「病中友人相访」白居易

卧久不记日，南窗昏复昏。萧条草檐下，寒雀朝夕闻。 

强扶床前杖，起向庭中行。偶逢故人至，便当一逢迎。

移榻就斜日，披裘倚前楹。闲谈胜服药，稍觉有心情。

BEING VISITED BY A FRIEND DURING ILLNESS 

I HAVE been ill so long that I do not count the days; 

At the southern window, evening — and again evening. 

Sadly chirping in the grasses under my eaves 

The winter sparrows morning and evening sing. 

By an effort I rise and lean heavily on my bed ; 

Tottering I step towards the door of the courtyard. 

By chance I meet a friend who is coming to see me; 

Just as if I had gone specially to meet him. 

They took my couch and placed it in the setting sun; 

They spread my rug and I leaned on the balcony-pillar. 

Tranquil talk was better than any medicine ; 

Gradually the feelings came back to my numbed heart.