Madam Zhuang-jiang,
Curvaceous and tall,
Over her embroidered coat
draped a shawl.
The daughter of Lord Qi, wife of Lord Wei.
Younger sister of the crown prince,
Sister-in-law of Lord Xing.
Another sister married Lord Tan.

Her fingers, slender as shoots of reeds.
Her skin, white and soft as lard.
Her neck, long and delicate as the ox-beetle’s larva.
Her teeth, even and white as gourd seeds.
Her forehead, full and square as that of a cicada.
Her eyebrows, light as the antennae of a moth.
When she smiles, her dimples frame her lips.
When she glances, behold her clear and intimate eyes.

Madam Zhuang-jiang, curvaceous and tall,
Her carriage rests by the farm beyond the city wall.
Four horses strong and sleek,
Red silk trappings on their bits.
Pheasant feathers decorate her carriage curtains.
She arrives at her Lord’s court:
"You noble ministers, please retire early.
Do not fatigue my Lord!"

The Yellow River surges mightily,
Flowing toward the North.
Fishnets thrown into the river,
Yield bountiful bass and carp.
Reeds grow profusely
On the river bank.
Her bridesmaids are splendidly adorned;
Her guards are skilled and strong.