李清照·《诉衷情·夜来沉醉卸妆迟》英译

A Sleepless Night
—to the tune of Suzhongqing

Deeply drunk tonight,
I remove my hairwear late.
The mume-calyx (1) withers on my hairpin,
I awoke from my spring dream, recovered from the wine.
My dream of your return was cut short.
—Far, far away are you.

All is quiet on earth,
The moon shines with love.
Green curtains are drawn low.
So: I rub gently the withered mume-calyx,
So: I pick up the incense ash,
So: I pass the time in this way.


(1)Mume: Sometimes translated as "Plum flower". The flower has five petals, usually pink, sometimes white, and it had a secret, hidden fragrance, very common in Southern China. It blooms while there is still ice and snow on the ground and is therefore the symbol of early Spring.

（茅于美 译）