Nine times I've risen to watch
The moon, yet by its light
'Tis but the second quarter of the night.

Under cherry-flowers,
None are utter strangers.

If butterflies danced through the falling snow,
I wonder what a sight it would be!

So cold I cannot sleep; and as
I cannot sleep, I'm colder still.

The peony flowers having scattered,
A few petals lie one on another.

In this wayside shrine
Does some spirit choose to dwell?
That I do not know.
Yet my heart can worship here
And my tears are free to flow.

Lo! ice and water joyfully
Are reconciled to one another.
The cause of all men's midday naps —
The autumn moon.

How many more of nights shall I
On this lone bed without thee lie?
The flower has left its well-known bed,
And o'er its place the dews are shed.

Silver, gold and jewels —
They are to me but trash up-piled;
Nothing can compare with
A treasure of a child.

Once more come to me,
For my life is ebbing fast.
On the further shore
I would keep your memory.
Come to me once more!