English中文
An Early-Summer Visit to Zhang’s Garden
乳鸭池塘水浅深
Ducklings swim where the pond is deep and shallow;
熟梅天气半阴晴
In plum-ripening weather, half cloudy, half clear.
东园载酒西园醉
We carry wine east and drink in the western garden,
摘尽枇杷一树金
Picking golden loquats from a tree laden with fruit.
Meaning
Ducklings swim in a pond of varying depth under a partly cloudy early-summer sky. The garden is rich with ripe golden loquats. Focus with children on the birds, weather and fruit rather than the adults' wine.
About the poet
Dai Fugu was a Song poet. Ducklings, changeable skies and ripe fruit fill this garden.