秦观·《鹊桥仙》英译

lines for the que qiao xian melody

Qin Guan

these transparent clouds so delicate and beautiful

the milky way so luminous a star vanishes in it

that falling star which carries regret like a messenger

for the cowherd and the woman at the loom

altair and vega

those lovers who can meet only once in a year

but for them this is more wonderful

than the countless times

loves in this world meet

they are joined for one long perfected moment

they merge into each other like slow running waters

their happy loving is the kindliest of dreams

oh they have to know the sadness of looking back

as they depart on their separate ways

traveling over the bridge of birds

but because what they feel shines in them forever

it surely does not distress them

each day and each night they cannot be together

（王守义、约翰·诺弗尔 译）

Immortal Lovers on Magpie Bridge

(Que-qiao-xian)

Qin Guan

With subtlety delicate clouds sway,

Flying stars their fierce love-feelings convey:

The lovers stealthily cross the lengthy Milky Way.

Once the golden breeze and jade dews have encountered,

Countless pairs in the human world are bettered.

Tender feelings like a stream,

Joyful tryst seems a dream,

How can they bear to look at the bridge of magpies

Their parting way?

Should the feelings of both eternal stay,

Why need to be with each other night ’n’ day?

（贺淯滨 译）

P’u – Ch’ü Ch’iao Hsien

(To the tune-title ‘Immortals of the Magpie Bridge’)

The Weaver-Girl and the Herd-Boy

Ch’in Kuan

As lovely clouds contrive new patterns

These flying stars fulfil their yearnings,

In darkness crossing the distant gulf of the Milky Way.

What though they only meet in the Golden Wind and the Pearly Dew?

They are happier far than the countless people living on earth.

Her gentle heart is soft as water,

The blissful hours flow like a dream.

Of the journey back by the Magpie Bridge can they bear a thought?

When feelings stir in the hearts of lovers deeper than time’s abyss

Does it matter how seldom they meet?

（Alan Ayling & Duncan Mackintosh 译）

Tune: Queqiaoxian

Qin Guan

Clouds float like works of art,
Stars bring the grief of love.

Across the Milky Way, the Cowherd meets the Maid.

When the golden autumn’s wind encounters with dew of jade,

Their meeting is better than many times on earth.

Their tender love flows like a stream,

Their happy date seems as sweet dreams.

How she bears the sight of Magpie Bridge without a tear!

If the affection on both sides can endure,

Why need they stay together night and day?

（毛小雨 译）