玉樓春

Spring in Jade Pavilion

宋祁

By Song Qi

東城漸覺風(fēng)光好，

The Scenery is getting fine east of the town;

縠皺波紋迎客棹。

The rippling water greets boats rowing up and down.

綠楊煙外曉寒輕，

Beyond green willows morning chill is growing mild;

紅杏枝頭春意鬧。

On pink apricot branches spring is running wild.

浮生長(zhǎng)恨歡娛少，

In our floating life scarce are pleasures we seek after.

肯愛千金輕一笑。

How can we value gold above a hearty laughter?

為君持酒勸斜陽(yáng)，

I raise wine cup to ask the slanting sun to stay

且向花間留晚照。

And leave among the flowers its departing ray.