李商隐诗翻译
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Li Shangyin poems in translation
Faithful translation of Li Shangyin's poems is nearly impossible to achieve, but a valiant attempt is made here, to give the reader some feeling about their mystery and fascination. The main features missed in translation are the matching couplets; any ambiguities intended are also lost since only my understanding remains. Historical allusions are less of a problem, but expressions used in translated versions tend to capture just an incomplete idea. Another shortcoming lies in the personality that comes through the poems: whereas the originals express a uniform personality, the translations possess various different tones, in the interest of getting across the meaning accurately; in particular, some of the poems tend to have a more mocking or critical tone than the originals, and few can display the kind of wistfulness that prevails in Li's poems.
1. Poems about Love and Women
无题
昨夜星辰昨夜风；画楼西畔桂堂东。
身无彩凤双飞翼，心有灵犀一点通。
隔座送钩春酒暖，分曹射覆蜡灯红。
嗟余听鼓应官去，走马兰台类转蓬。
Untitled
Last night's bright stars; last night's breeze;
West of the painted tower, east of bay tree hall;
No phoenix wings on my body, to fly away with you;
But our thoughts link by the rhinestone's magic.
Across tables we "passed the hook" with spring wines warm;
Our teams played "guess what" under candle lamps bright.
Pity I have to hear the dawn drum calling me to duty;
And ride between lofty offices like a detached reed
无题 (1st of 4)
来是空言去绝踪，月斜楼上五更钟。
梦为远别啼难唤，书被催成墨未浓。
蜡照半笼金翡翠，麝熏微度绣芙蓉。
刘郎已恨蓬山远，更隔蓬山一万重。
Untitled
Coming is an emtpy word; going is without trace;
The bell tower tolls dawn to the setting moon.
The dream's called far away, not returning at my cries;
I write this letter in haste, and the ink is not dark.
Candles shine on the half canopy with gold kingfishers;
Musk scents the quilt with embroidered lilly flowers.
The young man Liu lamented that Magic Mountain was far;
But a thousand Magic Mountains lie between you and me.
无题 (2nd of 4)
飒飒东风细雨来，芙蓉塘外有轻雷。
金蟾啮锁烧香入，玉虎牵丝汲井回。
贾氏窥帘韩掾少，宓妃留枕魏王才。
春心莫共花争发，一寸相思一寸灰。
Untitled
The east wind whistles; the light rain drizzles;
Beyond the lilly ponds, I hear a faint thunder.
Through the door's golden frog lock, incense smoke can pass;
From the well with the jade tiger cover, the long line lingers.
Through the curtain the Jia maiden peeps at Junior Clerk Han;
Lady Fu leaves her pillow to Prince Wei knowing his talent.
Let not the spring heart bloom with flowers;
For every inch of longing, every inch of dust.
note: this translation assumes the "heavy hearted" interpretation; in the "light hearted" version, the poet visits a courtesan, is warmly received, then advises her not to get too serious about him; though this is plausible, the poem seems to become a less appealing piece of work: e.g., the middle four lines become gaudy descriptions of actual scenes instead of metaphorical representations of feelings overcoming obstacles; it also appears inconsistent with the companion poem above, unless that is given a female, i.e., the courtesan's, voice, which seems wrong in view of the reference to young man Liu)
李商隐《无题》
含情春腕晚，暂见夜阑干． 楼响将灯怯，帘烘欲过难．
多羞钗上燕，真愧镜中鸾． 归去横塘晓，华星送宝鞍．
Untitled (3rd of 4)
Under the spring evening sun, with feelings
I glance at the curfew gate rail
Timidly up the stairs, footsteps sound so loud
Crossing the scent screen, my strengths fail
Your hairpin swallows seem to be mocking me
Before the mirror phoenix, my heart is frail
As I ride home, dawn breaks over the lake
Jewelled saddle under stars bright and pale
(note: the above is the third of a set of four untitled poems, the last being "Where plays the haunting harp..." in Section 3; there seems to be little connection between the first two and the others, besides a general theme of disappointment, though in poem 3 the young man did go up the stairs to see his lover/courtesan, and probably spent the night - perhaps an embarrassed account of sexual initiation rather than rejected courtship. In an alternative version, xiao3 is replaced by wan3 in the second last line, which has the effect of enlarging the disappointment, but it looks wrong as wan3 repeats, and the mention of hairpin and mirror ought to mean the actual presence of the lady with the guy inside her chamber, rather than he leaving in the evening without entering.)
无题
相见时难别亦难，东风无力百花残。
春蚕到死丝方尽，蜡炬成灰泪始干。
晓镜但愁云鬓改，夜吟应觉月光寒。
蓬莱此去无多路，青鸟殷勤为探看。
Untitled
It is hard to meet; it is hard to part;
The east wind is weak, the flowers die.
With the spring silkworm's death, the threads end;
When the candle turns to ash, the teardrops dry.
The morning mirror frowns on my newly cloudy hair;
At night reading poetry, feel the moon's cold stare.
The Magic Mountain is not so far from here;
A busy green bird will keep a careful eye.
春雨
怅卧新春白袷衣，白门寥落意多违。
红楼隔雨相望冷, 珠裼飘灯独自归。
远路应悲春腕晚，残宵犹得梦依稀。
玉珰缄札何由达？万里云罗一雁飞。
Spring Rain
Dejectedly I lie in my white spring robe
The saloon is empty and my thoughts are forlorn
The red house feels cold seeing it through rain
Waterdrops lash my lamp as I return all alone
Spring evenings must be sad on your long journey
In the remains of the night, a broken dream maybe
The jade earing and letter, how to get to you?
Through clouds of thousand miles, a stork is flying
(note: I find it impossible to use the zoologically more accurate "goose" - "gander", "anser", "branta" or "graylag" also would not do; "swan" might do, but seems less satisfactory than "stork": the western image of stork bringing baby works for the chinese image of migrating geese bringing message)
无题二首之一
凤尾香罗薄几重，碧文圆顶夜深缝。
扇裁月魄羞难掩，车走雷声语未通。
曾是寂寥金烬暗，断无消息石榴红。
斑骓只系垂杨岸，何处西南任好风？
Untitled 1
How many layers of scented silk printed with phoenix tail?
