Li Qingzhao (1084-1151)
To the Tune of "Magnolia Blossom"
Bought
from the flower-peddler's tray
one spring branch
just open
in bloom
Droplets
fleck it evenly
still clouded red
with a mist of dew
I'm afraid he'll
take it into his head
that my face is not
so fair!
so fair!
In high-
combed hair
I fasten
a gold pin
aslant
There!
Let him look
Let him compare the two.