The book of odes and hymns – part 20

BIAO YOU MEI

Dropping are the fruits from the plum-tree;

There are [but] seven [tenths] of them left!

For the gentlemen who seek me,

This is the fortunate time!

Dropping are the fruits from the plum-tree;

There are [but] three [tenths] of them left!

For the gentlemen who seek me,

Now is the time.

Dropt are the fruits from the plum-tree;

In my shallow basket I have collected them.

Would the gentlemen who seek me

[Only] speak about it!

biào yǒu méi  

摽有梅 

biāo yǒu méi 、qí shí qī xī 。

摽有梅、其實七兮。

qiú wǒ shù shì 、dài qí jí xī 。

求我庶士、迨其吉兮。

biāo yǒu méi 、qí shí sān xī 。

摽有梅、其實三兮。

qiú wǒ shù shì 、dài qí jīn xī 。

求我庶士、迨其今兮。

biāo yǒu méi 、qǐng kuāng xì zhī 。

摽有梅、頃筐塈之。

qiú wǒ shù shì 、dài qí wèi zhī 。

求我庶士、迨其謂之。