廖燕·《自题竹籁小草》英译

竹圃初葺，微雨一过，苔洁萝鲜，予坐其中。颓如块雪耳，似与笔墨事？而顾相引以深也。蕉纸虫书，似以韵胜，不欲落烟食朵颐。举向花间，倩鸟哦之。公冶子何在？听此泠然。世无忌人，容我仙去。

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Notes on My Writings in the Bamboo Garden

Liao Yan

The bamboo garden has just been renovated. After a fine drizzle, the mosses and the vines are washed fresh and clear. Sitting in the garden, I feel as if I were a block of frozen snow. Will my writings and calligraphy I love so much lose appeal? When looking back at the bamboos, I feel that my writings and calligraphy are still of value. Written in palm leaves, they look like small worms, standing out for exotic appeal. I will not allow them to fall into secular hands and be made fun of. I wish to dedicate them to flowers and invite birds to sing for them. Where is Gongye Chang, ¹ who can understand birds’ words? Upon hearing them, he is sure to be moved to tears. I wish people without jealousy will allow me to fly away like an immortal and live a carefree life.

1. Gongye Chang (519-470BC), son-in-law and disciple of Confucius, as well as one of the 72 sages, known as GOngyezi for his ability to understand birds’ words.