第三十七回　秋爽齋偶結海棠社　蘅蕪苑夜擬菊花題 In Autumn Studio the Crab-Apple Club Is Formed; In Alpinia Park Chrysanthemum Themes Are Set

這年賈政又點了學差，擇于八月二十日起身。That year Jia Zheng was again appointed Education Commissioner, and he chose the twentieth day of the eighth month to set out.是日拜過宗祠及賈母起身，寶玉諸子弟等送至灑淚亭。That day, after paying respects at the ancestral hall and to Grandmother Jia, he set off; Baoyu and the other young men of the family saw him off as far as the Pavilion of Parting Tears.

这年贾政又点了学差，择于八月二十日起身。是日拜过宗祠及贾母起身，宝玉诸子弟等送至洒泪亭。

卻說賈政出門去後，外面諸事不能多記。Now, after Jia Zheng had left home, there is no need to record in detail the various matters outside.單表寶玉每日在園中任意縱性的逛蕩，真把光陰虛度，歲月空添。Let us speak only of Baoyu, who day after day wandered about the Garden exactly as his fancy took him, truly letting the days slip by in idleness and the years pile up for nothing.這日正無聊之際，只見翠墨進來，手里拿著一副花箋送與他。This day, just as he was feeling bored and at loose ends, he saw Cuimo come in, holding a set of flowered notepaper which she brought to give him.寶玉因道：“可是我忘了，才說要瞧瞧三妹妹去的，可好些了，你偏走來。”翠墨道：“姑娘好了，今兒也不吃藥了，不過是涼著一點兒。”寶玉聽說，便展開花箋看時，上面寫道：Baoyu said, "Ah, I had forgotten—I was just saying I meant to go see how Third Sister was doing, whether she's better, and here you come instead." Cuimo said, "Our young lady is better; today she isn't even taking her medicine anymore, it was only a slight chill." Hearing this, Baoyu unfolded the flowered notepaper, and on it was written:

却说贾政出门去后，外面诸事不能多记。单表宝玉每日在园中任意纵性的逛荡，真把光阴虚度，岁月空添。这日正无聊之际，只见翠墨进来，手里拿著一副花笺送与他。宝玉因道：“可是我忘了，才说要瞧瞧三妹妹去的，可好些了，你偏走来。”翠墨道：“姑娘好了，今儿也不吃药了，不过是凉著一点儿。”宝玉听说，便展开花笺看时，上面写道：

娣探謹奉二兄文：前夕新霽，月色如洗，因惜清景難逢，詎忍就臥，時漏已三轉，猶徘徊于桐檻之下，未防風露所欺，致獲采薪之患。Your younger sister Tan respectfully addresses this to her Second Brother: the evening before last, the sky had just cleared, and the moonlight was as if washed clean; treasuring such a pure scene, hard to come by, how could I bear to go to bed? By the time the water-clock had turned thrice, I was still lingering beneath the balustrade among the parasol trees, unguarded against the deception of wind and dew, and so I have contracted the affliction of "gathering firewood."昨蒙親勞撫囑，复又數遣侍兒問切，兼以鮮荔并真卿墨跡見賜，何痌瘃惠愛之深哉！Yesterday I was honored by your troubling yourself to comfort and admonish me in person, and you further sent your maids several times to inquire after my health, and also bestowed on me fresh lychees and a specimen of Zhenqing's brushwork—how deep is the loving tenderness you show for my little ailment!今因伏憑床處默之時，因思及歷來古人中處名攻利敵之場，猶置一些山滴水之區，遠招近揖，投轄攀轅，務結二三同志盤桓于其中，或豎詞壇，或開吟社，雖一時之偶興，遂成千古之佳談。Now, as I lie propped upon my bed in silent repose, I have been thinking how, throughout the ages, the ancients—even amid the battlegrounds where fame and profit were fought over and contended for—still set aside some corner of hill and trickling water, inviting friends from afar and beckoning those nearby, throwing down the linchpin and clinging to the carriage-shaft to keep guests from leaving, striving to gather two or three like-minded companions to linger and roam there together, whether raising a banner of letters or opening a society for chanting verse; though these were but the whims of a passing moment, they became fine tales told through a thousand ages.娣雖不才，竊同叨栖處于泉石之間，而兼慕薛林之技。Though your sister is untalented, I too have had the good fortune to dwell amid springs and rocks, and moreover I admire the skills of the Xue and Lin sisters.風庭月榭，惜未宴集詩人，帘杏溪桃，或可醉飛吟盞。In courtyards swept by breeze and pavilions bathed in moonlight, it is a pity we have not yet gathered poets for a feast; amid curtained apricots and creek-side peach blossoms, perhaps we might yet send wine-cups flying in tipsy verse.孰謂蓮社之雄才，獨許鬚眉，直以東山之雅會，讓余脂粉。Who says that the heroic talent of the Lotus Society belongs to bearded men alone, and that the elegant gatherings of East Mountain must simply be denied to us powdered and rouged women?若蒙棹雪而來，娣則掃花以待。If you would condescend to come rowing through the snow, your sister will sweep away the fallen blossoms and await you.此謹奉。Respectfully submitted.

