乐府

Folk-song-styled-verse

李白

Li Bai

子夜四时歌 冬歌

BALLADS OF FOUR SEASONS: WINTER

明朝驿使发,

The courier will depart next day, she's told.

一夜絮征袍。

She sews a warrior's gown all night.

素手抽针冷,

Her fingers feel the needle cold.

那堪把剪刀。

How can she hold the scissors tight?

裁缝寄远道,

The work is done, she sends it far away.

几日到临洮。

When will it reach the town where warriors stay?