The steam is rising over Yunmengze, and the waves are shaking Yueyang City. An explanation from Meng Haoran's "Looking at Dongting Lake and Presenting it to Prime Minister Zhang" in the Tang Dynasty: The water vapor in Yunmeng Daze is white and white, and the rough waves seem to shake Yueyang City.
Original text:
Meng Haoran's "Looking at Dongting Lake and Presenting it to Prime Minister Zhang"
The level of the lake in August is too clear.
The steam is rising over Yunmengze, and the waves are shaking Yueyang City.
If you want to save money without a boat, you will live in shameful sage.
Sitting back and watching the fishermen only envy the fish.
Translation and annotations:
Translation
In August, the lake water is almost as high as the shore, and the water and sky are blurred and confused, and they become one with the sky.
The water vapor in Yunmeng Daze is steaming white, and the rough waves seem to shake Yueyang City.
Wanting to cross the water but not having a boat, living in idleness without official duties, is unworthy of the Holy Son of Heaven.
Sit back and watch the fishermen look so leisurely and at ease, but it’s a pity that they can only feel envious of the fish.
Notes
Dongting Lake: The second largest freshwater lake in China, located in the northern part of Hunan Province today. Prime Minister Zhang: refers to Zhang Jiuling, the prime minister during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty.
Hanxu: includes the sky, referring to the sky reflected in the water. Han: inclusive. Void: void, space.
Hun Taiqing: Become one with the sky. Taiqing: refers to the sky.
The steam is evaporating from Yunmeng Ze, and the waves are shaking Yueyang City: The water vapor is evaporating from Yunmeng Daze, and the waves of Dongting Lake are shaking Yueyang City. Yun
Mengze: In ancient times, Yunmengze was divided into Yunze and Mengze, which refers to the low-lying areas in southern Hubei and northern Hunan. Dongting Lake is its southern corner.
Shake: One action is "moving". Yueyang City: on the east bank of Dongting Lake.
Wanting to help without a boat: Wanting to cross the lake but not having a boat means wanting to be an official but having no one to recommend you. Ji: crossing.
楫 (jí): rowing equipment, paddle.
The Holy Ming who lives in peace and prosperity: I was born in a peaceful and prosperous age but lived at home, so I feel ashamed.
Duanju: Living leisurely.
Shengming: refers to a time of peace and prosperity. In ancient times, it was believed that if the emperor was wise, society would be stable.
Sit and watch: One work is "Tu Lian".
Disciple: Only. One is "empty".