题拈花微笑图 – 唐寅
Topic: Painting of her smiling while holding a flower by Tang Yan
昨夜海棠初着雨,Last night, the begonias were drenched in their first rain
数朵轻盈娇欲语。A few blooms, delicate and fragile, lush with desire.
佳人晓起出兰房,Beauty woke in the morning, stepped out of her fragrant room,
折来对镜比红妆。Picked one up to compare with herself in the mirror.
问郎花好奴颜好,She asked her lover which is more beautiful, the flower or her?
郎道不如花窈窕。Her lover replied, you are not as sweet and fair as the flower.
佳人见语发娇嗔,Beauty heard his words and playfully protested,
不信死花胜活人。How can a dead flower be better than a living person?!
将花揉碎掷郎前,Crushing the flower, she tossed it in front of her lover, and said
请郎今夜伴花眠。Since you like the flower better, you can sleep with it tonight!