英译：秦中吟（十首）议婚

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秦中吟（十首）议婚

Ode To Chang'an (Ten Poems) Discussion of Marriage

白居易（Bai Juyi 772 - 846）

贞元、元和之际，予在长安，闻见之间，有足悲者。

因直歌其事，命为《秦中吟》。

Between 785 to 806 BC, We are in Chang'an.

What is heard and seen, there are several things to be sad about us.

So we directly sang the things, then titled "Ode To Chang'an".

天下无正声，悦耳即为娱。

There is no unadulterated ancient music in the world.

As long as it sounds pleasantly and let you fell happy.

人间无正色，悦目即为姝。

If there is no unrivaled stunner in the mundane world.

As long as you think she beautiful and this is a woman.

颜色非相远，贫富则有殊。

There is not much difference in appearance and feature.

But there are differences is in the poor and rich families.

贫为时所弃，富为时所趋。

When you are poor, you will be disliked by the each other.

When you are rich, you will walk together and smoothly.

红楼富家女，金缕绣罗襦。

An rich young maid is living in the gorgeous inner palace.

She embroidered and making gowns with the gold thread.

见人不敛手，娇痴二八初。

As someone is coming and she did not to restrain oneself.

She was so petite and helpless just now sixteen years old.

母兄未开口，已嫁不须臾。

Her parents have not discussed the anything yet.

She got married very soon and they understood.

绿窗贫家女，寂寞二十余。

An poor young maid is living in the humble hut.

She is already in her twenties and look so lonely.

荆钗不值钱，衣上无真珠。

The worthless hairpin was placed on her head.

And the clothes she wore and no pretty pearls.

几回人欲聘，临日又踟蹰。

Several times they want to present betrothal gifts.

But when the day is coming, she hesitantly again.

主人会良媒，置酒满玉壶。

Only the great master can meet the matchmaker.

In the banquet he pour the wine into the jade jug.

四座且勿饮，听我歌两途。

For guests in banquet, please do not drink in this time.

Listen to the master singing and discuss the two things.

富家女易嫁，嫁早轻其夫。

You can know the rich maid, and get married easily.

But married early will look down upon the husband.

贫家女难嫁，嫁晚孝于姑。

An daughter from a poor family, is hard to get married.

If married late she should be kind and filial to her aunt.

闻君欲娶妇，娶妇意何如。

They heard about your family is going to get married.

You don't know what the meaning of your marriage is.