TO THE MUME BLOSSOM

Gao Qi

Ming Dynasty (1336-1374)

You should dwell in the crystalline palace on high.

Who has planted you on southern shore far and nigh?

A hermit lives in mountains covered by snow white;

A beauty comes to the grove when the moon shines bright.

The shivering bamboo lends you its shadow slender;

The outspread moss would hide your fragrant petals tender.

Once the mume-lover gone, no more poet can please.

How long have you bloomed in the lonely vernal breeze?

梅花

[明]高启

琼姿只合在瑶台,谁向江南处处栽？雪满山中高士卧,月明林下美人来。

寒依疏影萧萧竹,春掩残香漠漠苔。自去何郎无好咏,东风愁寂几回开？

About the poet 

Gao Qi was a respected literati who lived during the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Gao and poets Liu Ji and Song Lian were regarded as the three most renowned poets of their time.

About the translator 

Xu Yuanchong (1921-2021) was born in Nanchang in East China's Jiangxi Province. He was a professor of literary translation at Peking University.

About the book 

Golden Treasury of Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Poetry Translated by Xu Yuanchong & Xu Ming Published by China Intercontinental Press