Feasting with Scholars in the Rain at My Prefecture Lodge
English translation and interpretation are being reviewed.
宴寝凝清香。
海上风雨至，
逍遥池阁凉。
烦疴近消散，
嘉宾复满堂。
自惭居处崇，
未睹斯民康。
理会是非遣，
性达形迹忘。
鲜肥属时禁，
蔬果幸见尝。
俯饮一杯酒，
仰聆金玉章。
神欢体自轻，
意欲凌风翔。
吴中盛文史，
群彦今汪洋。
方知大藩地，
岂曰财赋强。
English translation
Guards bristle with painted halberds, in the banquet chamber pure incense settles.
From over the sea wind and rain arrive, cool and free, the pond and pavilion.
My fretting sickness has nearly dispersed, and honored guests once more fill the hall.
I am shamed to dwell in so high a place, not having seen this people at peace.
Grasp the principle, and right and wrong fall away, the nature attains, and outward forms are forgotten.
Fresh meat and fat are under a seasonal ban, happily we are given fruits and greens to taste.
Heads bent, we drink a cup of wine, faces raised, we listen to verses of gold and jade.
The spirits are glad, the body turns light, the mind would ride the wind and soar.
In Wu, letters and history flourish, this host of talent is a vast ocean.
Now I know that this great fief is not merely strong in taxes and tribute.
Meaning
Before the governor's gate the painted halberds stand in rows and the guards are stern; in the hall of rest the fragrance of burning sandalwood gathers.
From the southeast, near the sea, wind and rain blow in gusts upon the lodging; free and at ease among the pond-side pavilions, the breeze is cool again and again.
The vexation and gloom in my heart are about to disperse, as honoured guests gather once more in a goodly company.
I am ashamed that my place is far too exalted, and that I have not seen whether the common people have peace and health.
If one can grasp the principle of things, right and wrong dissolve of themselves; with a liberal spirit, the world's formal courtesies may be forgotten.
Fresh fish and fat meat are the forbidden fare of summer; vegetables and fruits, I hope you will all freely taste.
All bow and drink a cup of clear, pure wine; then raise their heads to listen to each recite his golden verses.
The spirit gladdened, the body grows light and easy; the heart longs to mount the wind and soar aloft with all its strength.
Wu is worthy indeed to be the home where letters flourish; its scholars and men of learning are as many as the waters of the sea.
Now