In a Stupor

Translated by Yiyan Han (c), 2023-09-13

Endless pavilions and piles of green hills
When does the extravaganza on the West Lake cease? (1)
In a stupor by its warm fragrant breeze
Hangzhou as Bianzhou now the expat thinks. (2)

Footnote:

This poem, often regarded as an allegorical piece, was written on a hotel wall in Hangzhou by LIN Sheng (林升), a Chinese scholar in Song Dynasty, when Song was invaded by Jurchen Jin from northeastern China, and the Song rulers then fled to the south and established their capital in Hangzhou (Southern Song Dynasty). It’s suspected that this ancient "wall poem" had no title, and its title "題臨安邸 (Inscribed on a Lin'an hotel)" was added by later generations. The English title is added by the translator to better convey the real meaning in this poem. An appreciation in Chinese of this classic piece may be found at https://www.arteducation.com.tw/mingju/juv_38d823fbdd02.html

1. West Lake, a famous scenic spot in Hangzhou
2. Bianzhou, now Kaifeng City, then the capital of Song before Jin’s invasion.