The royal cab leaves palace hall
For poolside garden 'mid sweet songs.
The trees are loud with orioles' call;
On vernal shore grass grows in throngs.
The breeze can write with morning dew;
Neath blue sky flowers bloom like snow.
Butterflies come now and anew;
The hills are warmed by evening glow.
Original Poem:
「早春桂林殿应诏」
上官仪
步辇出披香，清歌临太液。
晓树流莺满，春堤芳草积。
风光翻露文，雪华上空碧。
花蝶来未已，山光暧将夕。
Interpretation:
This poem depicts a Tang Dynasty emperor traveling in a luxurious sedan chair during early spring. The setting is near the royal palace’s Pi Xiang Hall, showcasing the grandeur of courtly life intertwined with the vitality of early spring scenery. Through delicate brushstrokes, the poet blends the palace’s opulence with the harmony of nature, creating a vivid springtime tableau.
步辇出披香，清歌临太液。
(The luxurious sedan chair departs from Pi Xiang Hall, and melodious songs echo by the Taiye Pond.)
The opening lines depict the emperor’s ceremonial outing. "Pi Xiang" refers to a palace hall, while "Taiye" symbolizes the grandeur and elegance of imperial gardens. The addition of "melodious songs" enhances the atmosphere, accentuating the splendor and poetic charm of the scene.
晓树流莺满，春堤芳草积。
(In the morning, yellow orioles sing like flowing water atop the trees, and the spring embankments are lush with verdant grass.)
These lines capture the vibrant energy of a spring morning through meticulous depictions of natural elements. The flowing calls of orioles and the abundant grass along the embankments create a dynamic and serene image, immersing the reader in this lively springtime landscape.
风光翻露文，雪华上空碧。
(The spring breeze dances over dew drops, weaving patterns of light, and snow-like blossoms shine against the azure sky.)
With "dew patterns" and "snow-like blossoms," the poet illustrates the crystalline beauty unique to early spring. The interplay of the blue sky and white blossoms evokes a fresh and luminous image, resonating with a sense of renewal.
花蝶来未已，山光暧将夕。
(Butterflies flutter among flowers until twilight falls, and the mountain light grows warm and soft.)
Concluding with dancing butterflies and the gentle evening glow of the mountains, the poet extends the springtime beauty from dawn to dusk. Dynamic imagery conveys admiration for the harmonious beauty of nature.
Writing Features
- Fusion of Nature and Court Life
The poem seamlessly integrates the opulence of the royal court with the vibrancy of nature. It portrays the magnificence of imperial gardens while capturing the delicate beauty of spring, achieving a perfect harmony between the two. - Rich Imagery and Balanced Structure
The poem’s lines are meticulously crafted with balanced couplets, such as "风光翻露文，雪华上空碧," where vivid imagery enhances the refined language and aesthetic appeal. - Dynamic and Static Elements
By blending dynamic scenes like singing orioles and fluttering butterflies with static visuals like the lush grass and blooming flowers, the poem achieves a harmonious balance of movement and stillness. - Temporal Flow
The poem transitions smoothly from morning to evening, using the passage of time to enrich the layers of imagery and create a more comprehensive scene.
Conclusion
This poem, centered on the theme of spring, vividly illustrates the harmonious blend of nature and cultural refinement in the Tang Dynasty court. Its elegant structure, refined imagery, and subtle emotional depth depict not only the beauty of early spring but also the splendor of royal life. The result is a vivid and evocative portrayal of a regal springtime scene.
Poem translator:
Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)
About the poet:
Shangguan Yi (上官仪), a prime minister of the early Tang Dynasty, poet and famous imperialist, was a native of Shanxian County in Shaanxi Prefecture, and the eldest father of Shangguan Wan'er, who often drafted imperial edicts for the emperor.