Still sewing late at night the round tent cloth top
Crescent of face for me to peep, beside the shading fan
Thundering rumble the carriage made, no words got across
Since when did I wait alone by my flickering lamp?
In vain I look for message sent, now that pomegranet's red
I have my fast spotted horse tied on the willowy bank
To the south or to the west, wherever the good winds send
(note: this translation assumes the male voice; if the female voice is assumed, she laments her lover's not showing up and wonders where he might be enjoying himself; again, plausible but less attractive)
无题二首之二
重帷深下莫愁堂，卧后清宵细细长。
神女生涯允敲危小姑居处本无郎。
风波不信菱枝弱，月露谁教桂叶香,
直道相思了无益，未妨惆怅是清狂。
Untitled 2
Under the thick shades in the All Forget hall
Autumn evening after nap is dreary and long
Legends of the fairy have only been a dream
Where the maiden lives, no man can belong
Wind and wave wouldnt heed lilly branches weak
What scents the bay leaves under the dewy moon?
Straightforward words of love wouldnt do any good
Deep sadness or simple madness - nobody can tell
碧城三首（其一）
碧城十二曲阑干，犀辟尘埃玉辟寒。
阆苑有书多附鹤，女床无树不栖鸾。
星沉海底当窗见，雨过河源隔座看。
若是晓珠明又定。一生长树水精盘。
Emerald City
The rails of Emerald City have twelve curved folds
Rhinestone keeps dust away, jade keeps away the chill
Letters from Fairy World are mostly carried by storks
Each tree has a phoenix bird perching on Pixie Hill
From the window you see stars set to bottom of ocean
Rain falling on the river head, view it from the seat
If 'morrow the morning-pearl would stay here again
All our life face to face be on the crystal tray
为有
为有云屏无限娇，凤城寒尽怕春宵。
无端嫁得金龟婿，辜负香衾事早朝。
Because of
Because of the mica screen, she looks especially nice
Winter ends in windy city, she dreads spring's sunrise
For what reason did she marry, this rising star husband
Deserting the perfumed quilt, to attend morning audience
李商隐《无题》
八岁偷照镜，长眉已能唬 十岁去踏青，芙蓉作裙衩．
十二学弹筝，银甲不曾卸．十四藏六亲，悬知犹未嫁．
十五泣春风，背面秋千下．
Untitled
At eight she peeps at the mirrors
She could do her own long eye brow
At ten she joins the spring picnic
Flowers make trims for her couour
At twelve she learns to play the harp
With silver nails that stay on her fingers
At fourteen she no longer meets menfolks
In limbo, till the time she becomes a bride
At fifteen she weeps to the breeze o'spring
Face turned away, under the garden swing
重过圣女祠
白石岩扉碧藓滋，上清沦谪得归迟。
一春梦雨常飘瓦，尽日灵风不满旗。
萼绿华来无定所，杜兰香去未移时。
玉郎会此通仙籍，忆向天阶问紫芝。
Revisiting Holy Matron Shrine
Fresh green moss grows on the white stone wall
Exiled spirits return here long after their fall
Spring season's dreamy rains often wash the tiles
Whole day's vague breeze doesnt lift flags tall
Green Fairy will come when she feels like to come
Orchid Maid has left till some unknown time
Jade Boy's here to join the list of the divine
He remembers asking heaven for the plant of life
2. Poems criticizing politics and court life
汉宫词
青雀西飞竟未回，君王长在集灵台。
侍臣最有相如渴，不赐金茎露一杯
The Han Palace
The green bird flew west, not been back to report
Long as the Emperor waits in Fairy Arrival Hall
Who's got the biggest thirst? Courtier Sima Xiangru
Why not grant him a cup of the Golden Stem Dew?
隋宫
乘兴南游不戒严，九重谁省谏书函
春风举国裁宫锦，半作障泥半作帆。
The Palace of Sui Dynasty
Touring south in high spirits, no need to post sentry
Back at inner palace, who hears officials' wails?
In the spring breeze, whole country is cutting silk
Half to cover horses; half to make sails
隋宫
紫泉宫殿锁烟霞，欲取芜城作帝家。
玉玺不缘归日角，锦帆应是到天涯。
于今腐草无莹火，终古垂杨有暮鸦。
地下若逢陈後主，岂宜重问後庭花。
Palace of Sui
The purple fountain palace locks in smoke and colour
You wanted the city of ruins as home of the emperor
Had the imperial seal not passed to the new blessed one
Your silk sails would have gone to the edge of world
Today's rotting long grass has no fireflies for light
On the flowing ancient willows perch the dark crows
If down in the Underworld you meet the king of Chen
You'd better not ask him about the Rearcourt Flower Song
隋宫守岁
消息东郊木帝回 宫中行乐有新梅
沉香甲煎为庭燎 玉液鲸露作寿杯
遥望露盘疑是月 近闻鳄鼓欲惊雷
昭阳第一倾城客 不踏金莲不肯来
New Year Eve at the Palace of Sui
News from the east country - the Plant God's here again
In the celebrating Palace, plum trees bloom for spring
Scented sandalwood is burnt to light up the great hall
Heaven Drops and Jade Nectar would do for a happy drink
See the dew dish from far away, it looks like the moon
Crocodile skin drums startle, could be distant thunder
Here's the shattering beauty, lady of Zhaoyang Court
Stepping on golden lillies - only way she would walk
齐宫词
永寿兵来夜不扃，金莲无复印中庭。
梁台歌管三更罢，犹自风摇九子铃。
The Qi Palace
Rebels got to Long Life Hall, found an open door
Steps of golden lilly buds no longer cover the floor
Now the Liang court musicians play to the midnight hour
In the wind the nine ring bell still swings on the tower
瑶池
瑶池阿母绮窗开，黄竹歌声动地哀。
八骏日行三万里，穆王何事不重来。
Paradise Queen
Mother of Paradise keeps her laced window open
While the Yellow Bamboo tune haunts the great plain
The eight horse carriage makes thousand miles a day
But why hasnt King Mu returned to visit again?
