杜甫·《夜宴左氏庒》英译

风林纤月落，

衣露净琴张。

暗水流花径，

春星带草堂。

检书烧烛短，

看剑引杯长。

诗罢闻吴咏，

扁舟意不忘。

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Evening Banquet at Mr. Zuo’s Villa

Du Fu

Wind-tossed trees, a slim moon setting,

robes dew-damp, the clear turning of a qin(1):

hidden waters flow by blossomed pathways,

spring stars encircle the thatched hall.

We examine books till the candles burn low,

admire swords, leisurely sipping wine,

then, poems done, listen to songs of Wu—

never will I forget my lone boat travels there! (2)

(1)    The qin is a horizontal stringed instrument like a zither or Japanese koto.

(2)    Du Fu is recalling his youthful wanderings in the region of Wu on the southeast coast. Throughout his poetry, the boat is a powerful symbol of freedom and escape.