Reading The Book of Mountains and Seas
读《山海经》十三首
I
In early summer, grass and trees grow tall，
With profuse foliage sheltering the hall.
The flocks of birds have fondest place to rest
While I love my cosy house the best.
When I have ploughed the field and sown the seed,
I，now and then，find time to write and read.
There are no deep ruts in the humble lane,
Where carriages will turn away with disdain.
Alone I taste the new spring wine in leisure
And pluck my garden vegetables with pleasure.
When gentle showers from the east draw near.
Then now a pleasant breeze approaches here.
On such occasions, I leaf through King of Zhou,
And Maps of Hills and Seas of long ago.
Since I can tour the whole world at a glance,
What can be better pastime than this chance?
其一
孟夏草木长，绕屋树扶疏。
众鸟欣有托，吾亦爱吾庐。
既耕亦已种，时还读我书。
穷巷隔深辙，颇回故人车。
欢言酌春酒，摘我园中蔬。
微雨从东来，好风与之俱。
泛览《周王传》，流观《山海图》。
俯仰终宇宙，不乐复何如。
II
In terrace on Jade Hill with clouds abreast
Lives beautiful Queen Mother of the West.
She is as old as Heaven and the earth;
Millenniums have passed ever since her birth.
She alters her ethereal shapes at will,
With residences from hill to hill.
In the royal feast she sang new airs,
New airs without the slightest worldly cares.
其二
玉台凌霞秀，王母怡妙颜。
天地共俱生，不知几何年。
灵化无穷已，馆宇非一山。
高酣发新谣，宁效俗中言！
III
The Huaijiang Peak，high above the skies,
Is where the old imperial garden lies.
To the southwest it faces Mount Kunlun,
In brilliance without comparison.
Tall rise the trees on which the jade fruits glow
While clear waters of Yao River flow.
How I envy you，renowned King Mu!
Oh that I ride across the sky with you!
其三
迢迢槐江岭，是为玄圃丘。
西南望崑墟，光气难与俦。
亭亭明玕照，洛洛清淫流。
恨不及周穆，托乘一来游。
IV
Where in the world grows the scarlet tree?
On the southern slope of Mi Hill you can see.
Its yellow blooms and crimson fruits
Can serve as food and strengthen your life roots
White jade is formed from the pearly flow
While gems emit a singular glow.
Of their worth I’m not the first to know 一
The ancient kings admired them long ago.
其四
丹木生何许？迺在峚山阳。
黄花复朱实，食之寿命长。
白玉凝素液，瑾瑜发奇光。
岂伊君子宝，见重我轩黄。
V
The three-legged bird soars in all the weathers,
Displaying its lovely alien feathers.
On errands for Queen Mother in the morning,
It goes back to Sanwei Hill in the evening.
I’d like to ask a favour from the bird
To send Queen Mother my impassioned word:
“In this world I have but few real needs — L
ongevity and wine are what I heed.”
其五
翩翩三青鸟，毛色奇可怜。
朝为王母使，暮归三危山。
我欲因此鸟，具向王母言∶
在世无所须，惟酒与长年。
VI
On Wugao Mountain I have roamed carefree
Looking upward at the Mighty Tree.
Its copious branches spread a million feet
And shade the sunny valley like a sheet.
The Goddess waits beside the magic lake,
To bathe the sun each morning at daybreak.
When the sacred sun ascends the sky,
It drives away the darkness far and nigh.
其六
逍遥芜皋上，杳然望扶木。
洪柯百万寻，森散复旸谷。
灵人侍丹池，朝朝为日浴。
神景一登天，何幽不见烛。