秦韬玉·《贫女》英译

蓬门未识绮罗香，拟托良媒益自伤。

谁爱风流高格调，共怜时世俭梳妆。

敢将十指夸针巧，不把双眉斗画长。

苦恨年年压金线，为他人作嫁衣裳。

Soliloquy of a Poor Girl

Qin Taoyu

In my thatched hut the feel of silk I never know.

At the very thought of marriage my heart sinks low.

Who would my bearing easy and erect admire

Or care to value the plainness of my attire?

My silk at embroid’ry would I gladly display;

Yet I vie not with girls who paint their brows each day.

Year after year I sew my golden thread in sigh

On bridal robes the rich for wedding daughters buy.