Song of the Princess of Wu

Ji Ziyu

 

Could one climb a tree to catch fish?

Which are known in th’ river to stay?

Isn’t it a whimsical act

To net a bird that’s far away?

But oh, I firmly sought your love,

And ’bout rumor I didn’t care.

When my sweet dream was cruelly crush’d,

My life was consum’d by despair.

When my fate went athwart my will,

’Tis no use crying o’er the spill!

Among all the species of fowls,

The phoenix is known as the Queen.

Once she loses her dear helpmate,

Her love for him will remain keen.

Though many are the pleasant birds,

None could e’er catch her eye as dear.

Likewise I show my appearance

As soon as to me you come near.

Though th’ two worlds have torn us apart,

I’ll always love you from the heart!