张先·《浣溪纱·楼倚春江》英译

楼倚春江百尺高，

烟中还未见归桡。

几时期信似江潮？

 

花片片飞风弄蝶，

柳阴阴下水平桥。

日长才过又今宵。

 

 

The River Tide

Zhang Xian

 

Upon the hundred-foot-high pavilion by the river,

From the mists his returning vessel is not yet in sight.

When will the traveller keep faith like the river tide?

 

Petal after petal hover the falling flowers like butterflies in the wind;

Shadow under shadow the drooping willows hang over the water running level with the bridge.

As soon as the livelong day elapses

the night approaches.

（初大告 译）

 

Silk-Washing Stream

Zhang Xian

 

Leaning on rails in the tower a hundred feet high,

Through the mist I see no returning sail come nigh.

When will my dear come back as faithful as the tide?

 

Petals on petals fall like butterflies in the breeze;

Water’s level with the bridge shaded by willow trees.

Long night comes after long day without you by my side.

 

（许渊冲 译）