Parting with Han Shen at Yunyang Inn
English translation and interpretation are being reviewed.
几度隔山川。
乍见翻疑梦，
相悲各问年。
孤灯寒照雨，
深竹暗浮烟。
更有明朝恨，
离杯惜共传。
English translation
Old friend, since we parted by river and sea, how often have hills and streams come between us.
Meeting suddenly, I think it must be a dream, and grieving together, each asks the other's age.
A lonely lamp coldly lights the rain, in the deep bamboo, dark mist drifts.
And tomorrow there is the grief of parting, I treasure the farewell cup we pass between us.
Meaning
Since I parted from my old friend by the rivers and seas, how many years have passed with hills and waters between us.
Meeting so suddenly, we doubted it was a dream, and sighing with grief we asked each other how long it had been.
A lone lamp burns dim, lighting the cold rain outside the window, and mist and cloud drift over the deep bamboo grove.
Tomorrow there will be a fresh sorrow of parting; how rare it is to meet tonight and pass the cups and drink deep.