Have you not seen the stars in heaven's height,
Shining through endless ages in the azure night?
Who would have thought in just a single eve,
They'd fall to earth as stones, no more to leave.
The laws of change know no fixed, certain way,
Who can swear human hearts will never stray?
I recall by the river plucking duckweed white,
While you, on your white steed, crossed the stream in light.
Reins drooped, oars stilled, we stole a glance so deep,
Cherishing those peach-blossom springs we'd keep.
In Stone Town, east wind sighs at dusk in second moon,
Heartbroken willow down follows you, gone too soon.
We vowed to share a century, dust to dust,
Drunk, pointing to green pines, pledging love and trust.
Alas! In but a day your heart has turned,
Who cares for promises that once you burned?
Cast aside before my beauty starts to fade,
How could you let our fleeting years be thus betrayed?
I give you back the moon-bright pearl you gave,
And loosen the silk robe-knot you did crave.
Thinking of this, in vain my heart is torn,
In long, deep grief from you I am now borne.
Out the door I gaze toward my homeland far,
Not grudging a thousand-mile journey's scar.
Yet following you now would breach all rite,
How could I face my father and brother's sight?
To go or stay, neither path can I tread,
Standing bewildered, filled with fear and dread.
At this moment my heart is utterly broken,
I finally believe Heaven's love is but a token.
Wild waters eastward flow, never to return,
Joy and sorrow shift in moments, quick to churn.
A woman should not lightly give her life away,
Hear my song today: how hard is the way!