草木黄落兮雁南归。
兰有秀兮菊有芳，
Leaves fall and wild geese fly on southward way. While orchids and chrysanthemums have their best days,
怀佳人兮不能忘。
泛楼船兮济汾河，
My fair maid always in my mind’s eye stays. Our boat is floating on the river Fen,
横中流兮扬素波。
箫鼓鸣兮发棹歌，
Cutting midstream currents now and then, With music mingled with the songs of men.
欢乐极兮哀情多。
少壮几时兮奈老何!
My joy is dampened by the simple truth That senior age falls on the heels of youth.