English中文
Remembering Jiangnan: The Mud-Carrying Swallow
衔泥燕，
飞到画堂前。
占得杏梁安稳处，
体轻唯有主人怜，
堪羡好因缘。
Swallows carrying mud, flying to the front of the painted hall. They have taken a safe place upon the apricot beam; so light of body, and only the householder cherishes them — enviable indeed, a happy match.
Reading notes
This page retains the workbook’s tune title Yijiangnan. The Huajian Collection calls it Meng Jiangnan and writes 惟有 where this text has 唯有. 主人 means the owner of the house where the swallows nest; the poem does not specify the owner’s gender. Their secure shelter and the owner’s affection lead to the closing wish for a fortunate bond.