钧天
上帝钧天会众灵，昔人因梦到青冥。
伶伦吹裂孤生竹，却为知音不得听
Heaven
The King of Heaven is treating fairies to dinner
By a chance dream, Lord Xiang has gone up there
See that flute player, blow till bamboo cracks
He knows too much music; he does not get to hear
梦泽
梦泽悲风动白茅，楚王葬尽满城娇。
未知歌舞能多少，虚减宫厨为细腰。
Dream Lake
On Dream Lake the sad wind sways the white reeds
King of Chu has killed off the whole town's beauties
Those countless talent good at singing and dance
They all starved themselves to get a thinner waist.
(note: the original fable was from Han Fei Zi "King Ling of Chu likes small waisted women, and in his capital many are hungry"; a later author magnified it to "King of Chu likes small waist, and in his palace many starve"; Li Shangyin further exaggerated it to "every beauty of the town died of starvation")
马嵬二首（其二）
海外徒闻更九州，他生未卜此生休。
空闻虎旅鸣宵柝，无复鸡人报晓筹。
此日六军同驻马，当时七夕笑牵牛。
如何四纪为天子，不及卢家有莫愁？
The Roadstop Where Lady Yang Died
Fairy refuge beyond the seas can be only idle talk
Dont know about another life, in this life she's gone
Sounds of brass bugle and gong are coming from the armies
Roosters and farmers everywhere no longer call out the dawn
On that day the six brigades all refused to march
Do you recall July the Seventh when you mocked the gods?
For so many long seasons you have ruled the realm
You couldnt be sure just to have the bridal bliss of Lu.
富平少候
七国三边未到忧，十三身袭富平候。
不收金弹抛林外，却惜银床在井头。
彩树转灯珠错落，绣檀回枕玉雕锼。
当关不报侵晨客，新得佳人字莫愁。
The Young Lord of Wealth and Peace
Secessions and invasions are not problems for me
At thirteen I succeeded as Lord of Wealth and Peace
Sling shots of brass, leave them out in the woods
Silver pulley atop the well? That seems a bit rich
Spinning lamps hung on trees, casting light like pearls
Embroided quilt with pillow box covered in carved jade
Tell the doorman not let in the surprise morning guest
A pretty maid called No Worry has newly joined my world
北齐二首
一笑相倾国便亡，何劳荆棘始堪伤。
小怜玉体横陈夜，已报周师入晋阳。
Two poems on Northern Qi Dynasty
A smile; a tumble; and down the country goes
No need to see the overgrowth to feel our sorrows
The night Xiaolian curled her jadelike figure
Came report that Zhou army had entered Fort North
巧笑知堪敌万几，倾城最在著戎衣。
晋阳已陷休回顾，更请君王猎一围。
A cute smile is worth a thousand reports
She looks her best in a fighter's outfit
Fort North has already fallen, so why look back
Just let the emperor enjoy his one last hunt
3. Poems about career frustrations
蝉
本以高难饱，徒劳恨费声。五更疏欲断，一树碧无情。
薄宦梗犹泛，故园芜已平。烦君最相警，我亦举家清。
To the Cicada
Up in the air it's hard to feed your fill
And complaining would get you nowhere
By dawn your voice is about to break
But the tree is still green and severe
To my lowly jobs I drift like the woodman
While my farm is overgrown with thorn
Do keep watch over me, my friend
My home, too, is clean and forlorn.
贾生
宣室求贤访逐臣，贾生才调更无伦。
可怜夜半虚前席，不问苍生问鬼神！
The Scholar Jia
Talent search brings exiles to the audience hall
About Jia Yi's scholarship none can doubt at all
He held the floor all night, but it's sad to know
He wasnt asked about people, only about gods
筹笔驿
猿鸟犹疑畏简书，风云常为护储胥。
徒令上将挥神笔，终见降王走传车。
管乐有才真不忝，关张无命欲何如。
他年锦里眷裘恚 梁父吟成恨有馀。
The Inspection Post
Monkeys and birds fear to tread, in awe of your command
Winds and clouds gather here to watch over your camp
But the general's wonder pen was pushed all in vain
In the end the captured king boarded the prisoner's van
You had the mind of Guan and Le, no one could ever doubt
But your captains didnt live long, what more can you try?
Once I admired writings on silk shown in your home
Your favorite Liang Fu Lament will always feel the same
九日
曾共山公把酒时 霜天白菊绕阶墀
十年泉下无消息 九日樽前有所思
不学汉臣种苜宿 空郊楚客咏江蓠
郎君官贵施行马 东阁无因再得窥
The Ninth of September
In September I used to drink with the lofty old man
White crysthanthemin around steps under a frosty sky
Ten years into the unknown world without any news
On the Ninth with cup in hand my thoughts do arise
You havnt raised clovers like the Marshal of Han
In vain does the wandering man sing the river lament
The young lord's post is high; he can use road block
No chance would I get again to visit the eastern court
(Note: this rather bitter poem looks uncharacteristic; I have seen an alternative version with just lines 2, 4, 7 and 8, which makes the same point, but mildly and somewhat mockingly which sound more like Li Shangyin - possibly someone else added 4 lines, or he had two versions one public and one kept to himself. Note that line 6 uses the character Chu3 which violates etiquette with respect to Linghu family by uttering the name of Linghu Chu.)
无题（其四）
何处哀筝随急管，樱花永巷垂杨岸。
东家老女嫁不售，白日当天三月半。
溧阳公主年十四，清明暖後同墙看。
归来展转到五更，梁间燕子闻长叹。
Untitled (4th of four)
Where plays the haunting harp, chasing the rushing pipe?
