王维·《西施咏》英译

艳色天下重，西施宁久微。<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

朝为越溪女，暮作吴宫妃。

贱日岂殊众，贵来方悟稀。

邀人傅脂粉，不自着罗衣。

君宠益娇态，君怜无是非。

当时浣纱伴，莫得同车归。

持谢邻家子，效颦安可希。

She Shone in Beauty—Idyll of Xishi

She shone in beauty without a peer,

How could she hide for many a year!

And thus at morn a brook-side laundress

By dusk became a tyrant’s dear.

She hadn’t made much difference when mean,

She ordered others to powder her face

And dress her up with noble grace.

The prince’s doting increased her charm.

“Let them gossip. Why, there’s no harm.”

Alas, those old-time laundress-mates

Could not enjoy such princely dates!

And may that neighbor of former days

Be clear it’s not a frowning case.