Pure and Peaceful Airs: No. 2
English translation and interpretation are being reviewed.
云雨巫山枉断肠。
借问汉宫谁得似，
可怜飞燕倚新妆。
English translation
One branch, gorgeous, with dew congealed into fragrance; the cloud and rain of Wushan only break the heart in vain.
Ask who in the Han palace could compare — only lovely Feiyan, leaning in her new makeup.
Meaning
The imperial consort is truly a dew-laden peony, gorgeous and fragrant; the King of Chu meeting the goddess at Mount Wu grieved and broke his heart in vain. May I ask, among the favored consorts of the Han palace, who could be compared with her? Even the lovely Zhao Feiyan still had to depend on fresh adornment!
Background
Read the background
This poem was written while Li Bai was serving in the Hanlin Academy at Chang'an. Once, when Emperor Minghuang of Tang and Precious Consort Yang were admiring peonies at the Chenxiang Pavilion, he bade Li Bai compose new music, and Li Bai wrote this piece in obedience to the imperial command.