Looking at the Moon and Huaiyuan / Looking at the Moon and Nostalgic for the Past
Author Zhang Jiuling? Tang Dynasty
The bright moon rises on the sea, and the end of the world is at this time.
Lover complains about the distant night, but falls in love at night.
When the candle is extinguished, it is filled with pity and light, and when I put on my clothes, I feel the dew.
I can’t bear to give it away, but I still have a good night’s sleep.
Translation
A bright moon rises over the vast sea. At this time, you and I are looking at each other at the end of the world.
Sentimental people resent the long moonlit night and stay awake all night longing for their loved ones. I extinguished the candles and loved the moonlight in the room. I wandered around in my clothes and felt the coldness of the night dew.
I cannot give you the beautiful moonlight, I only hope to meet you in my dreamland.
Extended information:
Creative background
In the 21st year of Kaiyuan (733) of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang Dynasty, Zhang Jiuling served as prime minister in the court. After being slandered and excluded by the traitorous prime minister Li Linfu, he dismissed the prime minister in the 24th year of Kaiyuan (736). The poem "Looking at the Moon and Huaiyuan" was probably written after Zhang Jiuling was demoted to the governor of Jingzhou in the 24th year of Kaiyuan, and "Twelve Poems on Feelings" should belong to the same period.