The ancient poems describing swallows in spring are as follows:
1. When swallows come to Xinshe, the pear blossoms lag behind Qingming.
From: "Po Zhenzi·Chun Scene" by Yan Shu (Song Dynasty).
Translation: The swallows fly just in time for the community festival, and the pear blossoms fall and usher in the Qingming Festival.
2. The swallows never came, and the courtyard was gloomy and rainy. There are flowers gathered in one corner of the langan, this is the place where spring returns.
From: "The Book of Fortune: The Swallow Never Comes" by Jiang Chunlin (Qing Dynasty).
Translation: In the small courtyard, the swallows did not come, but it was rainy and dark. There is a pile of fallen flowers gathered on the railing in a corner of the courtyard; the falling flowers are scattered, indicating that spring is late.
3. Swallows are whispering, and the scenery suddenly becomes a spring day. See the garden, thousands of flowers are like embroidery.
From: "Jin Tang Dao·The Swallow's Whispering" Song Qi (Song Dynasty).
Translation: Swallows whisper, spring is charming. The days suddenly became longer. Look at the garden scenery. The flowers are blooming like a colorful brocade. Begonia has experienced some spring rain. The petals, as red as rouge, were soaked by the rain.
4. Hunan is a guest in spring, and the swallows hold mud in their mouths twice.
From: "The Swallow in the Boat" by Du Fu (Tang Dynasty).
Translation: It has been a whole spring since I wandered to Hunan as a guest, and now the swallows have built their nests here for the second time.
5. With a mud swallow in its mouth, it flew to the painting hall.
From: "Recalling the South of the Yangtze River: Niu Yan" Niu Qiao (Tang Dynasty).
Translation: Carrying a mud swallow, it flew to the painting hall. He occupies a safe place in the apricot beam. He is so light that only his master can pity him. He is an enviable good karma.