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