感遇十二首其一
《感遇十二首》英译及解析
Introduction
"感遇十二首"是唐代文学家王之涣的诗作，以清新淡雅的文风，表现了诗人对自然之美和生活之哲理的感悟。以下是《感遇十二首》的英译及解析。
1. 唐诗原文：
登鹳雀楼
白日依山尽，黄河入海流。
欲穷千里目，更上一层楼。
English Translation:
Ascending the Stork Tower
The white sun sets behind the mountains,
The Yellow River runs into the sea.
You can desire to see further,
But first climb another storey.
Analysis:
This poem expresses the idea of continuous exploration and advancement. The poet suggests that even when we have achieved something, there is always more to discover and accomplish. The metaphor of ascending the tower represents the endless pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.
2. 唐诗原文：
望庐山瀑布
日照香炉生紫烟，遥看瀑布挂前川。
飞流直下三千尺，疑是银河落九天。
English Translation:
Gazing at the Waterfall at Mount Lu
Sunlight on the censer sends up purple smoke,
From afar, the waterfall hangs like a scarf on the front stream.
It cascades down three thousand feet straight,
Like the Milky Way falling from the Ninth Heaven.
Analysis:
This poem vividly describes the magnificence of the waterfall at Mount Lu, using imagery from nature to convey a sense of awe. The comparison of the waterfall to the Milky Way emphasizes the ethereal and otherworldly beauty of nature.
3. 唐诗原文:
乌衣巷
朱雀桥边野草花，乌衣巷口夕阳斜。
旧时王谢堂前燕，飞入寻常百姓家。
English Translation:
Wu Yi Lane
Wildflowers grow by the Vermilion Bird Bridge,
Sunset slants at the entrance of Wu Yi Lane.
In the old days, the swallows by Wang and Xie's hall,
Now fly into the homes of commoners.
Analysis:
This poem reflects on the passage of time and the changes in social hierarchy. The poet juxtaposes the image of wildflowers by the bridge with the sunset, symbolizing the ephemeral beauty of life. The swallows' change of habitat represents the shifting fortunes in society.
4. 唐诗原文:
终南别业
中间小谢又清发，自在娇莺恰恰啼。
过尽千帆皆不是，斜晖脉脉水悠悠。
English Translation:
Parting at Zhongnan
In the middle, little Xie is still growing up clean,
The free and tender oriole sings charmingly.
After a thousand sails have faded by,
The slanting sunlight still touches the water gently.
Analysis:
This poem describes the passage of time and the enduring beauty of nature. The poet uses the images of a growing child, singing bird, and fading sunlight to convey the fleeting nature of life and the constancy of natural phenomena.
5. 唐诗原文:
登京口北固亭怀古
偶寻散骑行处好，漠漠万重云。
行到官军车骑遮，都护在南军。
English Translation:
Ascending the North Pavilion at Jinling and Remembering the Past
By chance, I found a secluded spot for my horse,
Layers upon layers of misty clouds.
As I rode, the soldiers' chariots and cavalry blocked my way,
The General of the Southern Army was there.
Analysis:
This poem depicts the poet's encounter with historical remnants and military presence, highlighting the contrast between the tranquility of nature and the disruptions of human conflict. It reflects on how the past is intertwined with the present and the enduring impact of history on contemporary life.
6. 唐诗原文:
枫桥夜泊
月落乌啼霜满天，江枫渔火对愁眠。
姑苏城外寒山寺，夜半钟声到客船。
English Translation:
Night Mooring at Maple Bridge
The moon sets, crows cry, and frost fills the sky,
By the river's maples, fishermen's fires for sad sleep.
Outside the city of Suzhou, on Cold Mountain Monastery,
At midnight, the bell's toll reaches the visiting boat.
Analysis:
This poem creates a haunting atmosphere through its depiction of a tranquil yet melancholic scene. The imagery of moonlight, cawing crows, and chilling frost evokes a sense of loneliness and introspection. The mention of the monastery's midnight bell adds a spiritual dimension to the poem.
7. 唐诗原文:
早发白帝城
朝辞白帝彩云间，千里江陵一日还。
两岸猿声啼不住，轻舟已过万重山。
English Translation:
Early Departure from Bai Di City
Bidding farewell in the colorful clouds of Bai Di in the morning,
A thousand miles to Jiangling, returning in a day.
The monkeys' cries on both banks are unceasing,
The light boat has passed through myriad mountains.
Analysis:
This poem captures the transient nature of life's journey and the everchanging scenery along the Yangtze River. The poet reflects on the passage of time and the continuity of nature, symbolized by the monkeys' cries and the flowing river.
8. 唐诗原文:
登幽州台歌
前不见古人，后不见来者。
念天地之悠悠，独怆然而涕下。
English Translation:
Song of Mount Youzhou Tower
Before, there were no ancient people; behind, there will be no future ones.
Contemplating the vastness of heaven and earth, alone and desolately tearful.
Analysis:
This poem conveys a profound sense of solitude and contemplation. The poet reflects on the impermanence of human existence and the overwhelming vastness of the universe. The absence of past and future figures emphasizes the fleeting nature of life.
9. 唐诗原文:
别京口上房
海内存知己，天涯若比邻。
无为在歧路，儿女共沾巾。
English Translation:
Parting from Upper Chamber at Jinling
With a bosom friend, there is understanding throughout the empire;
Even if distant, they seem to be near.
Without striving, we are at a crossroads,
Sons and daughters share the same handkerchief.
Analysis:
This poem celebrates the deep bond of friendship and the comfort it brings, transcending physical distance. The image of sharing a handkerchief symbolizes mutual support and solidarity in the face of life's challenges.
10. 唐诗原文:
赠刘景文
日出江花红胜火，春来江水绿如蓝。
能不忆江南？
English Translation:
Present to Liu Jingwen
At sunrise, the river's flowers are redder than fire,
In spring, the river water is as blue as indigo.
How can one not long for Jiangnan?
Analysis:
This poem captures the breathtaking beauty of nature and evokes a sense of nostalgia for the Jiangnan region. The vivid imagery of the red flowers and blue river water conveys the poet's deep emotional attachment to the natural landscape.
11. 唐诗原文:
杂诗
山有木兮木有枝，心悦君兮君不知。
English Translation:
Miscellaneous Poems
Mountains have trees and trees have branches,
My heart is content, yet you do not know.
Analysis:
This brief poem expresses a sense of unrequited affection and the poet's inner feelings. The metaphor of the tree and its branches reflects the unacknowledged emotional attachment to someone who remains unaware of the poet's sentiments.
12. 唐诗原文:
登科后
昔日戏言身后事，今朝俱是鬼神休。
我的盐梅君莫唤，且作门前一笑否。
English Translation:
After Passing the Imperial Examination
In the past, I joked about matters after death;
Today, both of us are at peace as spirits.
Do not call my salt plum;
Instead, give a smile at the door.
Analysis:
This poem reflects on the impermanence of life and the poet's acceptance of the transitory nature of existence. The reference to the "salt plum" and the request for a simple smile convey the poet's desire for a lighthearted remembrance rather than elaborate rituals after passing away.
以上是对王之涣的《感遇十二首》英译及解析。这些诗作通过艺术的表达形式，深刻反映了唐代文人对自然、人生和社会的思考和感悟。
