悄悄的我走了，

正如我悄悄的来；

我挥一挥衣袖，

不带走一片云彩。

 

Saying Good-bye to Cambridge Again --- by Xu Zhimo

 

Very quietly I take my leave 

As quietly as I came here; 

Quietly I wave good-bye 

To the rosy clouds in the western sky.

 

 

 

The golden willows by the riverside 

Are young brides in the setting sun; 

Their reflections on the shimmering waves 

Always linger in the depth of my heart.

 

The floatingheart growing in the sludge 

Sways leisurely under the water; 

In the gentle waves of Cambridge 

I would be a water plant!

 

That pool under the shade of elm trees 

Holds not water but the rainbow from the sky; 

Shattered to pieces among the duckweeds 

Is the sediment of a rainbow-like dream?

 

To seek a dream? Just to pole a boat upstream 

To where the green grass is more verdant; 

Or to have the boat fully loaded with starlight 

And sing aloud in the splendour of starlight.

 

But I cannot sing aloud 

Quietness is my farewell music; 

Even summer insects heep silence for me 

Silent is Cambridge tonight!

 

Very quietly I take my leave 

As quietly as I came here; 

Gently I flick my sleeves 

Not even a wisp of cloud will I bring away 

November 6,1928