张九龄: 感遇（其一）/ zhang jiuling: orchid and orange i

感遇（其一）

张九龄

兰叶春葳蕤， 桂华秋皎洁。
欣欣此生意， 自尔为佳节。

谁知林栖者， 闻风坐相悦。
草木有本心， 何求美人折。

　

orchid and orange i

zhang jiuling

tender orchid-leaves in spring

and cinnamon- blossoms bright in autumn

are as self- contained as life is,

which conforms them to the seasons.

yet why will you think that a forest-hermit,

allured by sweet winds and contented with beauty,

would no more ask to-be transplanted

than would any other natural flower?