TUNE: A TWIG OF MUME BLOSSOMS

一剪梅

Fragrant lotus blooms fade, autumn chills mat of jade.

红藕香残玉簟秋，

My silk robe doffed, I float

轻解罗裳，

Alone in orchid boat.

独上兰舟。

Who in the cloud would bring me letters in brocade?

云中谁寄锦书来？

When swans come back in flight,

雁字回时，

My bower is steeped in moonlight.

月满西楼。

As fallen flowers drift and water runs its way,

花自飘零水自流，

One longing leaves no traces

一种相思，

But overflows two places.

两处闲愁。

O how can such lovesickness be driven away?

此情无计可消除，

From eyebrows kept apart,

才下眉头，

Again it gnaws my heart.

却上心头。