Li Bai (701–762), also known as Li Po, was a Chinese poet living during the Tang Dynasty.

 

劳劳亭[1]

天下伤心处,

劳劳送客亭。

春风知[2]别苦,

不遣[3]柳条青。

劳劳亭在南京,是古代送别的地方。李白不说天下伤心事是离别,只说天下伤心处是离亭,这样直中有曲,使读者会因地及事、由亭及人。因为送别时是早春,杨柳还没发青,不能折柳送别,于是诗人忽发奇想,说是春风深知离别之苦,不忍看到人折柳送别,所以故意不让杨柳发青了。这样把无情的杨柳说成有知有情,有伤别之心,这是化物为我,使春风成了诗人感情的化身,无怪乎古人说这两句诗“奇警无伦”了。

注释:

[1]劳劳亭:在今江苏省南京市西南,为古时送别之所。

[2]知:理解。

[3]遣:让。

Pavilion Laolao[1]

There is no place that oftener breaks the heart

Than the Pavilion seeing people part.

The wind of early spring knows parting grieves,

It will not green the roadside willow leaves.[2]

注释:

[1]In present-day Nanjing.

[2]The Chinese had the custom of breaking off a green willow branch by the roadside and presenting it to the departing friend.The last line implies that the wind of early spring is unwilling to let friends sever.