So-fei gathering Flowers
Charles Budd translation
BY WANG CHANG-LING
In a dress of gauzy fabric Of the 'Lien' leaf's emerald hue So-fei glides amongst the lilies Sprinkled with the morning dew. Rose-hued are the lotus-blossoms, Rose-hued, too, the maiden's cheeks; Is it So-fei's form I follow, Or the flowers she seeks? Now I hear a song arising From the lotus bowers, Which distinguishes the maiden From her sister flowers.