唐诗英译|| 张九龄《望月怀远》Longing on the Moonlit Night

望月怀远

 〔唐〕张九龄

 海上生明月，天涯共此时。
 情人怨遥夜，竟夕起相思。
 灭烛怜光满，披衣觉露滋。
 不堪盈手赠，还寝梦佳期。

Longing on the Moonlit Night

 Translated by Xuemei Li 

Version 3 on 2018.10.27

Above the sea, the moon is bright.
We share the time from far apart.
Because of love, depressed is night.
The thought of you disturbs my heart.
I view the moon with candles out.
I drape a cloak aware of dew.
A beam of light, a gift I doubt.
To bed I go for dreams of you.

**四步抑扬格 Iambic tetrameter；韵脚 abab cdcd

Version 2 on 2018.10.26

Above the sea, the moon is rising bright.
We share the time although we’re far apart.
Because of love, I dread the lonely night.
The thought of you has stirred my longing heart.
With candles out, the moonshine fills the room.
I drape a cloak while feeling the chill of dew.
A stream of light, I can’t give you, I assume.
To bed I go for a cozy dream of you.

**五步抑扬格Iambic pentameter 韵脚abab cdcd

Version 1 on 2018.10.01

Above the sea the moon is rising bright.
Miles apart we share the time tonight.
Deep in love, I dread the lonely night.
Thoughts of you grip my heart so tight.
Candles out, fuller shines the moonlight.
I add a coat while feeling the dew aright.
Unable to offer you a stream of light,
I opt for a dream in which we reunite.

**五步抑扬/扬抑格iambic and trochaic pentameter，一韵到底