Yesterday I came from Zhenyang, at dusk I passed the Gorge Mountain temple.
Just then I heard of rebels in Xinchang, the road was rife with fearful tales.
At that time I dared not linger, my lone boat swiftly fled away.
Though I passed through scenes of utmost beauty, I missed the chance for quiet delight.
Rolling up the curtain, I sit in the boat, gazing far at the azure verdure.
It was like encountering rare treasure, with no time to store it in a chest.
Or like passing a butcher's door, drooling to take a hearty bite.
Each time I wished to ask for details, I never could obtain a map or record.
A Daoist came from the mountain, and told me a thing or two.
The rhinoceros left, the golden lock sank; the ape returned, the jade ring fell.
Zhao Hu's fishing stone, towers majestically at the river's edge.
King Mu's twin chariot ruts, one imagines him often holding the reins there.
Five immortals of Han and Jin, once rode five goats to arrive.
The two eminent Chan masters, Jun and Ai, with divine power welcomed and guided.
The lofty pagoda of the Five Peaks, first bestowed from Kunlun.
The Third Patriarch's wondrous stone, where Sengcan once rested.
The Lion Terrace high above, looking down one sees clouds and mist.
Exotic flowers form canopies, red and purple, charmingly bright.
Lush green cliff grasses, stems and leaves covering one another.
Some yellow like golden hairpins, some white like pearl earrings.
Nature exhausts heavenly craft, portraying scenes with diverse names.
Xu Hun's poem between the beams, Li Ao's record upon the wall.
I only seek to examine the events, no leisure to critique the words.
Qingyuan, an ancient monastery, overlooks the South Sea's shore.
When Han Yu was banished to Chaoyang, he also passed through this place.
His pennant torn by hurricane winds, thunder and lightning aided its force.
My coming here, luckily unharmed, serene and without fear.
A fair breeze sends my light sail, silently I feel blessed by the gods.
This return shall have its day, mooring the boat at the ferry.
I shall linger here a while, to fulfill my long-held wish to tour.