LI Yu – Lyrics to the Melody of Congratulations to the Groom
From the gold burner scatter twirls of smoke in seal *,
Deep in a hangover I am, in the shade is the courtyard in the afternoon,
The hall is quiet and undisturbed.
Where are those noblemen in search of fragrant verdure?
There are only willow catkins drifting over the paths.
On a jade pillow, slowly I sober become,
Beyond the screen scatter the remains of blossoms after spring has passed,
Steeped in tedium, I'm weak and weary from the wine I drank.
Messy is my hair, though for now I don't feel like combing it.
I shall not dwell on what happened in the Yangtze's south,
I've travelled from place to place in search of his whereabouts,
Unfortunately stray wild geese cannot be entrusted with assignments.
On the balustrade of the west chamber I lean under the moonlight,
Still not yet decided is his return date.
I'm afraid maybe it's like a message in a bottle that has sunken into a well,
Maybe his horse will not come and the silver candle holder shall in the dark remain,
Yet here I am pacing under the phoenix tree in vain.
Who have I to at my side as I a pretty phoenix mirror face?