Living under a thatch roof, never wearing fragrant silk, She longs to arrange a marriage, but how could she dare ? Who would know her simple face the loveliest of them all When we choose for worldliness, not for worth ? Her fingers embroider beyond compare, But she cannot vie with painted brows; And year after year she has sewn gold thread On bridal robes for other girls.
Original Poem:
《贫女》
蓬门未识绮罗香,拟托良媒益自伤。
谁爱风流高格调,共怜时世俭梳妆。
敢将十指夸针巧,不把双眉斗画长。
苦恨年年压金线,为他人作嫁衣裳。
Interpretation:
Poem translator:
Kiang Kanghu