Virginia