望月懷遠

Gazing at the Moon and Thinking of the Distance

Over the sea the bright moon rises,

And at the far ends of the earth we share this moment together.

Lovers resent the long, distant night,

And through the whole evening they are stirred by longing.

Putting out the lamp, they cherish the fullness of its light;

Wrapping themselves in robes, they feel the dew growing heavy.

The moonlight cannot be gathered into hands to offer,

So they return to bed and dream of a happy reunion.