(68) The Western Gate Of Suzhou
阊门即事
Tang Yin (1223-1275)
唐寅
The capital of Wu is earthly paradise;
世间乐土是吴中，
As Western Gate nowhere's so prosperous and nice.
中有阊门更擅雄。
Three thousand green-sleeved beauties upstair and downstair;
翠袖三千楼上下，
A million gold coins spent east or west, here and there.
黄金百万水西东。
From dawn to dusk the market uproar runs e'er high;
五更市买何曾绝？
People speak different dialects from far and nigh.
四远方言总不同。
If a painter is told to draw in black and white,
若使画师描作画，
Of this magnificent picture he can't make light.
画师应道画难工。