下馬飲君酒 問君何所之
君言不得意 歸臥南山陲
但去莫複問 白雲無盡時
Farewell Wang Wei 江紹倫譯
We dismounted our horses to have a cup of wine
I ask for your destination before we say good-bye
You say you have left your unhappy career aside
And on your way home where South Mount stands behind
I say not a word more as I see you on your way
Knowing well you’ll have no lack of white clouds for company where you stay
【送別】 王維
下馬飲君酒﹐ 問君何所之。
君言不得意﹐ 歸臥南山陲。
但去莫復聞﹐ 白雲無盡時。
The Parting Wang Wei
I get off my horse and offer you wine;
Where you’re heading and what is your design?
I’m discontent’d (– the world’s uninspiring);
To the Zhongnan Mountains I’m retiring.
I’ll take my leave, no more questions, my friend.
White clouds still roam the skies free without end.
(tr. frank c w yue)