TUNE: SKYWARD SONG

Zhang Yanghao

(Yuan Dynasty)

Willowy shores,

Bamboo-lined stream,

The sun sieves green and golden shades as in a dream.

Cane in hand, slowly I go to the fishing place

To watch at leisure

Gulls and herons play with pleasure.

Peasants at the plough and fishermen on the oars

Do not know they are in a picture fine.

If with such a scenery you sit face to face,

You will get drunk without wine.

朝天子

[元]张养浩

柳堤,竹溪,

日影筛金翠。

杖藜徐步近钓矶,

看鸥鹭闲游戏。

农父渔翁,贪营活计,

不知他在图画里。

对着这般景致,坐的,

便无酒也令人醉。

About the poet 

Zhang Yanghao was a Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) poet who was also a major political figure of his time.

About the translator 

Xu Yuanchong (1921-2021) was born in Nanchang in East China's Jiangxi Province. He was a professor of literary translation at Peking University.

About the book 

300 Yuan Songs Translated by Xu Yuanchong Published by China Intercontinental Press