行香子·北望平川To the wild north we go

To the wild north we go

(Upon returning late with Governor Liu from Mt South)

 --to the tune of Xingxiangzi

written by Su Shi (11th AC, social name 'Dongpo')

En. trans. by Julia Min (Jun.2025)

To the wild north we go,

galloping on shallow ripples,

winding streams, ponds and pools,

for a feast of early spring views.

With wine came many  toasts.

Cheers of joy went over the moon.

Long sleeves dance in the breeze.

Subtle scent swirls the hair loops.

On flying geese the sunset softly glows.

Soon the crystal sky reclaims quietude.

Home we go, but one stays behind, alone,

Watching us cross a bridge for a light pool.

For Appreciation:

This is a spontaneous piece of composition written right after a delightful trip on December 7, 1084, during the Shenzong era of the Song Dynasty. At that time, Su Shi and Liu Shiyan, the governor of Sizhou on Huainan East Road, visited Xuyi’s Mount South together and composed this poem upon their return in the twilight.

The opening lines refresh the readership with light, breezy vibes of a first spring outing, set against a network of water landscapes in a suburban scene. The joyful mood of two friends searching for beauty in spring is vividly captured. They probably stayed for lunch and entertainment at a pavilion nestled on Mount South. It was normal in the Song period to bring servants and entertainers along for a governor’s trip. As wine was served with singing and dancing, their laughter echoed through the white clouds - a harmonious scene between people and nature.

The last stanza depicts a man who enjoys solitude after a busy day, yet still focuses on the returning procession through the long bridge towards the floodlit town – a perfect conclusion to a lovely day with a playful touch of evocative imagination.

行香子·北望平川 

(与泗守过南山晚归作)

原作: 苏轼（字子瞻, 号东坡居士; 11世纪北宋）

英译及赏析: 闵晓红(2025)

北望平川，野水荒湾。

共寻春、飞步孱颜。

和风弄袖，香雾萦鬟。

正酒酣时，人语笑，白云间。

飞鸿落照，相将归去。

淡娟娟、玉宇清闲。

何人无事，宴坐空山。

望长桥上，灯火乱，使君还。

Reference:

1. baike.baidu.com

2. picture from google

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