TUNE: SPRING IN JADE PAVILION

Song Qi

(Northern Song Dynasty)

The scenery is getting fine east of the town;

The rippling water greets boats rowing up and down.

Beyond green willows morning chill is growing mild;

On pink apricot branches spring is running wild.

In our floating life scarce are pleasures we seek after.

How can we value gold above a hearty laughter?

I raise wine cup to ask the slanting sun to stay,

And leave among the flowers its departing ray.

玉楼春

[北宋]宋祁

东城渐觉风光好,

縠皱波纹迎客棹。

绿杨烟外晓寒轻,

红杏枝头春意闹。

浮生长恨欢娱少,

肯爱千金轻一笑？

为君持酒劝斜阳,

且向花间留晚照。

About the poet 

Song Qi was a Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) poet who was also a historian.

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 Song Lyrics Translated by Xu Yuanchong, Published by China Intercontinental Press