声声慢/Tune: “Slow, Slow Song”

 寻寻觅觅，冷冷清清，凄凄惨惨戚戚。

I look for what I miss; I know not what it is. I feel so sad, so drear, so lonely, without cheer.

 

乍暖还寒时候，最难将息。

How hard is it to keep me fit in this lingering cold!

 

三杯两盏淡酒，怎敌他、晚来风急?

Hardly warmed up by cup on cup of wine so dry. Oh! How could I endure at dusk the drift of wind so swift?

 

雁过也，正伤心、却是旧时相识。

It breaks my heart, alas! To see the wild geese pass, for they are my acquaintances of old.

 

满地黄花堆积，憔悴损、而今有谁堪摘?

The ground is covered with yellow flowers faded and fallen in showers. Who will pick them up now?

 

守着窗儿，独自怎生得黑?

Sitting alone at the window how could I but quicken the pace of darkness which won’t thicken?

 

梧桐更兼细雨，到黄昏、点点滴滴。

On parasol-trees a fine rain drizzles as twilight grizzles.

 

这次第，怎一个愁字了得!

Oh! What can I do with a grief beyond belief!