Translation Appreciation
Translations of Bai Juyi’s Poem Flowering Path Pavilion
Mount Lu, a tourist attraction in Jiangxi province, is known for its abundant cultural relics and valuable works left by eminent figures in history. The poem Flowering Path Pavilion, composed by Bai Juyi (772－846 AD), a great realistic poet from Tang Dynasty, can be found with two English versions at the scenic spot. The poem is as follows:
人间四月芳菲尽，
山寺桃花始盛开。
长恨春归无觅处，
不知转入此中来。
The two English versions (translators unknown) are:
Version One:
In April all the flowers are withered.
But the peach flowers near the mountain temple are in full bloom.
Long regretting that spring has passed.
Surprised I see that spring reappears here.
Version Two:
Though on earth in April gone is the fragrance of blossoms.
The peach trees are in blossom by this mountain temple.
I grieved having nowhere to find the lost spring.
Little did I expect to come upon it here.
The following is a version rendered by Chen Xiuxiu, a Grade-2011 student of the Department
of Foreign Languages of CWU:
Late April, flourishing flowers in the mortal world withering,
Peach blooms around the mountain temple begin prospering.
I long regret spring's gone without any trace,
Unknowing it has moved to the mountain place.
（Photos Provided by: Ding Zhangang；Edited by: Ha Wenting）