Classics of Chinese Literature: Tang and Song Ci Volume

Author: Chief Editor: An Pingqiu et al
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1998-12-01
Features: Excerpt: The "Pusaman" in this collection is a love vow of a woman. The lyrical protagonist lists six objectively unattainable things in one breath, using extreme exaggeration to express her unwavering loyalty to love. The entire piece is emotionally intense, like a volcano erupting—fiery and unstoppable. The imagery is vivid, the language simple, the colors bright, and the tone robust, with distinct characteristics of folk creation.
Before the pillow, a thousand vows are made:
"If you wish to end this love, wait till the green mountains rot,
Wait till the scales float on the water’s surface,
Wait till the Yellow River dries up to its very bottom.
If the sun and moon appear together in daylight,
If the North Star turns south,
Even if these things come to pass, it cannot end.
Wait till the sun rises at midnight."
The lyrical protagonist makes countless vows before the pillow:
"To sever this love, wait till the green mountains rot,
Wait till the heavy scales float on the water’s surface,
Wait till the surging Yellow River dries up to its very depths.
Even if the sun and moon appear together in daylight,
Even if the North Star turns south,
It still cannot end. Wait till the sun rises at midnight."
"Breaking the "Huanxi Sha"": This lyric describes the scene of sailing smoothly with the wind. The first stanza explains how the boat sails well by not rowing but drifting, indicating favorable winds. The second stanza uses the illusion of distant mountains appearing to welcome the boat from the opposite direction, hinting at the speed of the wind and the boat. The lyrics subtly reveal the joy of the sailor and their love for labor. The entire piece is vivid and lively, harmoniously blending the depiction of natural scenery with the portrayal of human psychology, like the sound of nature itself.
At the top of the five-meter bamboo mast, the wind is about to calm,
Sailing with raised sails and oars, the boat feels light.
The soft oars are not used; the oars are stopped,
But the boat still sails.
The scenery before the eyes flickers with light,
Looking at the mountains as if they are coming to greet us.
Looking closely, the mountains do not move,
But the boat still sails.
The five-meter bamboo mast shows the wind is about to calm,
Sailing with raised sails and oars, the boat feels so light.
The wind grows stronger, the soft oars are not used,
The oars are stopped, but the boat still sails with the wind.
The water surface sparkles with waves,
Looking at the distant mountains as if they are warmly greeting us.