中秋特别节目｜歪果仁为你读英文版《水调歌头》 Prelude to Water Melody

Preludeto Water Melody

                       Translatedby Xu Yuanchong

How long will thefull moon appear?

Wine cup in hand, Iask the sky.

I do not know whattime of the year

’Twould be tonight inthe palace on high.

Riding the wind,there I would fly,

Yet I’m afraid the crystallinepalace would be

Too high and cold forme.

I rise and dance,with my shadow I play.

On high as on earth,would it be as gay?

The moon goes roundthe mansions red

Through gauze-drapedwindow soft to shed

Her light upon thesleepless bed.

Why then when peoplepart, is the oft full and bright?

Men have sorrow andjoy; they part or meet again;

The moon is bright ordim and she may wax or wane.

There has beennothing perfect since the olden days.

So let us wish thatman

Will live long as hecan!

Though miles apart,we’ll share the beauty she displays.