Guan! guan! cry the ospreys
On sandbars in the river.
In deep quarters is a good lady,
Fit bride for the gentleman.

In patches grows the water mallow
To left and to right it flows.
A noble lady in deep quarters,
Awake or asleep, he sought her.
Sought her but couldn't get her,
Awake and asleep, he thought of her.
Longing in endless thoughts,
He turned and tossed, from side to side.

In patches grows the water mallow
To left and to right one gathers it.
A good lady in deep quarters
Zither and lute befriend her.
In patches grows the water mallow
To left and to right one picks it.
In deep quarters is a noble lady
Bell and drum delight her.
 

(tr. Hyong Rhew)