清平调 A Song of Clear Water
By Li Bai
Translated by Frankfurt Fox
The cloud think of clothing whereas beauty is for the blossom
As spring breeze caressing through pillars and morning dew
Even if not seeing her between the twin peaks of Jade
I would still meet her in a court under the moon
云想衣裳花想容
春风拂槛露华浓
若非群玉山头见
会向瑶台月下逢
Like a crimson peony bathing in the rain perfume
No more nostalgia for that we are dying on the moon
And you ask who in Han Palace could ever compare
Twas a pity even Mme Swallow’d renew her makeup
一枝红艳露凝香
云雨巫山枉断肠
借问汉宫谁得似
可怜飞燕倚新妆
How alluring were famed flower with floral femme
How longwear were the emperor’s adoring gaze
Gone with the spring wind were the endless woes
Leaning athwart north of the temple of burnt incense
名花倾国两相欢
长得君王带笑看
解释春风无限恨
沉香亭北倚阑干
07.2020.
Images © Chen Kaige and Wang Huiling, “Legend of the Demon Cat”, 2017. Featuring the mesmerizing Zhang Rongrong. And yes, they are pulling the Fair Use Card ;) .
