Ballads of a Merchant’s Wife（I）

My forehead covered by my hair cut straight,

I played with flowers plucked before the gate.

On a hobbyhorse you came upon the scene,

Around the well we played with mumes still green.

We lived close neighbors on riverside lane.

Carefree and innocent, we children twain.

I was fourteen when I became your bride;

I’d often turn my bashful face aside.

Hanging my head, I’d look towards the wall;

A thousand times I’d not answer your call.

I was fifteen when I composed my brows,

To mix my dust with yours were my dear vows.

Rather than break faith, you declared you’d die.

Who knew I’d live alone in a tower high?

I was sixteen when you went far away,

Passing Three Canyons studded with rocks grey,

Where ships were wrecked when spring flood ran high,

Where gibbons’ wails seemed coming from the sky.

Green moss now overgrows before our door;

Your footprints, hidden, can be seen no more.

Moss can’t be swept away: so thick it grows,

And leaves fall early when the west wind blows.

The yellow butterflies in autumn pass

Two by two o’er our western garden grass.

This sight would break my heart, and I’m afraid,

Sitting alone, my rosy cheeks would fade.

Sooner or later, you’ll leave the western land.

Do not forget to let me know beforehand.

I’ll walk to meet you and not call it far

To go to Long Wind Sands or where you are.