Listen to this article东城高且长
无名氏
东城高且长，逶迤[1]自相属。
回风[2]动地起，秋草萋已绿。
四时更[3]变化，岁暮一何速！
晨风[4]怀苦心，蟋蟀伤局促[5]。
荡涤放情志，何为自结束？
燕赵多佳人，美者颜如玉。
被服罗裳衣，当户理清曲。
音响一何悲！弦急知柱促。
驰情整中带，沉吟聊踯躅。
思为双飞燕，衔泥巢君屋。
注释：
[1] 逶迤：曲折而绵长的样子。
[2] 回风：空旷地方自下吹起的旋风。
[3] 更：替，指互相更替变化。
[4] 晨风：鸟名，是一种健飞的鸟。
[5] 此句指秋意已深的时候，而蟋蟀的生命也就垂垂向尽了。隐喻人生短暂。
The Eastern Wall Stands Long and High
Anonymous
The eastern wall stands long and high;
It girds the town from end to end.
The autumn wind sweeps far and nigh;
The withered grass and green grass bend.
How fast the seasons change and part!
How soon comes the end of the year!
The pheasants cry with bitter heart;
The crickets’ chirp would hasten tears.
Wash grief away from its deep root!
Why should you bind your hand and foot!
In northern land are beauties we desire;
The fairest has a face as fine as jade.
Behold! she is dressed in silken attire;
Listen! before the window music’s played.
Why is the melody so sad and drear?
The peg has tightened and quickened the string.
Amorous, with loose girdle she comes near;
But she still hesitates while loitering.
“Could we be a pair of swallows in flight,
I would peck clods in your nest with delight.”