娣探谨奉二兄文：前夕新霁，月色如洗，因惜清景难逢，讵忍就卧，时漏已三转，犹徘徊于桐槛之下，未防风露所欺，致获采薪之患。昨蒙亲劳抚嘱，复又数遣侍儿问切，兼以鲜荔并真卿墨迹见赐，何痌瘃惠爱之深哉！今因伏凭床处默之时，因思及历来古人中处名攻利敌之场，犹置一些山滴水之区，远招近揖，投辖攀辕，务结二三同志盘桓于其中，或竖词坛，或开吟社，虽一时之偶兴，遂成千古之佳谈。娣虽不才，窃同叨栖处于泉石之间，而兼慕薛林之技。风庭月榭，惜未宴集诗人，帘杏溪桃，或可醉飞吟盏。孰谓莲社之雄才，独许须眉，直以东山之雅会，让余脂粉。若蒙棹雪而来，娣则扫花以待。此谨奉。

寶玉看了，不覺喜的拍手笑道：“倒是三妹妹的高雅，我如今就去商議。”一面說，一面就走，翠墨跟在後面。Having read this, Baoyu could not help but clap his hands with delight, laughing, "How refined of Third Sister! I'll go discuss this with her at once." So saying, he set off walking, with Cuimo following behind.剛到了沁芳亭，只見園中後門上值日的婆子手里拿著一個字帖走來，見了寶玉，便迎上去，口內說道：“芸哥兒請安，在後門只等著，叫我送來的。”寶玉打開看時，寫道是：Just as he reached Qinfang Pavilion, he saw the old woman on duty at the garden's back gate coming toward him with a note in her hand; seeing Baoyu, she came up to him and said, "Young Master Yun sends his respects—he's waiting at the back gate and asked me to bring this to you." Baoyu opened it and read what was written:

宝玉看了，不觉喜的拍手笑道：“倒是三妹妹的高雅，我如今就去商议。”一面说，一面就走，翠墨跟在后面。刚到了沁芳亭，只见园中后门上值日的婆子手里拿著一个字帖走来，见了宝玉，便迎上去，口内说道：“芸哥儿请安，在后门只等著，叫我送来的。”宝玉打开看时，写道是：

不肖男芸恭請父親大人萬福金安。Your unworthy son Yun respectfully wishes his father ten thousand blessings and golden peace.男思自蒙天恩，認于膝下，日夜思一孝順，竟無可孝順之處。Your son has thought that ever since receiving Heaven's grace in being acknowledged as your son, I have thought day and night of showing filial devotion, yet have found no way at all to do so.前因買辦花草，上託大人金福，竟認得許多花兒匠，并認得許多名園。Recently, in the course of purchasing flowers and plants, relying upon your esteemed good fortune, I happened to become acquainted with many flower gardeners, and also came to know many famous gardens.因忽見有白海棠一种，不可多得。And so I happened to come across a variety of white begonia, one not easily obtained.故變盡方法，只弄得兩盆。I therefore tried every possible means, and managed to get only two pots.大人若視男是親男一般，便留下賞玩。If you, sir, regard your son as truly your own son, then please keep them to enjoy.因天氣暑熱，恐園中姑娘們不便，故不敢面見。Since the weather is hot, and I feared it might be inconvenient for the young ladies in the Garden, I did not dare to call in person.奉書恭啟，并叩台安！ 男芸跪書。I submit this letter respectfully, and kowtow in wishing you peace! Your son Yun writes this kneeling.

