The following poem was presented along with a translation into Korean and an explanatory epilogue by Kim Hyŏng-sul, Professor of Literary Chinese at Jeonju University, in a message from the Institute for the Translation of Korean Classics (한국고전번역원) sent out on June 9. Should you wish to receive such texts in Classical Chinese that are deemed relevant enough to be disseminated with Korean translation and further explanations, then I would most certainly recommend you to subscribe to the above Institute, see this link.

Very shortly put, the following poem relates of a loving father who was very happy about seeing his married daughter once again at home, whilst he dreaded to realize that she was to leave again to her husband and in-laws, not to return to her father for a considerable long time: Father was already exceptionally lucky, for the rain made her spend an unplanned night at his place. Kim Hyŏng-sul’s comments render more insight in the text and context, but what I have presented to you should suffice to appreciate the poem and the feelings it speaks of.

Here follows the poem with translation line-by-line. Any comments, criticisms and/or suggestions concerning this publication or (possible) future ones from my dear readership will be must appreciated, as ever.

不有田家雨 

Had it not been for the rain at our homestead

行人得久淹

How could I have detained the one who should depart for so long?

喜逢子孫醉

Drunk with joy did I welcome my child.

 睡過卯時甘

I have slept pleasantly well beyond the break of dawn.

 川漾萍棲埭 

The brook has overflowed and its duckweed has found its way into the dammed reservoir.

風廻花撲簾

The wind has changed its direction and now flowers are beating against the beaded hanging screen.

吾詩殊未就 

Dear daughter, my poem has not yet reached its end,

莫謾整歸驂

so do not make the carriage ready for your journey back just yet