TUNE: SHORTENED FORM OF MAGNOLIA FLOWER

THE LUTE

Leisurely and tranquil,

When all voices are hushed, the sky and earth seem still.

Before a tune is played

By fingers and lute of jade, its feeling is conveyed.

The breeze saddens the stream,

The lute exhales an unfulfilled eternal dream.

Sleepless when back, I hear

It’s music lingering all night long in the ear.

减字木兰花

琴

神闲意定，

万籁收声天地静。

玉指冰弦，

未动宫商意已传。

悲风流水，

写出寥寥千古意。

归去无眠，

一夜余音在耳边。