Among Yong Lane cherry blossom, along the willowy shore
The unwanted old maid, living on East side
Under the day's high noon sun, Ides of March
"There goes Princess of Liyang", just fourteen this year
In the midspring warmth together, looking on the wall
When she came home, she was awake till morning
The swallows on the beam could hear her sighing
4. Poems about friendship
宿骆氏亭寄怀崔雍崔衮
竹坞无尘水槛清，相思迢递隔重城。
秋阴不散霜飞晚，留得枯荷听雨声。
Sending Impressions to Chui Yong and Chui Yan While
Staying at Luo Lodge
The bamboo pier dustless, the canal pavillion clean
But my thoughts linger across layers of city walls
The autumn clouds gather, the evening frost falls
Let dry lilly leaves remain, to better hear the rain
月夜重寄
偷桃窃药事难兼，十二城中锁彩蟾。
应共三英同夜赏，玉楼仍是水晶帘
On a Moonlit Night, Sending Again to the Song Huayang Sisters
Stealing elixir or heavenly peach, cant be done again
In the city of twelve walls the rainbow frog is locked
I wish I could view it with the three beauties together
On the jade storey where the curtain o' glass still hangs
(note: the rainbow frog, literally colour frog, is the mythical animal supposedly on the moon; note the connection of "twelve walls" to the "twelve fold rails" of Emerald City, which is plausibly about the same three sisters/taoist priestesses; legends say moon maiden stole her husband's elixir to ascend to heaven; and an attendant of Emperor Wu of Han stole peaches from the West Queen Mother's garden - she also entertained King Mu of Zhou as was mentioned in Paradise - both references to forbidden fruits)
赠宋华阳真人兼寄清都刘先生
沦谪千年别帝宸，至今犹识蕊珠人。
但惊茅许同仙籍，不记刘卢是世亲。
玉检赐书迷凤篆，金华归驾冷龙鳞。
不因杖履逢周史，徐甲何曾有此身
To the Enlightened Person Song of Huayang; also sending to Master Liu of Qingdu
Exiled a thousand years I have been away from heaven
Today I still want to thank the pearl-setting person
Surprised to find Mao and Xu on the same divine list
Didnt realize Liu and Lu were old family friends
Give me letters touched by jade, I see phoenix's charm
Riding home with honours high, dragon's scales are cool
Like Xu Jia I met the master carrying stick and shoes
Without your favours, I would not be the same human
(Note: this reads like a courteous social poem that mandarins pen by the yard, not one with strong feelings and history; I am therefore sceptical of the story that Master Liu rescued Li from trouble over his affair with Song. The one below seems a little less pro forma, but only a little. Taoist Yong enjoying the favours of the three sisters? envy of romantic fortune? probably not)
寄永道士
共上云山独下迟，阳台白道细如丝。
君今并倚三珠树，不记人间落叶时
To the Taoist Yong
Together up the cloudy hill, alone you came down late
The white path to sun plateau is narrow like thread O friend you now lean on the three pearled trees Recall not the shedding season in the earthly realm
忆住一师
无事经年别远公，帝城钟晓忆西峰。
炉烟消尽寒灯晦，童子开门雪满松。
To Monk Teacher
Many quiet years passed since leaving you my master
When bells toll in the capital I think of West Mount
As the cold lamps dimmed and the stove burnt low
The boy opened the door to see the pines under snow
(Note: this seems a much more spirited piece of work, with genuine
fond memories of a bygone time.)
北青萝
残阳西入崦，茅屋访孤僧。落叶人何在？寒云路几层？
独敲初夜磬，闲倚一枝藤。世界微尘里，吾宁爱与憎。
The Northern Qingluo Hill
Going into the temple with the dying western sun
I came to see the lone monk in his humble place
Where is the man with the shedding autumn leaves
How many bends of road up through the chilly mist?
Alone he sounds the bell when early dusk falls
In the idle moments, find him leaning on the ivies
Among the dusty fragments of this world of mine
Neither favour nor dislike need to be on the mind
哭刘司户［艹贲］
路有论冤谪，言皆在中兴。空闻迁贾谊，不待相孙弘。
江阔惟回首，天高但抚膺。去年相送地? 春雪满黄陵。
Mourning Bookkeeper Liu Ben
In the streets people talk about your exile
For your writing about imperial revival
Since then we heard about Jia Yi's many moves
But no promotion of Counsellor Gongsun Xuan
In the broad lands we had much to look back
Under the distant sky can but shrug in regret?
I remember last year where I saw you off
Spring snow now covers all of Yellow Mount
5. Mood poems
登乐游?
向晚意不适，驱车登古原, 夕阳无限好，只是近黄昏。
The Leyou Plateau (which overlooks Imperial Tombs)
With the gloom of evening hour
I drive up the ancient heights
The setting sun is glorious to see
Pity it's so close to the night
锦瑟
锦瑟无端五十弦，一弦一柱思华年。
庄生晓梦迷蝴蝶，望帝春心托杜鹃。
沧海月明珠有泪，蓝田日暖玉生烟。
此情可待成追忆，只是当时已惘然。
The Harp
Why must the silky harp have fifty strings?
Each reminds me of one of life's springs.
In his dream Zhuangzi couldnt tell if he was a butterfly;
Longings of Wangdi live on in the cuckoo bird's cry.
In the Lost Sea moonlight, pearls have mermaids' tears;
Under the Blue Plain warm sun, smoke rises from jade.
Can my feelings be saved for later rememberance?
No, even at the time everything was but a haze.
霜月
初闻征雁已无蝉，百尺楼高水接天。
青女素娥俱耐冷，月中霜里斗婵娟。
Frosty Moonlight
When I hear the marching geese, the cicadas have died
Tower stands hundred feet tall where water meets sky
Green Fairy and Moon Maiden can both stand the cold
In the frost on the moon they compare their charms
(note: the Green Fairy is in charge of frosts)
嫦娥
云母屏风烛影深，长河渐落晓星沈。
嫦娥应悔偷灵药，碧海青天夜夜心。
Moon Maiden
Dark on the mica screen the candle casts a shadow
Gently falls the Milky Way, as the stars sink low
The Moon Maiden surely regrets stealing the elixir
Brooding over sea and sky one night after another
谒山
从来系日乏长绳，水去云回恨不胜。
欲就麻姑买沧海一杯春露冷如冰。
Up the Hill
I wish to hold the sun but lack the long rope
Nothing but regrets as water and clouds float
Trying to buy the Lost Sea I went to see Magu
But she would only give me a cold cup o'spring dew
(note: Magu is the mythical bird-woman who oversaw the transformation of the lost sea into mulberry fields, which reflects the silting that pushes the Yellow River Delta outwards; the poem could mean that the poet's attempt to re-live the past was given the cold shoulder)
忆梅
定定住天涯，依依向物华。寒梅最堪恨，常作去年花。
Thinking of Plum Blossom
Stuck here at the end of the world I often recall the beauties I admire The winter plum annoys me most It stays around as last year's flower
天涯
春日在天涯，天涯日又斜。莺啼如有泪，为湿最高花。
The World's End Another spring day at the world's end
The world's end's sun is seting again
If the nightingales can sing with tears
They will wet flowers on the highest stem
http://www.douban.com/people/aym
Li Shangyin poems in translation
Faithful translation of Li Shangyin's poems is nearly impossible to achieve, but a valiant attempt is made here, to give the reader some feeling about their mystery and fascination. The main features missed in translation are the matching couplets; any ambiguities intended are also lost since only my understanding remains. Historical allusions are less of a problem, but expressions used in translated versions tend to capture just an incomplete idea. Another shortcoming lies in the personality that comes through the poems: whereas the originals express a uniform personality, the translations possess various different tones, in the interest of getting across the meaning accurately; in particular, some of the poems tend to have a more mocking or critical tone than the originals, and few can display the kind of wistfulness that prevails in Li's poems.
