TUNE: SLOW SONG OF YANGZHOU

扬州慢

In the famous town east of River Huai

淮左名都，

And scenic spot of Bamboo West,

竹西佳处，

Breaking my journey, I alight for a short rest.

解鞍少驻初程。

The three-mile splendid road in breeze have I passed by;

过春风十里，

It’s now overgrown with wild green wheat and weeds.

尽荠麦青青。

Since Northern shore was overrun by Jurchen steeds,

自胡马窥江去后，

Even the tall trees beside the pond have been war-torn.

废池乔木，

As dusk is drawing near,

犹厌言兵。

Cold blows the born;

渐黄昏，

The empty town looks drear.

清角吹寒，

The place Du Mu the poet prized,

都在空城。

If he should come again today,

杜郎俊赏，

Would render him surprised.

算而今重到须惊。

His verse on the cardamon spray

纵豆蔻词工，

And on sweet dreams in mansions green

青楼梦好，

Could not express

难赋深情。

My deep distress.

二十四桥仍在，

The Twenty-four Bridges can still be seen,

波心荡，

But the cold moon floating among

冷月无声。

The waves would no more sing a song.

念桥边红药，

For whom should the peonies near

年年知为谁生！