Prelude to Water Melody
水调歌头·明月几时有

Su Shi
苏轼

How long will the full moon appear?
Wine cup in hand, I ask the sky.
明月几时有,把酒问青天。

I do not know what time of the year
’Twould be tonight in the palace on high.
不知天上宫阙,今夕是何年。

Riding the wind, there I would fly,
Yet I’m afraid the crystalline palace would be
Too high and cold for me.
我欲乘风归去,又恐琼楼玉宇,高处不胜寒。

I rise and dance, with my shadow I play.
On high as on earth, would it be as gay?
起舞弄清影,何似在人间。

The moon goes round the mansions red
Through gauze-draped window soft to shed
Her light upon the sleepless bed.
转朱阁,低绮户,照无眠。

Why then when people part, is the oft full and bright?
Men have sorrow and joy; they part or meet again;
不应有恨,何事长向别时圆?

The moon is bright or dim and she may wax or wane.
There has been nothing perfect since the olden days.
人有悲欢离合,月有阴晴圆缺,此事古难全。

So let us wish that man
Will live long as he can!
Though miles apart, we’ll share the beauty she displays.
但愿人长久,千里共婵娟。