I, from Handan, before I married,
My beauty amidst finery was unknown.
Once I bound my hair to follow you, sir,
You took me far to the eastern Lu border.
The road then was smooth, without hardship,
You were traveling to office in Chen and Ru.
Alone in orchid tower, springs passed frequently,
From painted chamber I bid you farewell, how many summers gone?
In third month, willows droop, silkworms not yet asleep,
Carrying baskets, with companions by the southern path.
I met a traveler on the road, a stranger,
Who offered me gold to buy my youth.
My husband has been long away from home,
My heart vows to keep faith forever.
I wish to tell the traveler: be not so forward,
Say my chaste heart is known by all.
At dusk, silkworms hungry, we call each other back,
Carrying baskets, properly dressed, return to courtyard.
Toil and hardship, in the end no regret,
All I hope is your favor to rely upon.
I hear the traveler has returned and stopped,
And he is the very one who gave the gold!
We look at each other's faces, speechless,
Gazing with mutual shame, how can it end?
I've always hidden myself, no doubt or betrayal,
Only for your sake did I also meet him.
How, being so near, could feelings still arise,
Let alone from a thousand miles away?
I vow to cherish grace above my life,
Thinking of you this day going to the river ford.
Don't say I've always been discontent,
I wish to leave this warning for later people.