1. Poems about Love and Women
无题
昨夜星辰昨夜风；画楼西畔桂堂东。
身无彩凤双飞翼，心有灵犀一点通。
隔座送钩春酒暖，分曹射覆蜡灯红。
嗟余听鼓应官去，走马兰台类转蓬。
Untitled
Last night's bright stars; last night's breeze;
West of the painted tower, east of bay tree hall;
No phoenix wings on my body, to fly away with you;
But our thoughts link by the rhinestone's magic.
Across tables we "passed the hook" with spring wines warm;
Our teams played "guess what" under candle lamps bright.
Pity I have to hear the dawn drum calling me to duty;
And ride between lofty offices like a detached reed
无题 (1st of 4)
来是空言去绝踪，月斜楼上五更钟。
梦为远别啼难唤，书被催成墨未浓。
蜡照半笼金翡翠，麝熏微度绣芙蓉。
刘郎已恨蓬山远，更隔蓬山一万重。
Untitled
Coming is an emtpy word; going is without trace;
The bell tower tolls dawn to the setting moon.
The dream's called far away, not returning at my cries;
I write this letter in haste, and the ink is not dark.
Candles shine on the half canopy with gold kingfishers;
Musk scents the quilt with embroidered lilly flowers.
The young man Liu lamented that Magic Mountain was far;
But a thousand Magic Mountains lie between you and me.
无题 (2nd of 4)
飒飒东风细雨来，芙蓉塘外有轻雷。
金蟾啮锁烧香入，玉虎牵丝汲井回。
贾氏窥帘韩掾少，宓妃留枕魏王才。
春心莫共花争发，一寸相思一寸灰。
Untitled
The east wind whistles; the light rain drizzles;
Beyond the lilly ponds, I hear a faint thunder.
Through the door's golden frog lock, incense smoke can pass;
From the well with the jade tiger cover, the long line lingers.
Through the curtain the Jia maiden peeps at Junior Clerk Han;
Lady Fu leaves her pillow to Prince Wei knowing his talent.
Let not the spring heart bloom with flowers;
For every inch of longing, every inch of dust.
note: this translation assumes the "heavy hearted" interpretation; in the "light hearted" version, the poet visits a courtesan, is warmly received, then advises her not to get too serious about him; though this is plausible, the poem seems to become a less appealing piece of work: e.g., the middle four lines become gaudy descriptions of actual scenes instead of metaphorical representations of feelings overcoming obstacles; it also appears inconsistent with the companion poem above, unless that is given a female, i.e., the courtesan's, voice, which seems wrong in view of the reference to young man Liu)
李商隐《无题》
含情春腕晚，暂见夜阑干． 楼响将灯怯，帘烘欲过难．
多羞钗上燕，真愧镜中鸾． 归去横塘晓，华星送宝鞍．
Untitled (3rd of 4)
Under the spring evening sun, with feelings
I glance at the curfew gate rail
Timidly up the stairs, footsteps sound so loud
Crossing the scent screen, my strengths fail
Your hairpin swallows seem to be mocking me
Before the mirror phoenix, my heart is frail
As I ride home, dawn breaks over the lake
Jewelled saddle under stars bright and pale
(note: the above is the third of a set of four untitled poems, the last being "Where plays the haunting harp..." in Section 3; there seems to be little connection between the first two and the others, besides a general theme of disappointment, though in poem 3 the young man did go up the stairs to see his lover/courtesan, and probably spent the night - perhaps an embarrassed account of sexual initiation rather than rejected courtship. In an alternative version, xiao3 is replaced by wan3 in the second last line, which has the effect of enlarging the disappointment, but it looks wrong as wan3 repeats, and the mention of hairpin and mirror ought to mean the actual presence of the lady with the guy inside her chamber, rather than he leaving in the evening without entering.)
无题
相见时难别亦难，东风无力百花残。
春蚕到死丝方尽，蜡炬成灰泪始干。
晓镜但愁云鬓改，夜吟应觉月光寒。
蓬莱此去无多路，青鸟殷勤为探看。
Untitled
It is hard to meet; it is hard to part;
The east wind is weak, the flowers die.
With the spring silkworm's death, the threads end;
When the candle turns to ash, the teardrops dry.
The morning mirror frowns on my newly cloudy hair;
At night reading poetry, feel the moon's cold stare.
The Magic Mountain is not so far from here;
A busy green bird will keep a careful eye.
春雨
怅卧新春白袷衣，白门寥落意多违。
红楼隔雨相望冷, 珠裼飘灯独自归。
远路应悲春腕晚，残宵犹得梦依稀。
玉珰缄札何由达？万里云罗一雁飞。
Spring Rain
Dejectedly I lie in my white spring robe
The saloon is empty and my thoughts are forlorn
The red house feels cold seeing it through rain
Waterdrops lash my lamp as I return all alone
Spring evenings must be sad on your long journey
In the remains of the night, a broken dream maybe
The jade earing and letter, how to get to you?
Through clouds of thousand miles, a stork is flying
(note: I find it impossible to use the zoologically more accurate "goose" - "gander", "anser", "branta" or "graylag" also would not do; "swan" might do, but seems less satisfactory than "stork": the western image of stork bringing baby works for the chinese image of migrating geese bringing message)
无题二首之一
凤尾香罗薄几重，碧文圆顶夜深缝。
扇裁月魄羞难掩，车走雷声语未通。
曾是寂寥金烬暗，断无消息石榴红。
斑骓只系垂杨岸，何处西南任好风？
Untitled 1
How many layers of scented silk printed with phoenix tail?
