Lyrics to Blue Gate Prelude
- Poetry of Zhang Xian

《青门引·乍暖还轻冷》

English Rendering

The weather is such that a moment's warmth could suddenly a slight chill become,

Then comes evening before the wind and rain come to a stop.

Quiet and empty is the courtyard, drawing near is the vernal equinox,

Here I am drinking among remnants of blossoms,

With the same sentimental malaise from last year I am struck.


Sobering is the sound of bugles blaring from the watch tower carried by the wind,

Deep into the night locked behind gates and doors is stillness.

Unbearable is what the bright moon conveys

Through the wall, the shadow of a swing.

Lyrics to Blue Gate Prelude by Zhang Xian
Lyrics to Blue Gate Prelude by Zhang Xian

Original Text (中文原文)

乍暖还轻冷,风雨晚来方定。

庭轩寂寞近清明,残花中酒,又是去年病。

楼头画角风吹醒,入夜重门静。

那堪更被明月,隔墙送过秋千影。

Analysis & Context

ZHANG Xian

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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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