English Rendering
A pretty maiden full of charm and grace
Is picking mulberries in a bustling place.
The pliant twigs are waving left and right;
The verdant leaves are falling soft and light.
Her sleeves reveal her dainty nimble hands
And tender wrists wearing golden bands.
On her head are golden hairpins for the hair
And on her waist is emerald jadeware.
She wears resplendent pearls of graceful taste,
And corals which are strewn with rare green stones.
Her satin dress is wavering with ease,
With buoyant hems aflutter in the breeze.
There is a brightness shining in her eyes;
There is an orchid flavour in her sighs.
The passers-by long linger on their way;
The lookers-on forget their meals today.
Where does this pretty maiden reside?
She lives in town along the southern side.
Her splendid mansion stands along the road;
Behind closed gates and doors is her abode.
Her beauty,which outshines the morning sun,
Is truly liked and loved by everyone.
What plans have all those match-makers made?
Why don't they send in dowers,silk and jade?
The pretty maiden loves the lofty mind,
But such a virtuous man is hard to find.
While the common people make a hue and cry,
How can they know who has caught her eye?
In her best years behind the doors closed tight,
She stays awake and sighs until midnight.
