蒹葭蒼蒼，白露為霜。所謂伊人，在水一方。溯洄從之，道阻且長。溯遊從之，宛在水中央。

蒹葭萋萋，白露未晞。所謂伊人，在水之湄。溯洄從之，道阻且躋。溯遊從之，宛在水中坻。

蒹葭采采，白露未已。所謂伊人，在水之涘。溯洄從之，道阻且右。溯遊從之，宛在水中沚。（選自國風·秦風）

Tender blue reeds,

Dews in frosty freeze. 

Oh that's my beauty, 

Across river quietly. 

Up currents I try, 

Way too long and high;

Down currents I come,

On a canoe rides my love.

Dense blue reeds,

Dews are wet and clear. 

Oh, that's my beauty, 

By the river thoughtfully. 

Up currents I try, 

Way too risky to ride. 

Down currents I come,

On a beach lies my love. 

Thick blue reeds,

Dews remain sleek. 

Oh, that's my beauty, 

At river's end lonely. 

Up currents I try, 

Way too steep to hike. 

Down currents I come,

On the isle sits my love.