宫妓
珠箔轻明拂玉墀[1]，
披香新殿斗腰支。
不须看尽鱼龙戏，
终遣君王怒偃师[2]。
本篇虽以“宫妓”为题，但其意并不在描述宫妓舞技斗艳或讥刺帝王荒淫无度的生活，而是针对内庭中诡计多端的阴谋权变者而发出的幽默讽刺。宫内的佞臣贼子如美人争风斗艳般争权博弈的举动无时不有，但尽管他们诡计多端、权谋尽展，终有一天将被识破，一定会自食其恶果。
注释：
[1]玉墀：白玉台阶。
[2]偃师：古代的巧匠。
Palace Dancers
The crystal screens caressed the royal steps of jade;
The dancers vied to show slender waist in brocade.
Although the fish and dragon play might please the Sire,
The musician risked to be killed at his ire.
Note:On the dancing ground caressed by crystal screens,dancers tried to play fish or dragon by showing their slender waist.But if their play aroused the king’s anger,the musician would run the risk of being killed.This is a satire against the ruler.