不肖男芸恭请父亲大人万福金安。男思自蒙天恩，认于膝下，日夜思一孝顺，竟无可孝顺之处。前因买办花草，上托大人金福，竟认得许多花儿匠，并认得许多名园。因忽见有白海棠一种，不可多得。故变尽方法，只弄得两盆。大人若视男是亲男一般，便留下赏玩。因天气暑热，恐园中姑娘们不便，故不敢面见。奉书恭启，并叩台安！ 男芸跪书。

寶玉看了，笑道：“獨他來了，還有什麼人？”婆子道：“還有兩盆花兒。”寶玉道：“你出去說，我知道了，難為他想著。Having read it, Baoyu laughed and said, "Did he come alone? Is anyone else with him?" The old woman said, "There are also two pots of flowers." Baoyu said, "Go tell him I've received it—it's good of him to think of me."你便把花兒送到我屋里去就是了。”一面說，一面同翠墨往秋爽齋來，只見寶釵，黛玉，迎春，惜春已都在那里了。"Just have the flowers sent to my room, that's all." So saying, he went with Cuimo to Qiushuang Studio, where he found Baochai, Daiyu, Yingchun, and Xichun already gathered.

宝玉看了，笑道：“独他来了，还有什么人？”婆子道：“还有两盆花儿。”宝玉道：“你出去说，我知道了，难为他想著。你便把花儿送到我屋里去就是了。”一面说，一面同翠墨往秋爽斋来，只见宝钗，黛玉，迎春，惜春已都在那里了。

眾人見他進來，都笑說：“又來了一個。”探春笑道：“我不算俗，偶然起個念頭，寫了幾個帖兒試一試，誰知一招皆到。”寶玉笑道：“可惜遲了，早該起個社的。”黛玉道：“你們只管起社，可別算上我，我是不敢的。”迎春笑道：“你不敢誰還敢呢。”寶玉道：“這是一件正經大事，大家鼓舞起來，不要你謙我讓的。When the others saw him come in, they all laughed and said, "Here comes another one." Tanchun said with a smile, "I don't think it's too vulgar of me—on a sudden whim I wrote a few notes just to try it out, and who would have thought everyone I invited would come." Baoyu said with a laugh, "What a pity we're so late—we should have started a society long ago." Daiyu said, "Go ahead and start your society, however you like, but don't count me in—I wouldn't dare." Yingchun said with a laugh, "If you don't dare, who would?" Baoyu said, "This is a serious and proper matter—everyone should rouse their spirits for it, and there should be none of this yielding and deferring to one another."各有主意自管說出來大家平章。Let each of you speak your own ideas freely, and we'll all discuss them together and decide.寶姐姐也出個主意，林妹妹也說個話兒。”寶釵道：“你忙什麼，人還不全呢。”一語未了，李紈也來了，進門笑道：“雅的緊！"Sister Bao, offer an idea too, and Sister Lin, say something as well." Baochai said, "What are you in such a hurry for? Not everyone is here yet." Before she had even finished speaking, Li Wan arrived too, and coming in the door she said with a laugh, "How very refined!"要起詩社，我自荐我掌壇。If we're to start a poetry society, I nominate myself to preside over it.前兒春天我原有這個意思的。Back in the spring I already had this idea in mind.我想了一想，我又不會作詩，瞎亂些什麼，因而也忘了，就沒有說得。I thought it over, and since I don't know how to compose poetry, I thought, why stir up such nonsense, and so I forgot about it and never mentioned it.既是三妹妹高興，我就幫你作興起來。”Since Third Sister is so keen on it, I'll help get things going for you.

