All say it is a match of gold and jade;
But I recall only the pledge between stone and flower.
In vain I face the crystal snow of a lofty hermit in the hills;
I can never forget the fairy of the lonely grove beyond this world.
Alas, now I believe the world's beauty is always flawed.
Even if she lifts the tray level with her brows,
My heart can never be at peace.
English titles, text, and notes are AI-assisted for reading only; for scholarship cite the Chinese and authoritative editions.
Annotation
This song represents Baoyu's perspective. 'Gold and jade match' refers to Baochai's golden locket paired with Baoyu's jade. 'Stone and flower pledge' refers to their past lives as the Divine Attendant and the Crimson Pearl Flower. 'Crystal snow hermit' symbolizes Baochai; 'fairy of the lonely grove' symbolizes Daiyu. 'Lifting the tray level with her brows' alludes to Meng Guang's devotion to her husband—describing a respectful but loveless marriage.
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