Paragraph 6

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“The sunset is magnificent - but dusk is near.”

夕陽無限好，只是近黃昏。

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全文:

李商隱·登樂遊原

 

向晚意不適，

驅車登古原。

夕陽無限好，

只是近黃昏。

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Full text:

Deng le you yuan - LI Shang Yin

​

Feeling restless in the evening,

Towards the ancient plateau a carriage I steer.

The sunset is magnificent --

But dusk is near. 

​

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Paragraph 18

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“From now on, I would vanish from sight, among waters on my boat bobbing for the rest of my life.”

小舟從此逝，江海寄餘生。

 

全文:

臨江仙·夜飲東坡醒復醉

 

夜飲東坡醒復醉，歸來彷彿三更。家童鼻息已雷鳴。敲門都不應，倚杖聽江聲。

長恨此身非我有，何時忘卻營營。夜闌風靜縠紋平。小舟從此逝，江海寄餘生。

 

Full text:

Lin Jiang Xian - Su Shi

 

Boozing at night, Dongpo* surfaced and sank again,

Got back around the third watch like.

The house boy was snoring thunders,

And not answering my knocks.

I leaned on my staff and listened to the river.

 

Long unhappy about this body not being mine.

When will this hustle and bustle be out of mind?

Night deep, wind calm and ripples stilled,

This tiny boat will hereafter vanish

Into rivers and seas for life.

 

*Dongpo: Su Shi’s literary name.

 

Translated by Charles Jen