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The Songs 149 Song 76 (Part 2) The Passionate Willow Both eyes of the passionate willow are weeping.193 o willow tree! When you see others you are happy; why is it when you see me you are sad? You grow at Pa Bridge19 4, therefore I know you are paying a sin-debt; You speed people on their way home; but filled with loneliness you watch the mandarin drake and duck sleeping on the waters.l95 o willow! You find it hard to support your delicate frame, just like me; You are not afraid of the spring breeze, but you dread having to face the autumn frost. Today, you are withered and you seem to have nothing to rely on; Ah me, I had better not change my mind. When troubles come to a head, there is always hope: It has always been true that before we can hope for new life, new sprouts must burgeon from the dry willow. Song 77 The Sorrow I Cannot Dispel I cannot dispel my sorrow.196 I grieve that I am ill-fated and that I have suffered many a set-back during my life. o Heaven! You made me like this. Tell me how I can be united with my lover in this life. Do you think I do not like to wear fresh flowers? I must be fated not to enjoy any romance; my passion is wasted. I shoulder all the burden of my love-thoughts and look for someone to buy them [i.e. for someone who will love her]. Whoever I meet tells me to turn to the willow groves and flower streets [i.e. the houses of entertainment], 193 See Song 63, lines 1-2. 194 See Eighth Preface (notes); Song 63, line 5. 195 See Song 12, Part 6. 196 See Song 1 (Parts 1 & 2). The Songs Song 76 (Part 2) The Passionate Willow 149 Both eyes of the passionate willow are weeping.193 o willow tree! When you see others you are happy; why is it when you see me you are sad? You grow at Pa Bridge19 4, therefore I know you are paying a sin-debt; You speed people on their way home; but filled with loneliness you watch the mandarin drake and duck sleeping on the waters.l95 o willow! You find it hard to support your delicate frame, just like me; You are not afraid of the spring breeze, but you dread having to face the autumn frost. Today, you are withered and you seem to have nothing to rely on; Ah me, I had better not change my mind. When troubles come to a head, there is always hope: It has always been true that before we can hope for new life, new sprouts must burgeon from the dry willow. Song 77 The Sorrow I Cannot Dispel I cannot dispel my sorrow.196 I grieve that I am ill-fated and that I have suffered many a set-back during my life. o Heaven! You made me like this. Tell me how I can be united with my lover in this life. Do you think I do not like to wear fresh flowers? I must be fated not to enjoy any romance; my passion is wasted. I shoulder all the burden of my love-thoughts and look for someone to buy them [i.e. for someone who will love her]. Whoever I meet tells me to turn to the willow groves and flower streets [i.e. the houses of entertainment], 193 See Song 63, lines 1-2. 194 See Eighth Preface (notes); Song 63, line 5. 195 See Song 12, Part 6. 196 See Song 1 (Parts 1 & 2). 150 Cantonese Love Songs And that if someone offers a price, I should sell; and even if no price be offered, I should still sell, To repay my past debts. Far better than hawking myself in the street.197 Lest despite all my yearning I remain without a protector, never knowing a single day of peace and content. Song 78 In the Depths of Sorrow I am so deep in sorrow that I do not bother to spruce myself up. The embroidered blinds have not been rolled up, because I am afraid of the cold wind; My waist is only half the size it used to be; my heart, because of you, is sick. Where are you now, unwilling to leave your pleasure and return home? Though you never think about me...

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