A Message to Han Cho the Yangzhou Magistrate
- Poetry of Du Mu

《寄扬州韩绰判官》

English Rendering

There are faint green mountains and far green waters,

And grasses in this river region not yet faded by autumn;

And clear in the moon on the Twenty-Four Bridges,

Girls white as jade are teaching flute-music.

A Message to Han Cho the Yangzhou Magistrate by Du Mu
A Message to Han Cho the Yangzhou Magistrate by Du Mu

Original Text (中文原文)

青山隐隐水迢迢,秋尽江南草未凋。

二十四桥明月夜,玉人何处教吹箫。

Analysis & Context

Seven-character-quatrain

This poem was written between 833 and 835 AD during the reign of Emperor Wenzong of the Tang Dynasty. At the time, Du Mu was serving as an assistant official under Niu Sengru, the military governor of Huainan, and later as a secretary. After leaving Yangzhou, Du Mu remained deeply attached to the scenic beauty and vibrant life of Jiangnan (the region south of the Yangtze River). This poem, written in remembrance of Jiangnan and in jest to his friend Han Chuo, blends nostalgia with a touch of playful elegance.

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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