众人见他进来，都笑说：“又来了一个。”探春笑道：“我不算俗，偶然起个念头，写了几个帖儿试一试，谁知一招皆到。”宝玉笑道：“可惜迟了，早该起个社的。”黛玉道：“你们只管起社，可别算上我，我是不敢的。”迎春笑道：“你不敢谁还敢呢。”宝玉道：“这是一件正经大事，大家鼓舞起来，不要你谦我让的。各有主意自管说出来大家平章。宝姐姐也出个主意，林妹妹也说个话儿。”宝钗道：“你忙什么，人还不全呢。”一语未了，李纨也来了，进门笑道：“雅的紧！要起诗社，我自荐我掌坛。前儿春天我原有这个意思的。我想了一想，我又不会作诗，瞎乱些什么，因而也忘了，就没有说得。既是三妹妹高兴，我就帮你作兴起来。”

黛玉道：“既然定要起詩社，咱們都是詩翁了，先把這些姐妹叔嫂的字樣改了才不俗。”李紈道：“极是，何不大家起個別號，彼此稱呼則雅。Daiyu said, "Since we've settled on starting a poetry society, we're all poets now, and we ought first to do away with these terms like sister and sister-in-law, or it will seem too common." Li Wan said, "Quite right—why doesn't everyone take a special sobriquet, so that addressing one another will sound more refined?"我是定了‘稻香老農’，再無人占的。”探春笑道：“我就是‘秋爽居士’罷。”寶玉道：“居士，主人到底不恰，且又瘰贅。"I've already decided on 'Old Farmer of Paddy-Sweet Fragrance'—no one else may claim it." Tanchun said with a smile, "Then I shall be 'The Recluse of Autumn Freshness.'" Baoyu said, "'Recluse'—but you're the mistress of this place, so that title doesn't quite fit, and besides it's a clumsy mouthful."這里梧桐芭蕉盡有，或指梧桐芭蕉起個倒好。”探春笑道：“有了，我最喜芭蕉，就稱‘蕉下客’罷。”眾人都道別致有趣。"There are plenty of parasol trees and banana plants here—it would be better to take a name from one of those." Tanchun said with a smile, "I have it—I love the banana plant best, so I'll call myself 'Guest Beneath the Banana Leaves.'" Everyone said it was original and charming.黛玉笑道：“你們快牽了他去，炖了脯子吃酒。”眾人不解。Daiyu said with a laugh, "Quick, someone lead her away and stew her up as venison to go with the wine." The others did not understand.黛玉笑道：“古人曾云‘蕉葉覆鹿’。Daiyu said with a laugh, "The ancients once spoke of 'a banana leaf covering a deer.'他自稱‘蕉下客’，可不是一只鹿了？Since she calls herself 'Guest Beneath the Banana Leaves,' isn't she a deer, then?快做了鹿脯來。”眾人聽了都笑起來。'Quick, make her into venison jerky.'" Hearing this, everyone burst out laughing.探春因笑道：你別忙中使巧話來罵人，我已替你想了個极當的美號了。”又向眾人道：“當日娥皇女英灑淚在竹上成斑，故今斑竹又名湘妃竹。Tanchun then said with a laugh, "Don't be in such a hurry to use clever words to scold me—I've already thought up a most fitting and lovely sobriquet for you." Then she said to the others, "Long ago, when Ehuang and Nüying wept tears that fell upon the bamboo and left it mottled, and so to this day mottled bamboo is also called 'Xiangfei bamboo,' the Bamboo of the Xiang River Consorts."如今他住的是瀟湘館，他又愛哭，將來他想林姐夫，那些竹子也是要變成斑竹的。Now she lives in Bamboo Lodge, and she loves to cry besides—someday, when she pines for some 'Brother-in-law Lin,' that bamboo there is bound to turn mottled too.以後都叫他作‘瀟湘妃子’就完了。”大家聽說，都拍手叫妙。"So from now on let's just call her 'The Xiaoxiang Consort,' and that will settle it." When they heard this, everyone clapped their hands and cried how wonderful it was.林黛玉低了頭方不言語。Lin Daiyu lowered her head and said nothing.李紈笑道：“我替薛大妹妹也早已想了個好的，也只三個字。”惜春迎春都問是什麼。Li Wan said with a laugh, "I've long ago thought up a good one for Cousin Xue too—also just three characters." Xichun and Yingchun both asked what it was.李紈道：“我是封他‘蘅蕪君’了，不知你們如何。”探春笑道：“這個封號极好。”寶玉道：“我呢？Li Wan said, "I've styled her 'Lady of Heng-Wu.'" Tanchun said with a laugh, "That title is excellent." Baoyu said, "And what about me?你們也替我想一個。”寶釵笑道：“你的號早有了，‘無事忙’三字恰當的很。”李紈道：“你還是你的舊號‘絳洞花主’就好。”寶玉笑道：“小時候幹的營生，還提他作什麼。”探春道：“你的號多的很，又起什麼。You all think up one for me too." Baochai said with a laugh, "Your title has long been settled—the three words 'Busy-for-Nothing' suit you very well." Li Wan said, "Just keep your old title, 'Master of the Crimson Cave Flowers'—that will do fine." Baoyu said with a laugh, "That was some nonsense from my childhood—why bring it up again?" Tanchun said, "You have plenty of titles already—why need another one?我們愛叫你什麼，你就答應著就是了。”寶釵道：“還得我送你個號罷。Whatever we choose to call you, just answer to it." Baochai said, "Let me be the one to give you a title, then.有最俗的一個號，卻于你最當。There is one that is the most vulgar of titles, and yet it suits you best of all.天下難得的是富貴，又難得的是閒散，這兩樣再不能兼有，不想你兼有了，就叫你‘富貴閒人’也罷了。”寶玉笑道：“當不起，當不起，倒是隨你們混叫去罷。”李紈道：“二姑娘四姑娘起個什麼號？”迎春道：“我們又不大會詩，白起個號作什麼？”探春道：“雖如此，也起個才是。”寶釵道：“他住的是紫菱洲，就叫他‘菱洲’，四丫頭在藕香榭，就叫他‘藕榭’就完了。”"In this world, wealth and rank are hard to attain, and so is leisure and idleness, and the two can never be had together—yet unexpectedly you have both, so let's just call you 'Idle Man of Wealth and Rank.'" Baoyu said with a laugh, "I don't deserve it, I don't deserve it—just go on and call me whatever you please." Li Wan said, "What titles shall Second Miss and Fourth Miss take?" Yingchun said, "We're not very good at poetry—why bother taking titles for nothing?" Tanchun said, "Even so, you should each take one." Baochai said, "She lives at Purple Caltrop Isle, so let's call her 'Caltrop Isle'; and Fourth Sister is at Lotus Fragrance Arbor, so let's call her 'Lotus Arbor,' and that settles it."

