English Rendering
The lutist ill but fine
Still loved the phenix proud.
In their shop they sold wine;
He played lute for the cloud.
Her dimple in full bloom,
And her skirt like grass green.
Where’s the bride with her groom?
Nowhere can they be seen.
Wooing Lutist
- Poetry of Du Fu
《琴台》
Original Text (中文原文)
茂陵多病后，尚爱卓文君。
酒肆人间世，琴台日暮云。
野花留宝靥，蔓草见罗裙。
归凤求凰意，寥寥不复闻。
Analysis & Context
The poem expresses the poet’s praise for true love through the Qintai and the love story of Zhuo Wenjun and Sima Xiangru.
Reader's Companion
The Essence of the Verse
Classical Chinese poetry thrives on Concision and Ambiguity. Without tense or number, the words create a timeless space where the reader becomes the co-creator of the poem's meaning.
Reading Between the Lines
Look for Contrasts: light and shadow, movement and stillness. Don't just translate the words; feel the Yijing (artistic conception) that lingers long after the last character.
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- Invitation to Wine
- Question and Answer in the Mountains
- Cold sheet
- Coming Home ( Returning Home )
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