蔡琰·《胡笳十八拍·第十二拍》英译

东风应律兮暖气多，汉家天子兮布阳和。

羌胡踏舞兮共讴歌，两国交欢兮罢兵戈。

忽逢汉使兮称近诏，遣千金兮赎妾身。

喜得生还兮逢圣君，嗟别二子兮会无因。

十有二拍兮哀乐均，去住两情兮谁具陈。 

Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute     

Cai Yan        

Song 12

The east wind responds to natural recurrences, with plenty of warm air,

I know that the Han Son of Heaven is spreading energy and peace.

Now the Qiang and the Hu dance the measures and sing in harmony,

The two nations make a truce and put an end to conflict.

Suddenly we meet an envoy from China, bearing a direct order;

He offers a thousand pieces of gold as a ransom for me.

I rejoice that I lived for a chance to return to greet our enlightened ruler,

But I grieve at parting from my two young sons, with no chance of meeting again.

My twelfth song balances sorrow and joy,

My twin emotions go, stay to whom can I reveal them?