Su Shi's "Shui Tiao Ge Tou"
When will the bright moon appear? Ask the sky for wine. I wonder what year it is today in the palace in the sky? I want to ride the wind back home, but I am afraid that it will be cold in the high places. Dance to figure out the shadow, how does it seem to be in the human world.
Turn to the Zhu Pavilion, where the Qihu is low, and the light is sleepless. There shouldn't be any hatred, so what's the point of saying goodbye? People have joys and sorrows, separations and reunions, and the moon waxes and wanes. This is a difficult thing in ancient times. I hope that people will live long and travel thousands of miles to meet Chanjuan.
Translated by Mr. Xu Yuanchong
How long will the full moon appear?
Wine cup in hand, I ask the sky.
I do not know what time of the year
'Twould be tonight in the palace on high.
Riding the wind, there I would fly,
Yet I 'm afraid the crystalline palace would be
Too high and cold for me.
I rise and dance, with my shadow I play.
On high as on earth, would it be as gay?
The moon goes round the mansions red
Through gauze-draped window soft to shed
Her light upon the sleepless bed.
Why then when people part, is the oft full and bright?
Men have sorrow and joy; they part or meet again;
The moon is bright or dim and she may wax or wane.
There has been nothing perfect since the olden days.
So let us wish that man
Will live long as he can!
Though miles apart, we'll share the beauty she displays.
Translated by Mr. Lin Yutang:
How rare the moon, so round and clear!
With cup in hand, I ask of the blue sky,
"I do not know in the celestial sphere
What name this festive night goes by?"
I want to fly home, riding the air,
But fear the ethereal cold up there,
The jade and crystal mansions are so high!
Dancing to my shadow,
I feel no longer the mortal tie.
She rounds the vermilion tower,
Stoops to silk-pad doors,
Shines on those who sleepless lie.
Why does she, bearing us no grudge,
Shine upon our parting, reunion deny ?
But rare is perfect happiness--
The moon does wax, the moon does wane,
And so men meet and say goodbye.
I only pray our life be long,
And our souls together heavenward fly!