The River Lord
Qu Yuan
The nine rivers and the broad view
Move from wind and waves into an open prospect.
A splendid water carriage leads to Kunlun's outlook, then sunset and distant palaces bring longing.
与女游兮九河，冲风起兮横波。
I journey with you through the nine rivers; a fierce wind rises and waves leap up.
乘水车兮荷盖，驾两龙兮骖螭。
We ride a water carriage beneath a lotus canopy, drawn by two dragons with chí dragons alongside.
登昆仑兮四望，心飞扬兮浩荡。
Climbing Kunlun, I look in every direction; my heart soars through the boundless view.
日将暮兮怅忘归，惟极浦兮寤怀。
The sun is setting; in longing I forget to return and ponder my feelings on the distant shore.
鱼鳞屋兮龙堂，紫贝阙兮朱宫。
Fish-scale roofs and dragon halls, purple-shell gateways and vermilion palaces surround us.
The pleasure of a broad view meets sunset immediately, bringing loss within the splendour.