五言古诗

Five-character-ancient-verse

张九龄

Zhang Jiuling

感遇其二

ORCHID AND ORANGE I

兰叶春葳蕤,

Tender orchid-leaves in spring

桂华秋皎洁;

And cinnamon- blossoms bright in autumn

欣欣此生意,

Are as self- contained as life is,

自尔为佳节。

Which conforms them to the seasons.

谁知林栖者?

Yet why will you think that a forest-hermit,

闻风坐相悦,

Allured by sweet winds and contented with beauty,

草木有本心,

Would no more ask to-be transplanted

何求美人折?

THan Would any other natural flower?