黛玉道：“既然定要起诗社，咱们都是诗翁了，先把这些姐妹叔嫂的字样改了才不俗。”李纨道：“极是，何不大家起个别号，彼此称呼则雅。我是定了‘稻香老农’，再无人占的。”探春笑道：“我就是‘秋爽居士’罢。”宝玉道：“居士，主人到底不恰，且又瘰赘。这里梧桐芭蕉尽有，或指梧桐芭蕉起个倒好。”探春笑道：“有了，我最喜芭蕉，就称‘蕉下客’罢。”众人都道别致有趣。黛玉笑道：“你们快牵了他去，炖了脯子吃酒。”众人不解。黛玉笑道：“古人曾云‘蕉叶覆鹿’。他自称‘蕉下客’，可不是一只鹿了？快做了鹿脯来。”众人听了都笑起来。探春因笑道：你别忙中使巧话来骂人，我已替你想了个极当的美号了。”又向众人道：“当日娥皇女英洒泪在竹上成斑，故今斑竹又名湘妃竹。如今他住的是潇湘馆，他又爱哭，将来他想林姐夫，那些竹子也是要变成斑竹的。以后都叫他作‘潇湘妃子’就完了。”大家听说，都拍手叫妙。林黛玉低了头方不言语。李纨笑道：“我替薛大妹妹也早已想了个好的，也只三个字。”惜春迎春都问是什么。李纨道：“我是封他‘蘅芜君’了，不知你们如何。”探春笑道：“这个封号极好。”宝玉道：“我呢？你们也替我想一个。”宝钗笑道：“你的号早有了，‘无事忙’三字恰当的很。”李纨道：“你还是你的旧号‘绛洞花主’就好。”宝玉笑道：“小时候干的营生，还提他作什么。”探春道：“你的号多的很，又起什么。我们爱叫你什么，你就答应著就是了。”宝钗道：“还得我送你个号罢。有最俗的一个号，却于你最当。天下难得的是富贵，又难得的是闲散，这两样再不能兼有，不想你兼有了，就叫你‘富贵闲人’也罢了。”宝玉笑道：“当不起，当不起，倒是随你们混叫去罢。”李纨道：“二姑娘四姑娘起个什么号？”迎春道：“我们又不大会诗，白起个号作什么？”探春道：“虽如此，也起个才是。”宝钗道：“他住的是紫菱洲，就叫他‘菱洲’，四丫头在藕香榭，就叫他‘藕榭’就完了。”

