To the left of Song River, one may fish or farm.
Ancient trees cast deep shade, green waves stretch calm.
You share my fondness, bringing family along.
We talk and laugh, then pole our light boat with a song.
In search of ancient worthies, dark and deep we sail,
The hermit Tian Sui's cottage is not far on this trail.
My heart is filled with joy, so here we'll stay and rest,
A fragrant breeze comes from the south, the scene is pure and blessed.
Before us stand pagoda trees and willows green,
The stifling summer heat is quietly unseen.
I have some fine wine here, with you I'll drink my share.
Drunk, we dance and sing, and poems we both declare.
So happy and content, our feelings sweet and light,
If one day we must part, how could I not miss this sight?
My traveler's heart feels autumn ere it's due, speaking of leaving now.
Though I've urged you to stay, you insist and take your vow.
I see you to your boat, we'll meet again when snows descend.
Go forth with reverence, though in summer heat we wend.
Melancholy, as if I've lost something, I linger by the long shore.
To see your face again seems distant, how can I bear dusk and dawn more?
It's not that I lack other friends, but even white-haired, they feel new.
Thinking of you is frequent, your nature warm and true.
North hill has mume blossoms, south hill has clouds so high,
Below are cranes and apes, amidst them hermits lie.
If you command your carriage from a thousand miles away,
How dare I not prepare with care for that day?
Determined to attain my aim, I sing this verse again.