乐府

Folk-song-styled-verse

李白

Li Bai

子夜四时歌 夏歌

BALLADS OF FOUR SEASONS: SUMMER

镜湖三百里,

On Mirror Lake outspread for miles and miles,

菡萏发荷花。

The lotus lilies in full blossom teem.

五月西施采,

In fifth moon Xi Shi gathers them with smiles,

人看隘若耶。

Watchers o'erwhelm the bank of Yuoye Stream.

回舟不待月,

Her boat turns back without waiting moonrise

归去越王家。

To yoyal house amid amorous sighs.