李紈道：“就是這樣好。Li Wan said, "That will do nicely.但序齒我大，你們都要依我的主意，管情說了大家合意。But since I am the eldest in age, you must all go along with my proposal—I assure you it will suit everyone.我們七個人起社，我和二姑娘四姑娘都不會作詩，須得讓出我們三個人去。There are seven of us starting this society, but Second Miss, Fourth Miss, and I don't know how to compose poetry, so the three of us ought to be excused.我們三個各分一件事。”探春笑道：“已有了號，還只管這樣稱呼，不如不有了。Each of the three of us will take on a different task." Tanchun said with a laugh, "Now that we already have our sobriquets, if we keep on addressing each other the old way, we might as well not have taken them at all.以後錯了，也要立個罰約才好。”李紈道：“立定了社，再定罰約。From now on, whoever slips up should be fined according to some agreed rule." Li Wan said, "Let's first settle the society, and then fix the rules for fines.我那里地方大，竟在我那里作社。My place is spacious—let's just hold the society's meetings there.我雖不能作詩，這些詩人竟不厭俗客，我作個東道主人，我自然也清雅起來了。Although I can't compose poetry myself, since you poets don't mind having a plain, unrefined guest among you, if I act as host, I too shall naturally take on a touch of refinement.若是要推我作社長，我一個社長自然不夠，必要再請兩位副社長，就請菱洲藕榭二位學究來，一位出題限韻，一位謄錄監場。If you insist on choosing me as president of the society, one president alone certainly won't be enough—I must invite two vice-presidents as well; let us ask our two scholars, Caltrop Isle and Lotus Arbor, to serve—one to set the topic and assign the rhyme, the other to make the fair copies and oversee the sessions.亦不可拘定了我們三個人不作，若遇見容易些的題目韻腳，我們也隨便作一首。Nor should it be fixed that the three of us never compose at all—if we happen upon an easier topic or rhyme, we too may casually try our hand at a poem.你們四個卻是要限定的。But the four of you must be bound by the rules.若如此便起，若不依我，我也不敢附驥了。”迎春惜春本性懶于詩詞，又有薛林在前，聽了這話便深合己意，二人皆說：“极是”。"If it's arranged this way, then let's begin; if you won't go along with me, I won't presume to tag along either." Yingchun and Xichun, being by nature disinclined toward poetry, and with Xue and Lin already ahead of them in skill, found on hearing this that it suited their own wishes exactly, and both said, "Quite right."探春等也知此意，見他二人悅服，也不好強，只得依了。Tanchun and the others understood this too, and seeing the two of them so willingly agreeable, did not press the matter further, and simply went along with it.因笑道：“這話也罷了，只是自想好笑，好好的我起了個主意，反叫你們三個來管起我來了。”寶玉道：“既這樣，咱們就往稻香村去。”李紈道：“都是你忙，今日不過商議了，等我再請。”寶釵道：“也要議定幾日一會才好。”探春道：“若只管會的多，又沒趣了。Then she said with a laugh, "Very well, then, though I can't help finding it funny myself—here it was my own idea to begin with, and instead the three of you end up managing me." Baoyu said, "In that case, let's go to Paddy-Sweet Cottage." Li Wan said, "You're always in such a rush—today we've merely discussed the matter; wait until I send out proper invitations." Baochai said, "We ought also to decide how many days apart to meet." Tanchun said, "If we meet too often, it will lose its charm.一月之中，只可兩三次才好。”寶釵點頭道：“一月只要兩次就夠了。”擬定日期，風雨無阻。Within a month, two or three times would be best." Baochai nodded and said, "Twice a month should be quite enough." They settled on fixed dates, to be kept regardless of wind or rain.除這兩日外，倘有高興的，他情願加一社的，或情願到他那里去，或附就了來，亦可使得，豈不活潑有趣。”眾人都道：“這個主意更好。”"Apart from those two days, if anyone feels like it, and wishes to add an extra gathering—whether by going to that person's place, or by having others come and join in—that would also be fine; wouldn't that be lively and fun?" Everyone said, "That's an even better idea."

