南塘暝兴

曹松【唐】 （AD 830—903）

水色昏犹白，霞光暗渐无。风荷摇破扇，波月动连珠。

蟋蟀啼相应，鸳鸯宿不孤。小僮频报夜，归步尚踟蹰。

Evening at Nang Tang

Cao Song (Tang Dynasty)

Water's colour at-dusk still white;

Sunset's glow in-the-dark gradually nil.

Windy lotus shakes (like) broken fan;

Wave-moon stirs (like) string (of) jewels.

Crickets chirping answer one another;

Mandarin-ducks sleep, not alone.

Little servant repeatedly announces night;

Returning steps still hesitate.