Courtyard Full of fragrance
- Poetry of Su Shi

《满庭芳(三十三年)》

English Rendering

After thirty-three years.

Who still remains today?

Only you and the long,long river stay.

Upright like the cypress evergreen,

Frost-proof,you have no compeers.

In your old county I have seen 

Your cot surrounded by bamboos

Standing by cloudy stream framed with pine tree on tree.

If you leave the southern shore not to say adieus,

How could you come to see me?


After a sudden shower the trees 

Dance in the breeze,

A veil of mist rises with cloud screen.

I hold high the wine cup 

And invite you to drink it up.

Now old,I think it's like a dream sweet 

To drink face to face with you.

We hear no more songs of adieu,

For early risers,drums begin to beat.

Courtyard Full of fragrance by Su Shi
Courtyard Full of fragrance by Su Shi

Original Text (中文原文)

有王长官者,弃官黄州三十三年,黄人谓之王先生。因送陈慥来过余,因为赋此。

三十三年,今谁存者?算只君与长江。

凛然苍桧,霜干苦难双。

闻道司州古县,云溪上、竹坞松窗。

江南岸,不因送子,宁肯过吾邦?


摐摐,疏雨过,风林舞破,烟盖云幢。

愿持此邀君,一饮空缸。

居士先生老矣!真梦里、相对残釭。

歌声断,行人未起,船鼓已逄逄。

Analysis & Context

The poet writes this farewell poem for his friend Chen Jichang.

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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