Wang Wei: She Shone in Beauty—Idyll of Xishi ~ 《西施咏》 王维with English Translations

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小编导读:《西施咏》是唐代诗人王维的一首五言古诗。诗人借西施从平民到宫廷宠妃的历史典故,来揭示人生浮沉,全凭际遇的炎凉世态,并表达对小人的嘲讽,揭露当时社会上潜藏的危机,抒发诗人怀才不遇的不平与感慨;借世人只见显贵时的西施之美,表达对势利小人的嘲讽;借“朝为越溪女”的西施“暮作吴宫妃”后的骄纵,讥讽那些由于偶然机遇受到恩宠就趾高气扬、不可一世的人;借效颦的东施,劝告世人不要为了博取别人赏识而故作姿态,弄巧成拙。

《西施咏》 王维

艳色天下重,西施宁久微。
朝为越溪女,暮作吴宫妃。
贱日岂殊众,贵来方悟稀。
邀人傅脂粉,不自着罗衣。
君宠益娇态,君怜无是非。
当时浣纱伴,莫得同车归。
持谢邻家子,效颦安可希。

She Shone in Beauty—Idyll of Xishi

She shone in beauty without a peer,
How could she hide for many a year!
And thus at morn a brook-side laundress
By dusk became a tyrant’s dear.
She hadn’t made much difference when mean,
She ordered others to powder her face
And dress her up with noble grace.
The prince’s doting increased her charm.
“Let them gossip. Why, there’s no harm.”
Alas, those old-time laundress-mates
Could not enjoy such princely dates!
And may that neighbor of former days
Be clear it’s not a frowning case.

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