My family hailed from Deng, a noble state,
No less fair than the famed beauties of Handan.
Born to wealth in silks and satins ornate,
I was cherished like a pearl, a treasured plan.
At fifteen, I learned needlework with care,
Never venturing beyond my chamber door.
At sixteen, my fate took a turn unfair,
My name became the talk of all the poor.
At seventeen, skilled in song and dance so fine,
The governor summoned me for feast and play.
Since then enrolled in Music Bureau's line,
I could not be like Luo Fu, free and gay.
Seasons passed in warmth and chill, swift and fleet,
Meeting court officials, time and again.
Joy without true feeling, hollow and sweet,
Was like crossing paths on a road in vain.
Yesterday I saw you, my love, at last,
Your gaze unwavering, true and clear to see.
From this moment, our bond is holding fast,
Even brief parting fills me with misery.
How could you now follow an official call,
To journey a thousand miles, beyond my wall?
You ride a dappled steed, so proud and tall,
I mount a snow-white colt, answering duty's thrall.
I saw you off, but you had not gone far,
Left alone, I feel how lonely I are.
We are less than fish in water, side by side,
Couples clinging to green rushes, in the tide.
We are less than geese in clouds, a paired flight,
Descending to calm lakes, in shared delight.
Even fish and birds find companionship true,
With whom shall I now pass my days, but you?
You left, promising return with spring's first bloom,
All day I grieve, as sunlight fills the room.
My heart longs for you, my noble one, alone,
And I imagine seeing plum blossoms grown.
When will the plum blossoms burst forth, tell me when?
I count the railings, again and again.
If the east wind should carry you back to me,
I'll sing the "Golden Thread" with joy and glee.