Waiting to Marry a Student

I still walk slowly on the river bank Where I came singing, And where I saw your boat pass up beyond the sun Setting red in the river. I want Autumn, I want the leaves to begin falling at once, So that the cold time may bring us close again Like K'ien Niü and Chik Nü, the two stars.

Each year when Autumn comes The crows make a black bridge across the milky sea, And then these two poor stars Can run together in gold and be at peace. Darling, for my sake work hard And be received with honour at the Examinations.

Since I saw your boat pass up beyond the sun I have forgotten how to sing And how to paddle the canoe across the lake. I know how to sit down and how to be sad, And I know how to say nothing; But every other art has slipped away.