Still sewing late at night the round tent cloth top
Crescent of face for me to peep, beside the shading fan
Thundering rumble the carriage made, no words got across
Since when did I wait alone by my flickering lamp?
In vain I look for message sent, now that pomegranet's red
I have my fast spotted horse tied on the willowy bank
To the south or to the west, wherever the good winds send
(note: this translation assumes the male voice; if the female voice is assumed, she laments her lover's not showing up and wonders where he might be enjoying himself; again, plausible but less attractive)
无题二首之二
重帷深下莫愁堂，卧后清宵细细长。
神女生涯允敲危小姑居处本无郎。
风波不信菱枝弱，月露谁教桂叶香,
直道相思了无益，未妨惆怅是清狂。
Untitled 2
Under the thick shades in the All Forget hall
Autumn evening after nap is dreary and long
Legends of the fairy have only been a dream
Where the maiden lives, no man can belong
Wind and wave wouldnt heed lilly branches weak
What scents the bay leaves under the dewy moon?
Straightforward words of love wouldnt do any good
Deep sadness or simple madness - nobody can tell
碧城三首（其一）
碧城十二曲阑干，犀辟尘埃玉辟寒。
阆苑有书多附鹤，女床无树不栖鸾。
星沉海底当窗见，雨过河源隔座看。
若是晓珠明又定。一生长树水精盘。
Emerald City
The rails of Emerald City have twelve curved folds
Rhinestone keeps dust away, jade keeps away the chill
Letters from Fairy World are mostly carried by storks
Each tree has a phoenix bird perching on Pixie Hill
From the window you see stars set to bottom of ocean
Rain falling on the river head, view it from the seat
If 'morrow the morning-pearl would stay here again
All our life face to face be on the crystal tray
为有
为有云屏无限娇，凤城寒尽怕春宵。
无端嫁得金龟婿，辜负香衾事早朝。
Because of
Because of the mica screen, she looks especially nice
Winter ends in windy city, she dreads spring's sunrise
For what reason did she marry, this rising star husband
Deserting the perfumed quilt, to attend morning audience
李商隐《无题》
八岁偷照镜，长眉已能唬 十岁去踏青，芙蓉作裙衩．
十二学弹筝，银甲不曾卸．十四藏六亲，悬知犹未嫁．
十五泣春风，背面秋千下．
Untitled
At eight she peeps at the mirrors
She could do her own long eye brow
At ten she joins the spring picnic
Flowers make trims for her couour
At twelve she learns to play the harp
With silver nails that stay on her fingers
At fourteen she no longer meets menfolks
In limbo, till the time she becomes a bride
At fifteen she weeps to the breeze o'spring
Face turned away, under the garden swing
重过圣女祠
白石岩扉碧藓滋，上清沦谪得归迟。
一春梦雨常飘瓦，尽日灵风不满旗。
萼绿华来无定所，杜兰香去未移时。
玉郎会此通仙籍，忆向天阶问紫芝。
Revisiting Holy Matron Shrine
Fresh green moss grows on the white stone wall
Exiled spirits return here long after their fall
Spring season's dreamy rains often wash the tiles
Whole day's vague breeze doesnt lift flags tall
Green Fairy will come when she feels like to come
Orchid Maid has left till some unknown time
Jade Boy's here to join the list of the divine
He remembers asking heaven for the plant of life
2. Poems criticizing politics and court life
汉宫词
青雀西飞竟未回，君王长在集灵台。
侍臣最有相如渴，不赐金茎露一杯
The Han Palace
The green bird flew west, not been back to report
Long as the Emperor waits in Fairy Arrival Hall
Who's got the biggest thirst? Courtier Sima Xiangru
Why not grant him a cup of the Golden Stem Dew?
隋宫
乘兴南游不戒严，九重谁省谏书函
春风举国裁宫锦，半作障泥半作帆。
The Palace of Sui Dynasty
Touring south in high spirits, no need to post sentry
Back at inner palace, who hears officials' wails?
In the spring breeze, whole country is cutting silk
Half to cover horses; half to make sails
隋宫
紫泉宫殿锁烟霞，欲取芜城作帝家。
玉玺不缘归日角，锦帆应是到天涯。
于今腐草无莹火，终古垂杨有暮鸦。
地下若逢陈後主，岂宜重问後庭花。
Palace of Sui
The purple fountain palace locks in smoke and colour
You wanted the city of ruins as home of the emperor
Had the imperial seal not passed to the new blessed one
Your silk sails would have gone to the edge of world
Today's rotting long grass has no fireflies for light
On the flowing ancient willows perch the dark crows
If down in the Underworld you meet the king of Chen
You'd better not ask him about the Rearcourt Flower Song
隋宫守岁
消息东郊木帝回 宫中行乐有新梅
沉香甲煎为庭燎 玉液鲸露作寿杯
遥望露盘疑是月 近闻鳄鼓欲惊雷
昭阳第一倾城客 不踏金莲不肯来
New Year Eve at the Palace of Sui
News from the east country - the Plant God's here again
In the celebrating Palace, plum trees bloom for spring
Scented sandalwood is burnt to light up the great hall
Heaven Drops and Jade Nectar would do for a happy drink
See the dew dish from far away, it looks like the moon
Crocodile skin drums startle, could be distant thunder
Here's the shattering beauty, lady of Zhaoyang Court
Stepping on golden lillies - only way she would walk
齐宫词
永寿兵来夜不扃，金莲无复印中庭。
梁台歌管三更罢，犹自风摇九子铃。
The Qi Palace
Rebels got to Long Life Hall, found an open door
Steps of golden lilly buds no longer cover the floor
Now the Liang court musicians play to the midnight hour
In the wind the nine ring bell still swings on the tower
瑶池
瑶池阿母绮窗开，黄竹歌声动地哀。
八骏日行三万里，穆王何事不重来。
Paradise Queen
Mother of Paradise keeps her laced window open
While the Yellow Bamboo tune haunts the great plain
The eight horse carriage makes thousand miles a day
But why hasnt King Mu returned to visit again?
