Reading Notes of Chapter 5

Summary & Reflection

This Chapter focuses on describing the journey the Sus took. They enjoyed the natural landscapes which inspired them to writing verses.

With his inspirations realized, Su Tongpo was really delighted during the journey.  What most literati pursed  is the success of securing an official position by passing the imperial examination and standing out from the masses. He made it. And he was thought highly of by the emperor. So far, Su Tongpo had cut a dashing and remarkable figure in his early life although an outpouring of concern was shown in his poetry .

Word & Expression

versify /ˈvɜːsɪˌfaɪ/

V to render (something) into metrical form or verse 作诗

All scholars versified in those days.

ro‧bust

adj. / rə'bʌst, 'rəʊbʌst ; rəˋbʌst /

a robust person is strong and healthy 强健的，健壮的

a robust man of six feet four

一个身高六英尺四英寸的壮汉

trem‧u‧lous

adj. / 'tremjʊləs 'tremjələs ; ˋtrɛmjələs / literary

shaking slightly, especially because you are nervous 〔尤指因紧张而〕颤抖的，微微发抖的 【文】

a tremulous voice

颤抖的声音

The unremitting wheels of time turn round,

And we to this terrestrial life are bound.

The fairy went to his celestial home

And left his deer upon the sainted mound.

The homeless deer now sadly gazed afar

At where, cloud-capped, the Elysian City lay.

I hear at night this creature of the forest

Come wandering and cry on river's bay,

While myriad pines are sighing in the wind,

So near the ancient Master's hallowed place!

Oh, where are you, night-crying deer？ Alas!

Among the woods I cannot find a trace.

日月何促促，尘世苦局束。

仙子去无踪，故山遗白鹿。

仙人已去鹿无家，孤栖怅望层城霞。

至今闻有游洞客，夜来江市叫平沙。

长松千树风萧瑟，仙宫去人无咫尺。

夜鸣白鹿安在哉，满山秋草无行迹。