Fairy of the Magpie Bridgeby Qin Guan(1049-1100)

Thin clouds are creating works delicate;Falling stars carry sorrows deep.Over the vast, vast Milky Way,Cowherd and Weaving Girl quietly meet.Meeting in such a clear and sweet autumn night,The rendezvous outshines many a worldly date.

Tenderness flows in the soul’s retreat;Sweet hours melt their hearts away.The short-lived Magpie Bridge is unbearable to see,For on the magpie-paved bridge parting comes in haste.Ah, so long as love keeps,What differs, missing each other day after day!