钧天
上帝钧天会众灵，昔人因梦到青冥。
伶伦吹裂孤生竹，却为知音不得听
Heaven
The King of Heaven is treating fairies to dinner
By a chance dream, Lord Xiang has gone up there
See that flute player, blow till bamboo cracks
He knows too much music; he does not get to hear
梦泽
梦泽悲风动白茅，楚王葬尽满城娇。
未知歌舞能多少，虚减宫厨为细腰。
Dream Lake
On Dream Lake the sad wind sways the white reeds
King of Chu has killed off the whole town's beauties
Those countless talent good at singing and dance
They all starved themselves to get a thinner waist.
(note: the original fable was from Han Fei Zi "King Ling of Chu likes small waisted women, and in his capital many are hungry"; a later author magnified it to "King of Chu likes small waist, and in his palace many starve"; Li Shangyin further exaggerated it to "every beauty of the town died of starvation")
马嵬二首（其二）
海外徒闻更九州，他生未卜此生休。
空闻虎旅鸣宵柝，无复鸡人报晓筹。
此日六军同驻马，当时七夕笑牵牛。
如何四纪为天子，不及卢家有莫愁？
The Roadstop Where Lady Yang Died
Fairy refuge beyond the seas can be only idle talk
Dont know about another life, in this life she's gone
Sounds of brass bugle and gong are coming from the armies
Roosters and farmers everywhere no longer call out the dawn
On that day the six brigades all refused to march
Do you recall July the Seventh when you mocked the gods?
For so many long seasons you have ruled the realm
You couldnt be sure just to have the bridal bliss of Lu.
富平少候
七国三边未到忧，十三身袭富平候。
不收金弹抛林外，却惜银床在井头。
彩树转灯珠错落，绣檀回枕玉雕锼。
当关不报侵晨客，新得佳人字莫愁。
The Young Lord of Wealth and Peace
Secessions and invasions are not problems for me
At thirteen I succeeded as Lord of Wealth and Peace
Sling shots of brass, leave them out in the woods
Silver pulley atop the well? That seems a bit rich
Spinning lamps hung on trees, casting light like pearls
Embroided quilt with pillow box covered in carved jade
Tell the doorman not let in the surprise morning guest
A pretty maid called No Worry has newly joined my world
北齐二首
一笑相倾国便亡，何劳荆棘始堪伤。
小怜玉体横陈夜，已报周师入晋阳。
Two poems on Northern Qi Dynasty
A smile; a tumble; and down the country goes
No need to see the overgrowth to feel our sorrows
The night Xiaolian curled her jadelike figure
Came report that Zhou army had entered Fort North
巧笑知堪敌万几，倾城最在著戎衣。
晋阳已陷休回顾，更请君王猎一围。
A cute smile is worth a thousand reports
She looks her best in a fighter's outfit
Fort North has already fallen, so why look back
Just let the emperor enjoy his one last hunt
3. Poems about career frustrations
蝉
本以高难饱，徒劳恨费声。五更疏欲断，一树碧无情。
薄宦梗犹泛，故园芜已平。烦君最相警，我亦举家清。
To the Cicada
Up in the air it's hard to feed your fill
And complaining would get you nowhere
By dawn your voice is about to break
But the tree is still green and severe
To my lowly jobs I drift like the woodman
While my farm is overgrown with thorn
Do keep watch over me, my friend
My home, too, is clean and forlorn.
贾生
宣室求贤访逐臣，贾生才调更无伦。
可怜夜半虚前席，不问苍生问鬼神！
The Scholar Jia
Talent search brings exiles to the audience hall
About Jia Yi's scholarship none can doubt at all
He held the floor all night, but it's sad to know
He wasnt asked about people, only about gods
筹笔驿
猿鸟犹疑畏简书，风云常为护储胥。
徒令上将挥神笔，终见降王走传车。
管乐有才真不忝，关张无命欲何如。
他年锦里眷裘恚 梁父吟成恨有馀。
The Inspection Post
Monkeys and birds fear to tread, in awe of your command
Winds and clouds gather here to watch over your camp
But the general's wonder pen was pushed all in vain
In the end the captured king boarded the prisoner's van
You had the mind of Guan and Le, no one could ever doubt
But your captains didnt live long, what more can you try?
Once I admired writings on silk shown in your home
Your favorite Liang Fu Lament will always feel the same
九日
曾共山公把酒时 霜天白菊绕阶墀
十年泉下无消息 九日樽前有所思
不学汉臣种苜宿 空郊楚客咏江蓠
郎君官贵施行马 东阁无因再得窥
The Ninth of September
In September I used to drink with the lofty old man
White crysthanthemin around steps under a frosty sky
Ten years into the unknown world without any news
On the Ninth with cup in hand my thoughts do arise
You havnt raised clovers like the Marshal of Han
In vain does the wandering man sing the river lament
The young lord's post is high; he can use road block
No chance would I get again to visit the eastern court
(Note: this rather bitter poem looks uncharacteristic; I have seen an alternative version with just lines 2, 4, 7 and 8, which makes the same point, but mildly and somewhat mockingly which sound more like Li Shangyin - possibly someone else added 4 lines, or he had two versions one public and one kept to himself. Note that line 6 uses the character Chu3 which violates etiquette with respect to Linghu family by uttering the name of Linghu Chu.)
无题（其四）
何处哀筝随急管，樱花永巷垂杨岸。
东家老女嫁不售，白日当天三月半。
溧阳公主年十四，清明暖後同墙看。
归来展转到五更，梁间燕子闻长叹。
Untitled (4th of four)
Where plays the haunting harp, chasing the rushing pipe?
