Magpie's Nest

Once there was a magpie's nest;
a turtle dove moved in.

His Lordship's bride is on her way -
a hundred carriages to meet her.

Once there was a magpie's nest;
a turtle dove stayed there.

His Lordship's bride is on her way -
a hundred carriages to greet her.

Once there was a magpie's nest;
a turtle dove squeezed in.

His Lordship's bride is on her way -
a hundred carriages to fête her.

Small Stars

A sprinkle of small stars
glitters in the east
as I hurry through the night.
In days and nights at the palace
all destinies are not the same.

A cluster of small stars
emerges like the Pleiades
as I hurry through the night
clutching quilt and cover.
Truly, my luck does not compare
with hers, who lingers in his bed.

His Lordship's Companion

Here's His Lordship's life companion,
decked out with six-jeweled hairpin.
Such languid elegance;
to match a perfect landscape view
her dress completes the picture.
Surely, few would disagree
that here's a lady of refinement?

With flawless gemstones glittering,
she sports a robe adorned with pheasants.
Her dark hair's puffed into clouds,
disdaining false extensions.
There's her jade ear-pendants
and the comb-pin made of ivory.
Her fair complexion's much admired,
as though she'd just stepped down from heaven.
Surely, she must think herself a goddess?

The gleam of precious gems
is there for all to see.
She wears the finest linen
boasting fashionable cords and loops.
She's popular with many,
famed for her perfect features;
doubtless she considers it her duty
to style herself the kingdom's leading beauty!

Beggarweed

Gathering the beggarweed
along the meadows of the Mei,
what man is on my mind?
That handsome eldest son of Jiang!
     Make a date in Sanzhong,
     meet me in Shanguan,
     and say goodbye on the banks of the Qi.

Gathering the barleycorn
along the north side of the Mei,
what man is on my mind?
That handsome eldest son of Yi!
     Make a date in Sanzhong,
     meet me in Shanguan,
     and say goodbye on the banks of the Qi.

Gathering the mustard-plant
along the east side of the Mei,
what man is on my mind?
That handsome eldest son of Yong!
     Make a date in Sanzhong,
     meet me in Shanguan,
     and say goodbye on the banks of the Qi.

Poles with Banners

Lofty poles with yak-tail banners
outside our town of Xun,
with white silk fluttering.
Splendid horses, four in number,
on each a stern and handsome rider.
What tribute can we offer them?

Lofty poles with flags of battle
within our town of Xun,
with twisted white silk ribbons.
Splendid horses, five in number,
on each a stern and handsome rider.
What gifts have we to offer them?

Lofty poles with feather streamers
inside the city wall of Xun,
with white silk of conquest.
Splendid horses, six in number,
on each a stern and handsome rider.
What words of welcome must we find?

Kudzu Vine

The kudzu vine spreads everywhere
along the waters of the He.
For ever parted from my family
I must call a stranger father,
call a stranger father,
but this one doesn't care for me.

The kudzu vine spreads everywhere
along the fringes of the He.
For ever parted from my family
I must call a stranger mother,
call a stranger mother,
but this one doesn't cherish me.

The kudzu vine spreads everywhere
along the edges of the He.
For ever parted from my family
I must call these strangers brother,
call these strangers brother;
but they don't even notice me.

The Rivers Qin and Wei

When Qin and Wei
run full and wide
young men and girls together
come to pick sweet-scented herbs.

Have you seen the view?
I've already seen it!
Shall we go again?
Beyond the Wei
it's really beautiful!

Young men and girls together
trade banter, and enjoy
the gift of nature's medicine.

When Qin and Wei
run swift and clear
young men and girls together
have filled their baskets to the brim.

Have you seen the view?
I've already seen it!
Shall we go once more?
Beyond the Wei
it's truly beautiful!

So these young men and girls together
teasing and laughing,
taste more of nature's medicine.