Xin Qiji's Qin Yuan Chun: The New Residence at Daihu Nearing Completion - Original Text and Appreciation

Xin Qiji   Qin Yuan Chun (The New Residence at Daihu Nearing Completion) The three garden paths are newly made; the crane resents it, the ape is startled, and Jiaxuan has not yet come. Why do I pride myself on clouds and mountains, my lifelong spirit and temper, while men in caps and gowns laugh, to the death, at dust and mire. When the mind weaves, one must return; when the body is at leisure, early is best; how could it be for water-shield soup and perch slices? On the autumn river, I watch the startled string-shy geese veer away, and the wave-frightened boat turn back. On the eastern ridge I will further repair a thatched study. It would be best to open all the windows facing the water. If a small boat is to go fishing, first willows should be planted; a sparse fence should protect the bamboo, and must not block the view of the plum blossoms. Autumn chrysanthemums can be eaten, spring orchids can be worn, and they should be left for the master to plant with his own hands. I ponder long, fearing that the ruler's grace may not permit it, and this thought lingers uncertainly.