晁补之·《水龙吟》英译

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问春何苦匆匆，带风伴雨如驰骤。幽葩细萼，小园低槛，壅培未就。吹尽繁红，占春长久，不如垂柳。算春长不老，人愁春老，愁只是、人间有。

春恨十常八九，忍轻孤、芳醪经口。那知自是、桃花结子，不因春瘦。世上功名，老来风味，春归时候。最多情犹有，尊前青眼，相逢依旧。

Water Dragon’s Chant

Chao Buzhi

Why should spring go so soon, indeed,

With wind and rain like a gallopin steed?

The flowers sweet in garden small

Are not deep planted in the soil at all.

Red blossoms will be blown down by the breeze;

They cannot last longer than willow trees.

Spring won’t old grow.

How can it bring woe?

For weal and woe

Only in human world go.

Nine out of ten people regret spring’s fleet.

Should we neglect a mouthful of wine sweet?

The peach tree won’t grow thin for spring

But for the fruit which it will bring.

Do not sigh for glory on the decline

Till old are you

Or till spring says adieu.

Only a bosom friend

Before a cup of wine