Ruan Lang Returns: Treading the Green at Mid-Spring in the South Garden

In the southern garden at mid-spring we go for a spring outing; the wind is mild and we hear horses neigh. Green plums like beans, willows like painted brows; the days are long and butterflies are flying.

Heavy lies the dew on the flowers, low hangs the mist on the grass; the curtains of the houses are drawn. Weary after swinging, she loosens her silken gown, and paired swallows come home to the painted hall.