TUNE: THE MOON OVER THE WEST RIVER

西江月

HOME-GOING AT NIGHT FROM THE YELLOW SAND BRIDGE

夜行黄沙道中

Startled by magpies leaving the branch in moonlight,

明月别枝惊鹊，

I hear cicadas shrill in the breeze at midnight.

清风半夜鸣蝉。

The ricefields’ sweet smell promises a bumper year;

稻花香里说丰年，

Listen, how frogs’ croaks please the ear!

听取蛙声一片。

Beyond the clouds seven or eight stars twinkle;

七八个星天外，

Before the hills two or three raindrops sprinkle.

两三点雨山前。

There is an inn beside the village temple. Look!

旧时茅店社林边，

The winding path leads to the hut beside the brook.

路转溪桥忽现。