鹊桥仙
秦观
纤云弄巧，
飞星传恨，
银汉迢迢暗渡。
金风玉露一相逢，
便胜却人间无数。
柔情似水，
佳期如梦，
忍顾鹊桥归路。
两情若是久长时，
又岂在朝朝暮暮。
Queqiaoxian
Qin Guan
Clouds have their peculiar flair and skill;
They can change their size and shape, as they will.
Stars have qualities more wonderful still;
The hopes of their fellows, they can fulfill,
In those celestial regions, high above,
As links for one star to approach her love,
They help “Lassie” to cross the Milky Way,
To see her “Laddie” once a year, this day.
Their love is like heavenly dew for gods to drink.
To the human level, it would never sink.
One rendezvous between them is of more worth –
Than countless such as we have on this, our earth.
Their love is constant, as water is, in its flow.
Their lover’s meeting is short, as sweet dreams go.
How she bears the sight of Magpie Bridge without a tear,
Which Marks their separation for another year!
Since their affection is something that endure,
Must they bill and coo as daily renewer?
（徐忠杰译）
Immortal at Magpie Bridge
Qin Guan
Fine clouds float easy and free,
Shooting stars shine with sorrow.
They enjoy a secret date once a year over the far-off Milky Way.
As fall wind hugs the chill dew,
They outshine all worldly dates.
Their tender love flows like a stream,
Their nice date is but a fancy dream.
How can they bear to go each one’s way homeward?
If the love for each other goes on as ever,
Why need they stay together day and night?
（黄新渠译）
P’u – Ch’ü Ch’iao Hsien
(To the tune-title ‘Immortals of the Magpie Bridge’)
The Weaver-Girl and the Herd-Boy
Ch’in Kuan
As lovely clouds contrive new patterns
These flying stars fulfil their yearnings,
In darkness crossing the distant gulf of the Milky Way.
What though they only meet in the Golden Wind and the Pearly Dew?
They are happier far than the countless people living on earth.
Her gentle heart is soft as water,
The blissful hours flow like a dream.
Of the journey back by the Magpie Bridge can they bear a thought?
When feelings stir in the hearts of lovers deeper than time’s abyss
Does it matter how seldom they meet?
（Alan Ayling & Duncan Mackintosh 译）
Tune: Queqiaoxian
Qin Guan
Clouds float like works of art,
Stars bring the grief of love.
Across the Milky Way, the Cowherd meets the Maid.
When the golden autumn’s wind encounters with dew of jade,
Their meeting is better than many times on earth.
Their tender love flows like a stream,
Their happy date seems as sweet dreams.
How she bears the sight of Magpie Bridge without a tear!
If the affection on both sides can endure,
Why need they stay together night and day?
（毛小雨译）
