Reply to Chamberlain Guo
English translation and interpretation are being reviewed.
桃李阴阴柳絮飞。
禁里疏钟官舍晚，
省中啼鸟吏人稀。
晨摇玉佩趋金殿，
夕奉天书拜琐闱。
强欲从君无那老，
将因卧病解朝衣。
English translation
The deep gate and high pavilion are hazy with lingering light, peach and plum dark with shade, willow catkins flying.
Within the palace a sparse bell: evening at the offices, in the ministry birds cry, the clerks grown few.
At dawn, jade pendants swaying, you speed to the golden hall, at dusk, bearing the emperor's writing, you bow at the latticed door.
Fain would I follow you, but age forbids, soon, laid up with illness, I shall lay aside my court robes.
Meaning
The high palace gates and towers are bathed in the last light of the sun, and the peach and plum trees are thick with leaves while willow catkins fly on the wind.
In the palace the bells sound sparsely, few officials are left at work in the government offices, and in the Chancellery one hears only the birds.
At morning, as I step into the golden hall, my jade pendants sway; at night I hold the emperor's edict and take my leave at the palace gate.
I would force myself to follow you in service and retirement, but alas, I am old and will take to my sickbed and undo this official robe.
Background
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This poem in reply was written by Wang Wei in his later years and presented to a certain Guo, who held the office of imperial attendant.