Lyrics to the Linjiang Narcissi
- Poetry of Ouyang Xiu

《临江仙·柳外轻雷池上雨》

English Rendering

Beyond the foliage of willows claps soft thunder, over the pool falls rain,

Drips and drops of rain on lotus leaves sound create.

A rainbow hangs to the west of this place.

By the balustrade I lean,

Waiting for the moon to shine and height gain.


Here come swallows scouting about columns and beams that are decorated,

So I lower the curtains by letting loose hooks made of jade.

The pattern on the flat bamboo mat glistens like cool water waves.

By the pair of glass pillows,

Lie a hairpin on its side mislaid.

Lyrics to the Linjiang Narcissi by Ouyang Xiu
Lyrics to the Linjiang Narcissi by Ouyang Xiu

Original Text (中文原文)

柳外轻雷池上雨,雨声滴碎荷声。

小楼西角断虹明。

阑干倚处,待得月华生。

燕子飞来窥画栋,玉钩垂下帘旌。

凉波不动簟纹平。

水精双枕,傍有堕钗横。

Analysis & Context

By Ouyang Xiu

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The Essence of the Verse

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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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