Xin Qiji 辛棄疾

1180s

When I was young I did not know the taste of sorrow, and loved to climb the high tower. I loved to climb the high tower, and to make a new song I forced myself to speak of sorrow. Now I know the taste of sorrow to the full, and start to speak and stop. I start to speak and stop, and say instead: "A cool day. What a fine autumn."

少年不識愁滋味，愛上層樓。愛上層樓，爲賦新詞強說愁。 而今識盡愁滋味，欲說還休。欲說還休，卻道天涼好箇秋。

To the tune "The Ugly Slave": written on a wall on the road to Boshan

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late 12th century

Last night I fell down drunk beside the pine and asked the pine, "How drunk am I?" I thought the pine was moving to come and hold me up, so I pushed it with my hand and said, "Go away!"

昨夜松邊醉倒，問松我醉何如。 只疑松動要來扶，以手推松曰去。

To the tune "West River Moon": letting my feelings out

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late 12th century

Cup, come here. This morning your old master looked his body over. For years I have been thirsty, my throat like a scorched pot; now I only want to sleep, and my breath comes like thunder.

杯汝來前，老子今朝，點檢形骸。 甚長年抱渴，咽如焦釜，於今喜睡，氣似奔雷。

To the tune "Spring in the Garden of Qin": resolving to give up drink, I warn the wine cup to keep away

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late 12th century

Here is my word to you: do not linger, be gone at once. I still have strength enough to smash you. The cup bowed twice and said, "Wave me away and I go. Call me and I must come."

與汝成言，勿留亟退，吾力猶能肆汝杯。 杯再拜，道麾之即去，招則須來。

To the tune "Spring in the Garden of Qin": resolving to give up drink, I warn the wine cup to keep away; the closing lines

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