English Rendering
Lovely now together, his lady and his flowers
Lighten for ever the Emperor's eye,
As he listens to the sighing of the far spring wind
Where she leans on a railing in the Aloe Pavilion.
A Song of Pure Happiness III
- Poetry of Li Bai (Li Po)
《清平调·其三》
Original Text (中文原文)
Simplified Chinese Version
名花倾国两相欢，长得君王带笑看。
解释春风无限恨，沉香亭北倚阑干。
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Traditional Chinese Version
名花傾國兩相歡， 常得君王帶笑看。
解釋春風無限恨， 沈香亭北倚闌干。
Analysis & Context
Folk-song-styled-verse
This poem depicts Emperor Xuanzong's profound affection for Lady Yang, showcasing the emperor's devotion to his beauty and their boundless joy. As one of the most renowned beauties of the Tang dynasty, Lady Yang enjoyed exceptional favor from the emperor. Through delicate descriptions, Li Bai conveys their special bond, particularly highlighting Xuanzong's tenderness towards Lady Yang. However, the poem seems to contain subtle irony, revealing the hidden concerns behind such favor.
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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