Ospreys
Ospreys coo-coo, on river's isle.
Gentle maiden fair, prince's desire.
Water herbs waver, left-right they drift;
Graceful lady bright, day-night I seek.
Seeking brings naught, waking-sleeping ache;
Long the night, restless plight.
Floating greens sway, left-right we pluck;
Radiant lady pure, zithers I strum.
Stream plants dance, left-right we sort;
Elegant lady true, bells-drums rejoice.
Reeds and Rushes
Reeds and Rushes grow green, white dew turns frost.
The one I seek, beyond the stream.
Upstream I chase, path harsh and long;
Downstream I trace, she's midstream's dream.
Reeds sway dense, dew still undried.
The one I need, by marshland's side.
Upstream I climb, steep slopes defy;
Downstream I glide, she's isle's bride.
Reeds thrive bright, dew clings unspent.
The one I crave, where shores ferment.
Upstream I fight, bends twist the course;
Downstream alight, she's rock's enforce.
Your Collar
Your collar so blue, my heart aches true.
Though I stay away, won't you send word through?
Your jade pendant green, my thoughts still keen.
Though I make no move, must you wait unseen?
Pacing, waiting, by the tower gate.
A day apart - three moons' weight.
Green Garments
Green are the garments, with yellow lining.
My heart is troubled, when will it cease?
Green are the garments, with yellow skirts.
My heart is troubled, when will it vanish?
Green are the threads, woven by her hands.
I think of the ancients, may there be no fault!
Fine and coarse, chilled by the Wind.
I think of the ancients, truly they capture my heart!
Quince
You give me quince, I return with jade and gems.
Not only for return, but also in eternal goodwill!
You give me peach, I return with jade and pearls.
Not only for return, but also in eternal goodwill!
You give me plum, I return with jade and jewels.
Not only for return, but also in eternal goodwill!
Broad Han
In the south, there are tall trees, impossible to rest beneath;
In the Han, there are wandering maidens, impossible to pursue;
The Han is vast, impossible to swim across;
The river is long, impossible to measure.
Bundles of firewood are piled high, they say to cut the thorn bushes;
The maiden goes to her new home, they say to feed her horse.
The Han is vast, impossible to swim across;
The river is long, impossible to measure.
Bundles of firewood are piled high, they say to cut the reeds;
The maiden goes to her new home, they say to feed her colt.
The Han is vast, impossible to swim across;
The river is long, impossible to measure.
Deer Call
The deer call out, eating the wild apples.
I have esteemed guests, playing the zither and blowing the sheng.
Blowing the sheng and playing the reed pipes, carrying baskets to present.
Those who favor me, show me their complete virtue.
The deer call out, eating the wild mugwort.
I have esteemed guests, their virtuous sounds are very clear.
Observing the people without laxity, the gentleman is to emulate.
I have fine wine, the guests are to feast and enjoy.
The deer call out, eating the wild Dong Quai.
I have esteemed guests, playing the zither and the zither.
Playing the zither and the zither, harmonious and serene.
I have fine wine, to delight and please the hearts of the guests.
Broad River
Who says the river is wide? It can be crossed with a single reed.
Who says Song is far? I stand on tiptoe to see it.
Who says the river is wide? It cannot even hold a blade.
Who says Song is far? It is not beyond a morning's reach.
Already Drunk
Drunk with wine, sated with virtue.
May the noble lord live myriad years, granted boundless blessings.
Drunk with wine, your feast perfected.
May the noble lord live myriad years, granted luminous clarity.
Clarity merges with radiance, noble brilliance crowns completion.
Completion births new beginnings. The ancestral envoy proclaims auspice.
What proclamation? Ritual vessels pure and splendid.
Companions assist in reverence, guided by solemn rites.
Rites flawlessly timed the noble lord has filial sons.
Filial sons never lacking; eternally your kin are blessed.
What defines your+ kin? Households bound in harmony.
May the noble lord live myriad years, lineage ever-endowed.
What marks your heirs? Heaven drapes you with favor.
May the noble lord live myriad years, destiny attended by servants.
What servants? Women of noble grace bestowed.
Blessing your noble women, followed by grandsons and sons.