春已归来

Spring is back again

看美人头上袅袅春幡

Look Ladies wearing seasonal pennants in their coiffures

无端风雨未肯收尽余寒

as is the custom colourful little pennants waving welcome The wind and rain somehow yet hesitate to take the last touch off the air

年时燕子料今宵梦到西园

I suppose the swallows would not fail to visit the west garden in their dreams tonight

浑未办黄柑荐酒更传青韭堆盘

Not so keen myself: no orange wine for the libation nor onions green and fragrant to offer the gods

却笑东风从此便薰梅染柳更没些闲

O East Wind You are going to have a busy time arent you

So many plum blossoms to be scented so many willows to paint

闲时又来镜里转变朱颜

If you have a moment to spare you will come and tamper with my image in the mirror

清愁不断问何人会解连环

For I am oppressed with a sense of desolation and day after day sorrow begets sorrow

生怕见花开花落朝来塞雁先还

How is the chain to be broken I dread the sight of flowers blooming and then falling I dread the dawn when the winged messenger returns with no message from those lost in the Tartar sands