So-fei Gathering Flowers

By Wang Chang-Ling

In a dress of gauzy fabric
Of the ‘Lien’ leaf’s emerald hue
So-fei glides amongst the lilies
Sprinkled with the morning dew.

Rose-hued are the lotus-blossoms,
Rose-hued, too, the maiden’s cheeks;
Is it So-fei’s form I follow,
Or the flowers she seeks?

Now I hear a song arising
From the lotus bowers,
Which distinguishes the maiden
From her sister flowers.