The Sun and the Moon

Preface: “Sun and Moon” is a poem in which Wei Zhuang Jiang laments her own fate. Having suffered the turmoil caused by Zhou Yu, she mourns that she could not receive the favor of the late lord, and thus fell into hardship and distress, composing this poem.

The sun and moon, ah, shine their light upon the earth below.

Yet there is such a person, whose conduct is no longer as before.

When will there be peace? Will he not deign to consider me?

The sun and moon, ah, cover the earth below.

Yet there is such a person, who no longer treats me kindly.

When will there be peace? Will he not requite me?

The sun and moon, ah, rise from the east.

Yet there is such a person, whose words and deeds are not good.

When will there be peace? So that I may forget.

The sun and moon, ah, rise from the east.

Father and mother, ah, raised me but not to the end.

When will there be peace? He requites me without reason.

“Sun and Moon” has four stanzas, each of six lines.