English Rendering
There is only one Carved-Cloud, exquisite always-
Yet she dreads the spring, blowing cold in the palace,
When her husband, a Knight of the Golden Tortoise,
Will leave her sweet bed, to be early at court.
There is Only One
- Poetry of Li Shangyin
《为有》
Original Text (中文原文)
为有云屏无限娇，凤城寒尽怕春宵。
无端嫁得金龟婿，辜负香衾事早朝。
Analysis & Context
Seven-character-quatrain
This boudoir plaint poem from ancient China portrays the emotional desolation of an official's wife neglected due to her husband's political engagements. While such themes were common in classical poetry, this work subtly critiques society's obsession with status and wealth. Viewed through the poet's circumstances, it serves as both feminine lament and socio-political satire.
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.
- Palace Song
- The oriole Astray
- Song of My Proud Son
- Dreaming of My Deceased Wife at Her Loom
- On History
- On Lady Yang's Death II
- The Summit Temple
- <Prelude to Water Melody> Sent to Ziyou on Mid-autumn Festival
- Invitation to Wine
- Question and Answer in the Mountains
- Cold sheet
- Coming Home ( Returning Home )
The Masters' Directory
Journey through the dynasties. Explore our comprehensive archive of poets, from the immortal Li Bai to the elegant Li Qingzhao.
View All Poets →