To Yuan the Second When He Goes as an Envoy to Anxi

Introducion:

The poet presents a familiar but refreshing scene. It is typical of the Chinese to give a farewell dinner and have a hearty drink to show friendship when a friend sets out on a journey.   

 

Text:

sònɡ yuán èr shǐ ānxī

送 元 二 使安西

王维(唐)

 

wèi chéng zhāo yǔ yì qīng chén，kè shě qīng qīng liǔ sè xīn。

渭 城 朝 雨浥 清 尘 ， 客 舍 青 青 柳 色 新。

quàn jūn gèng jìn yì bēi jiǔ，xī chū yáng guān wú gù rén。

劝 君 更 尽一 杯酒， 西 出 阳 关 无 故 人。

 

To Yuan the Second When He Goes as an Envoy to Anxi

Wang Wei(Tang)

 

In the morning rain the drifting dust does wetted sink,

and before the inn the willows are fresh and green.

Take another cup, my friend, to the last dro do thou drink,

for beyond the Sunshine Pass no old friend can be seen.

 

Comment:

Chinese custom has it that going on a journey largely depends on the weather. With this Chinese practice to begin the poem, the poet presents a familiar but refreshing scene: after the morning rain, dust settles on the wet ground, making the sky and land clearer and the inn willows greener. It is typical of the Chinese to give a farewell dinner and have a hearty drink to show friendship when a friend sets out on a journey. The first three lines set the time and place for departure and farewell dinner, each building up emotion upon another. Then the last line suddenly develops into a tone of melancholy and helplessness at the sad parting. After he passes the Sunshine Pass my friend Yuan will no longer see me, and neither will I. When will we get together to have another drink? Now let's drink to the last drop, and enjoy the last minute of the meeting.