FOR A GUEST

Du Fu 

(Tang Dynasty)

North and south of my cottage winds spring water green;

I see but flocks of gulls coming from day to day.

The footpath strewn with fallen blooms is not swept clean;

My wicket gate is opened but for you today.

Far from market, I can afford but simple dish;

Being not rich, I've only old wine for our cup.

To drink together with my neighbor if you wish,

I'll call him o'er the fence to finish the wine up.

客至

[唐]杜甫

舍南舍北皆春水,

但见群鸥日日来。

花径不曾缘客扫,

蓬门今始为君开。

盘飧市远无兼味,

樽酒家贫只旧醅。

肯与邻翁相对饮,

隔篱呼取尽余杯。

About the poet 

Du Fu was a Tang Dynasty (618-907) poet often called one of the most well-known realist poets of his 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 

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