Read 6 ci poems with pinyin and English translations. Notes record textual variants and differing attributions where relevant.
Wei Zhuang
The night of parting in the red chamber was heavy with sorrow; by the scented lamp, the tasseled bed-curtain was half rolled up. As I went out beneath the waning moon, the fair one took her leave in tears.
Wei Zhuang
Everyone says Jiangnan is good; a traveler should rightly grow old there. Its spring water is bluer than the sky; in a painted boat one listens to the rain and sleeps.
Wei Zhuang
I urge you to be well drunk tonight; before the cup, say nothing of tomorrow's affairs. Prize the host's good heart: the wine is deep, and the feeling deep as well.
Wei Zhuang
The seventeenth of the fourth month — it was just this day last year that I parted from you. Holding back my tears, I pretended to bow my face; half shy, I half knit my brows.
Wei Zhuang
Last night at midnight, upon my pillow I dreamed of you clearly; we talked for a long while. Your face was still the peach blossom; your brows, willow-leaf fine, were often lowered.
Wei Zhuang
Out for a spring outing, with apricot petals blown all over my head. Who is that lad upon the path — so full of grace?
