TUNE: GROPING FOR FISH

摸鱼儿

How much more can spring bear of wind and rain?

更能消几番风雨？

Too hastily it will leave again.

匆匆春又归去。

Lovers of spring would fear to see the flowers red

惜春长怕花开早，

Budding too soon and fallen petals too widespread.

何况落红无数！

O spring, please stay!

春且住?

I’ve heard it said that sweet grass far away

见说道

Would stop you from seeing your returning way.

天涯芳草无归路。

But I’ve not heard

怨春不语。

Spring say a word.

算只有殷勤画檐蛛网，

Only the busy spider weaves

尽日惹飞絮。

Webs all day long by painted eaves

长门事，

To keep the willow down from taking leave.

准拟佳期又误。

Could a disfavored consort again to favor rise?

娥眉曾有人妒。

Could beauty not be envied by green eyes?

千金纵买相如赋，

Even if favor could be bought back again,

默默此情谁诉？

To whom of this unanswered love can she complain?

君莫舞！君不见，

Do not dance then!

玉环飞燕皆尘土？

Have you not seen

闲愁最苦。

Both plump and slender beauties turn to dust?

休去倚危栏！斜阳正在烟柳断肠处。