University of Virginia Library

The swallows go flying about ,
With their wings unevenly displayed .
The lady was returning [to her native state] ,
And I escorted her far into the country .
I looked till I could no longer see her ,
And my tears fell down like rain .

The swallows go flying about ,
Now up , now down .
The lady was returning [to her native state] ,
And far did I accompany her .
I looked till I could no longer see her ,
And long I stood and wept .

The swallows go flying about ;
From below , from above , comes their twittering .
The lady was returning [to her native state] ,
And far did I escort her to the south .
I looked till I could no longer see her ,
And great was the grief of my heart .

Lovingly confiding was lady Zhong ;
Truly deep was her feeling .
Both gentle was she and docile ,
Virtuously careful of her person .
In thinking of our deceased lord ,
She stimulated worthless me .