[updated September 2022]
The Liuyao and Shuidiao Melodies: (Poplar and Willow Tree Branches: Eight Poems): No.4
杨 柳 枝 词： 八 首
(4)
叶 含 浓 露 如 啼 眼
枝 袅 轻 风 似 舞 腰。
小 树 不 禁 攀 折 苦
乞 君 留 取 两 三 条。
Yang Liu Zhi Ci: Ba Shou
(4)
Ye han nong lu ru ti yan
Zhi niao qing feng si wu yao.
Xiao shu bu jin pan she ku
Qi jun liu qu liang san tiao.
The Liuyao and Shuidiao Melodies: (Poplar and Willow Tree Branches: Eight Poems): No.4
(4)
Leaves contain heavy dew like hanging tears
Delicate twigs in a light wind like dancing waists.
Small trees cannot endure people taking their small branches
Ask others to leave at least two or three twigs per branch.
Notes:
Old traditions and customs saw departing family and friends giving each other branches and twigs from nearby willow trees.