The cave flute plays, the jade zither attends,
Day is insufficient, so night extends.
Would I alone indulge in this deep joy?
I praise your beauty, fit for refinement's employ.
Parting the floating clouds, the moon appears,
Waving off the stars that won't conspire.
Having pledged words and given me command,
I hope your radiance forever will expand.
How could I alone deem it not so?
I entrust the east wind to bestow its echo.
Alas, words alone—how easily said!
There are those who bend their bodies, ghosts and spirits instead.
What's held within the heart will surely show,
Rolling orchid tongues, exchanging faith we know.
Though I do not hold your bright candle's flame,
Its light and splendor will not leave my claim.
Two who see clearly need no matchmaker's art,
I've found you in the breath from your heart.
Stretching your voice in song—
The phoenix will hear and shake its plume along.
Tying your pendant, I rise to dance—
Stars and Dipper watch you, moving in a trance.
Alone, fluttering, it cannot stay—
Your dwelling can be known but not obtained, they say.
Spring waters spread wide and clear—
I alone drink by the river's bend, dear.
Birds sing, flying in flocks—
Beneath them, fragrant grass unlocks.
Willows, supple, can be tied and bound—
Peach and plum begin their balm to compound.
The traveler longs, the parting one grieves,
I pour your wine, wish you health that never leaves.
Caressing your boat, so leisurely—
It will sail vast and free.
Three rivers, Lake Zhenze—
The boatman, weary, takes a rest.
Drawing on the stars' and sun's bright blaze,
I alone gaze toward you at the South Pole's haze.
Imagining you below—
Drumming holy waves, whipping dragons to and fro.
Making Fufei dare not smile with art—
Huang and Ying straighten robes, joining from the start.
The south wind arrives—
Entering my lapel, it gladdens my heart and thrives.
Alone, flowing smooth and clear and sweet—
This, I say, is an old friend's breeze, complete.