Wang Wei: Lin Gao Tai Send Off For Li Sheyi

Lin Gao Tai Send Off For Li Sheyi

临 高 台 送 黎 拾 遗

相 送 临 高 台
川 原 杳 何 极！

日 暮 飞 鸟 还
行人去不思

Lin Gao Tai Song Li She Yi

Xiang song lin gao tai
Chuan yuan yao he ji !                                                                                                               Ri mu fei niao huan
Xing en qu bu si.

Lin Gao Tai Send Off For Li Sheyi

Send each other off, seen from the edge of a tall terrace
Overlooking the river Yuan, so far away and inaccessible!

Sunset light, birds in flight returning
As you travel on foot, try not to be homesick.

Notes:

Lin Gao Tai: Imperial music from the Han Dynasty where the lyrics are open for improvisation.

Li Sheyi: Wang Wei’s friend who visited him at his vacation Wang River house.