The Lady of the Xiang
Qu Yuan
Autumn wind and waiting
Leaves fall on Dongting while the gaze remains far away.
An evening appointment and distant watching surround a meeting still uncertain; misplaced creatures deepen unease.
帝子降兮北渚，目眇眇兮愁予。
The emperor's daughter descends upon the northern island; my searching gaze grows dim with sorrow.
袅袅兮秋风，洞庭波兮木叶下。
The autumn wind blows softly; waves rise on Dongting, and leaves fall from the trees.
登白薠兮骋望，与佳期兮夕张。
I climb where white fán grows and gaze afar, hoping to meet the beloved at dusk.
鸟何萃兮苹中，罾何为兮木上？
Why do birds gather among the water plants? Why does a fishing net hang in a tree?
沅有茝兮澧有兰，思公子兮未敢言。
Fragrant zhǐ grows beside the Yuan, lan beside the Li; I think of you but dare not speak.
荒忽兮远望，观流水兮潺湲。
Lost in a distant gaze, I watch the water flow and murmur.
麋何食兮庭中，蛟何为兮水裔。
Why does the deer feed in the courtyard? Why has the water dragon come to the shore?
朝驰余马兮江皋，夕济兮西澨。
At dawn I ride along the riverbank; at dusk I cross to the western shore.
闻佳人兮召余，将腾驾兮偕逝。
Hearing that the beloved calls me, I would lift my chariot and depart together.
The unsaid longing, falling leaves and displaced creatures intensify an encounter that cannot yet be assured.