TO A GUEST IN THE HILLS

Zhang Xu

(Tang Dynasty)

On all things in the hills spring sheds a golden light.

Do not go back when some dark rain clouds come in sight!

Even on a fine day when the sun's shining bright,

Your gown will moisten still in the thick of clouds white.

山中留客

[唐]张旭

山光物态弄春晖,莫为轻阴便拟归。

纵使晴明无雨色,入云深处亦沾衣。

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 poet 

Zhang Xu was a Tang Dynasty (618-907) poet who was also known for his passion and talent for Chinese calligraphy.

About the book 

300 Tang Poems Translated by Xu Yuanchong Published by China Intercontinental Press