“The days and months hurried on, never delaying;
Springs and Autumns sped by in endless alternation:
And I thought how the trees and flowers were fading and falling.
And feared that my fairest beauty would fade too.”
Excerpt from “Li Sao” by Qu Yuan.
This afternoon I’m reading a poem written by Qu Yuan (b.c. 335? – 296?). The title: 离骚 (Li Sao), David Hawkes’ translation is “On Encountering Trouble”. It’s easier to understand it as a grumbling poem. An elegant and beautiful poem that contains myths, history, birds and beasts, dreams, patriotism ….
The Chinese book on the left is the explanation in modern Chinese. The original classical Chinese is written along with the English translation. Follow the blue colour.
日月忽其不淹兮，春与秋其代序。
惟草木之零落兮，恐美人之迟暮。
节选屈原 ［离骚］