![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
To the Tune “Pure Peace” 1, Li Bai (Tang Shi #317)
Sunday, 19 April 2020 14:08Clouds want her clothing, flowers want her countenance—
The spring winds stroke the railing where the bright dew’s thick.
If we can’t glimpse her upon the top of Qunyu Mountain,
Then we can face Yaotai and meet her beneath the moon.
清平调之一
云想衣裳花想容，
春风拂槛露华浓。
若非群玉山头见，
会向瑶台月下逢。
This and the next two were composed impromptu at a flower-viewing party attended by Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, where they were sung by Li Guinian (see #271). As such, all three are bald flattery—and strikingly beautiful songs that became wildly popular. Yaotai Palace of Mt Qunyu is the residence of the Queen Mother of the West.
—L.
The spring winds stroke the railing where the bright dew’s thick.
If we can’t glimpse her upon the top of Qunyu Mountain,
Then we can face Yaotai and meet her beneath the moon.
清平调之一
云想衣裳花想容，
春风拂槛露华浓。
若非群玉山头见，
会向瑶台月下逢。
This and the next two were composed impromptu at a flower-viewing party attended by Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, where they were sung by Li Guinian (see #271). As such, all three are bald flattery—and strikingly beautiful songs that became wildly popular. Yaotai Palace of Mt Qunyu is the residence of the Queen Mother of the West.
—L.