Among Yong Lane cherry blossom, along the willowy shore
The unwanted old maid, living on East side
Under the day's high noon sun, Ides of March
"There goes Princess of Liyang", just fourteen this year
In the midspring warmth together, looking on the wall
When she came home, she was awake till morning
The swallows on the beam could hear her sighing
4. Poems about friendship
宿骆氏亭寄怀崔雍崔衮
竹坞无尘水槛清，相思迢递隔重城。
秋阴不散霜飞晚，留得枯荷听雨声。
Sending Impressions to Chui Yong and Chui Yan While
Staying at Luo Lodge
The bamboo pier dustless, the canal pavillion clean
But my thoughts linger across layers of city walls
The autumn clouds gather, the evening frost falls
Let dry lilly leaves remain, to better hear the rain
月夜重寄
偷桃窃药事难兼，十二城中锁彩蟾。
应共三英同夜赏，玉楼仍是水晶帘
On a Moonlit Night, Sending Again to the Song Huayang Sisters
Stealing elixir or heavenly peach, cant be done again
In the city of twelve walls the rainbow frog is locked
I wish I could view it with the three beauties together
On the jade storey where the curtain o' glass still hangs
(note: the rainbow frog, literally colour frog, is the mythical animal supposedly on the moon; note the connection of "twelve walls" to the "twelve fold rails" of Emerald City, which is plausibly about the same three sisters/taoist priestesses; legends say moon maiden stole her husband's elixir to ascend to heaven; and an attendant of Emperor Wu of Han stole peaches from the West Queen Mother's garden - she also entertained King Mu of Zhou as was mentioned in Paradise - both references to forbidden fruits)
赠宋华阳真人兼寄清都刘先生
沦谪千年别帝宸，至今犹识蕊珠人。
但惊茅许同仙籍，不记刘卢是世亲。
玉检赐书迷凤篆，金华归驾冷龙鳞。
不因杖履逢周史，徐甲何曾有此身
To the Enlightened Person Song of Huayang; also sending to Master Liu of Qingdu
Exiled a thousand years I have been away from heaven
Today I still want to thank the pearl-setting person
Surprised to find Mao and Xu on the same divine list
Didnt realize Liu and Lu were old family friends
Give me letters touched by jade, I see phoenix's charm
Riding home with honours high, dragon's scales are cool
Like Xu Jia I met the master carrying stick and shoes
Without your favours, I would not be the same human
(Note: this reads like a courteous social poem that mandarins pen by the yard, not one with strong feelings and history; I am therefore sceptical of the story that Master Liu rescued Li from trouble over his affair with Song. The one below seems a little less pro forma, but only a little. Taoist Yong enjoying the favours of the three sisters? envy of romantic fortune? probably not)
寄永道士
共上云山独下迟，阳台白道细如丝。
君今并倚三珠树，不记人间落叶时
To the Taoist Yong
Together up the cloudy hill, alone you came down late
The white path to sun plateau is narrow like thread O friend you now lean on the three pearled trees Recall not the shedding season in the earthly realm
忆住一师
无事经年别远公，帝城钟晓忆西峰。
炉烟消尽寒灯晦，童子开门雪满松。
To Monk Teacher
Many quiet years passed since leaving you my master
When bells toll in the capital I think of West Mount
As the cold lamps dimmed and the stove burnt low
The boy opened the door to see the pines under snow
(Note: this seems a much more spirited piece of work, with genuine
fond memories of a bygone time.)
北青萝
残阳西入崦，茅屋访孤僧。落叶人何在？寒云路几层？
独敲初夜磬，闲倚一枝藤。世界微尘里，吾宁爱与憎。
The Northern Qingluo Hill
Going into the temple with the dying western sun
I came to see the lone monk in his humble place
Where is the man with the shedding autumn leaves
How many bends of road up through the chilly mist?
Alone he sounds the bell when early dusk falls
In the idle moments, find him leaning on the ivies
Among the dusty fragments of this world of mine
Neither favour nor dislike need to be on the mind
哭刘司户［艹贲］
路有论冤谪，言皆在中兴。空闻迁贾谊，不待相孙弘。
江阔惟回首，天高但抚膺。去年相送地? 春雪满黄陵。
Mourning Bookkeeper Liu Ben
In the streets people talk about your exile
For your writing about imperial revival
Since then we heard about Jia Yi's many moves
But no promotion of Counsellor Gongsun Xuan
In the broad lands we had much to look back
Under the distant sky can but shrug in regret?
I remember last year where I saw you off
Spring snow now covers all of Yellow Mount
5. Mood poems
登乐游?
向晚意不适，驱车登古原, 夕阳无限好，只是近黄昏。
The Leyou Plateau (which overlooks Imperial Tombs)
With the gloom of evening hour
I drive up the ancient heights
The setting sun is glorious to see
Pity it's so close to the night
锦瑟
锦瑟无端五十弦，一弦一柱思华年。
庄生晓梦迷蝴蝶，望帝春心托杜鹃。
沧海月明珠有泪，蓝田日暖玉生烟。
此情可待成追忆，只是当时已惘然。
The Harp
Why must the silky harp have fifty strings?
Each reminds me of one of life's springs.
In his dream Zhuangzi couldnt tell if he was a butterfly;
Longings of Wangdi live on in the cuckoo bird's cry.
In the Lost Sea moonlight, pearls have mermaids' tears;
Under the Blue Plain warm sun, smoke rises from jade.
Can my feelings be saved for later rememberance?
No, even at the time everything was but a haze.
霜月
初闻征雁已无蝉，百尺楼高水接天。
青女素娥俱耐冷，月中霜里斗婵娟。
Frosty Moonlight
When I hear the marching geese, the cicadas have died
Tower stands hundred feet tall where water meets sky
Green Fairy and Moon Maiden can both stand the cold
In the frost on the moon they compare their charms
(note: the Green Fairy is in charge of frosts)
嫦娥
云母屏风烛影深，长河渐落晓星沈。
嫦娥应悔偷灵药，碧海青天夜夜心。
Moon Maiden
Dark on the mica screen the candle casts a shadow
Gently falls the Milky Way, as the stars sink low
The Moon Maiden surely regrets stealing the elixir
Brooding over sea and sky one night after another
谒山
从来系日乏长绳，水去云回恨不胜。
欲就麻姑买沧海一杯春露冷如冰。
Up the Hill
I wish to hold the sun but lack the long rope
Nothing but regrets as water and clouds float
Trying to buy the Lost Sea I went to see Magu
But she would only give me a cold cup o'spring dew
(note: Magu is the mythical bird-woman who oversaw the transformation of the lost sea into mulberry fields, which reflects the silting that pushes the Yellow River Delta outwards; the poem could mean that the poet's attempt to re-live the past was given the cold shoulder)
忆梅
定定住天涯，依依向物华。寒梅最堪恨，常作去年花。
Thinking of Plum Blossom
Stuck here at the end of the world I often recall the beauties I admire The winter plum annoys me most It stays around as last year's flower
天涯
春日在天涯，天涯日又斜。莺啼如有泪，为湿最高花。
The World's End Another spring day at the world's end
The world's end's sun is seting again
If the nightingales can sing with tears
They will wet flowers on the highest stem
