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We went to the hills of the east ,
And long were we there without returning ,
When we came from the east ,
Down came the rain drizzlingly .
When we were in the east , and it was said we should return ,
Our hearts were in the west and sad ;
But there were they preparing our clothes for us ,
As to serve no more in the ranks with the gags .
Creeping about were the caterpillars ,
All over the mulberry grounds ;
And quietly and solitarily did we pass the night ,
Under our carriages .

We went to the hills of the east ,
And long were we there without returning ,
When we came from the east ,
Down came the rain drizzlingly .
The fruit of the heavenly gourd ,
Would be hanging about our eaves ;
The sowbug would be in our chambers ;
The spiders webs would be in our doors ;
Our paddocks would be deer-fields ;
The fitful light of the glow-worms would be all about .
These thoughts made us apprehensive ,
And they occupied our breasts .

We went to the hills of the east ,
And long were we there without returning ,
On our way back from the east ,
Down came the rain drizzlingly .
The cranes were crying on the ant-hills ;
Our wives were sighing in their rooms ;
They had sprinkled and swept , and stuffed up all the crevices .
Suddenly we arrived from the expedition ,
And there were the bitter gourds hanging ,
From the branches of the chestnut trees .
Since we had seen such a sight ,
Three years were now elapsed .

We went to the hills of the east ,
And long were we there without returning ,
On our way back from the east ,
Down came the rain drizzlingly .
The oriole is flying about ,
Now here , now there , are its wings .
Those young ladies are going to be married ,
With their bay and red horses , flecked with white .
Their mothers have tied their sashes ;
Complete are their equipments .
The new matches are admirable ;—
How can the reunions of the old be expressed ?