李纨道：“就是这样好。但序齿我大，你们都要依我的主意，管情说了大家合意。我们七个人起社，我和二姑娘四姑娘都不会作诗，须得让出我们三个人去。我们三个各分一件事。”探春笑道：“已有了号，还只管这样称呼，不如不有了。以后错了，也要立个罚约才好。”李纨道：“立定了社，再定罚约。我那里地方大，竟在我那里作社。我虽不能作诗，这些诗人竟不厌俗客，我作个东道主人，我自然也清雅起来了。若是要推我作社长，我一个社长自然不够，必要再请两位副社长，就请菱洲藕榭二位学究来，一位出题限韵，一位誊录监场。亦不可拘定了我们三个人不作，若遇见容易些的题目韵脚，我们也随便作一首。你们四个却是要限定的。若如此便起，若不依我，我也不敢附骥了。”迎春惜春本性懒于诗词，又有薛林在前，听了这话便深合己意，二人皆说：“极是”。探春等也知此意，见他二人悦服，也不好强，只得依了。因笑道：“这话也罢了，只是自想好笑，好好的我起了个主意，反叫你们三个来管起我来了。”宝玉道：“既这样，咱们就往稻香村去。”李纨道：“都是你忙，今日不过商议了，等我再请。”宝钗道：“也要议定几日一会才好。”探春道：“若只管会的多，又没趣了。一月之中，只可两三次才好。”宝钗点头道：“一月只要两次就够了。”拟定日期，风雨无阻。除这两日外，倘有高兴的，他情愿加一社的，或情愿到他那里去，或附就了来，亦可使得，岂不活泼有趣。”众人都道：“这个主意更好。”

探春道：“只是原系我起的意，我須得先作個東道主人，方不負我這興。”李紈道：“既這樣說，明日你就先開一社如何？”探春道：“明日不如今日，此刻就很好。Tanchun said, "Still, since the idea originally came from me, I really ought to be the first to host, so as not to waste my own enthusiasm for it." Li Wan said, "In that case, why not hold the first gathering tomorrow?" Tanchun said, "Tomorrow is not as good as today—right now would be perfect.你就出題，菱洲限韻，藕榭監場。”迎春道：“依我說，也不必隨一人出題限韻，竟是拈鬮公道。”李紈道：“方才我來時，看見他們抬進兩盆白海棠來，倒是好花。You set the topic, Caltrop Isle assigns the rhyme, and Lotus Arbor oversees the session." Yingchun said, "In my opinion, there's no need to have just one person set the topic and assign the rhyme—drawing lots would be fairer." Li Wan said, "When I was coming over just now, I saw them carrying in two pots of white begonias—they really are fine flowers.你們何不就詠起他來？”迎春道：“都還未賞，先倒作詩。”寶釵道：“不過是白海棠，又何必定要見了才作。Why don't you all compose poems about them?" Yingchun said, "We haven't even admired them properly yet, and already we're to write poems." Baochai said, "They're only white begonias, after all—why must we wait until we've seen them to compose?古人的詩賦，也不過都是寄興寫情耳。The poems and rhapsodies of the ancients, too, were after all no more than vehicles for conveying feeling and expressing sentiment.若都是等見了作，如今也沒這些詩了。”迎春道：“既如此，待我限韻。”說著，走到書架前抽出一本詩來，隨手一揭，這首竟是一首七言律，遞與眾人看了，都該作七言律。"If poets always had to wait until they'd seen the actual thing before writing, we wouldn't have so many poems handed down to us today." Yingchun said, "In that case, let me set the rhyme." So saying, she walked over to the bookshelf, drew out a volume of poetry, and flipped it open at random; the poem that turned up happened to be a seven-character regulated verse, and she passed it around for everyone to see—so it was settled that all should compose in seven-character regulated verse.迎春掩了詩，又向一個小丫頭道：“你隨口說一個字來。”那丫頭正倚門立著，便說了個“門”字。Yingchun closed the book of poetry, then said to a young maid, "Say any word that comes to your mouth." The maid happened to be leaning against the door, and so she said the word "door."迎春笑道：“就是門字韻，‘十三元’了。Yingchun said with a smile, "Then it shall be the rhyme of the character 'door'—the 'Thirteenth Yuan' rhyme group.頭一個韻定要這‘門’字。”說著，又要了韻牌匣子過來，抽出“十三元”一屜，又命那小丫頭隨手拿四塊。The first rhyme word must be this character 'door.'" So saying, she called for the box of rhyme-tiles, drew out the drawer for the "Thirteenth Yuan" group, and told the maid to pick out four tiles at random.那丫頭便拿了”盆”“魂”“痕”“昏”四塊來。The maid then brought out four tiles: "basin," "soul," "trace," and "dusk."寶玉道：“這‘盆’‘門’兩個字不大好作呢！”Baoyu said, "These two characters, 'basin' and 'door,' aren't at all easy to work with!"

探春道：“只是原系我起的意，我须得先作个东道主人，方不负我这兴。”李纨道：“既这样说，明日你就先开一社如何？”探春道：“明日不如今日，此刻就很好。你就出题，菱洲限韵，藕榭监场。”迎春道：“依我说，也不必随一人出题限韵，竟是拈阄公道。”李纨道：“方才我来时，看见他们抬进两盆白海棠来，倒是好花。你们何不就咏起他来？”迎春道：“都还未赏，先倒作诗。”宝钗道：“不过是白海棠，又何必定要见了才作。古人的诗赋，也不过都是寄兴写情耳。若都是等见了作，如今也没这些诗了。”迎春道：“既如此，待我限韵。”说著，走到书架前抽出一本诗来，随手一揭，这首竟是一首七言律，递与众人看了，都该作七言律。迎春掩了诗，又向一个小丫头道：“你随口说一个字来。”那丫头正倚门立著，便说了个“门”字。迎春笑道：“就是门字韵，‘十三元’了。头一个韵定要这‘门’字。”说著，又要了韵牌匣子过来，抽出“十三元”一屉，又命那小丫头随手拿四块。那丫头便拿了”盆”“魂”“痕”“昏”四块来。宝玉道：“这‘盆’‘门’两个字不大好作呢！”

待書一樣預備下四份紙筆，便都悄然各自思索起來。Daishu likewise prepared four sets of paper and brush, and everyone quietly fell to pondering on their own.獨黛玉或撫梧桐，或看秋色，或又和丫鬟們嘲笑。Daiyu alone either stroked the parasol tree, or gazed at the autumn scenery, or bantered and laughed with the maids.迎春又令丫鬟炷了一支”夢甜香”。Yingchun also had a maid light a stick of "Sweet Dream Incense."原來這”夢甜香”只有三寸來長，有燈草粗細，以其易燼，故以此燼為限，如香燼未成便要罰。It turned out that this "Sweet Dream Incense" was only about three inches long, no thicker than a rush-wick, and since it burned down quickly, it was used as the time limit—whoever had not finished composing by the time the incense burned out would be fined.一時探春便先有了，自提筆寫出，又改抹了一回，遞與迎春。Before long Tanchun was the first to finish; she herself picked up the brush and wrote it out, revised and corrected it once, and handed it to Yingchun.因問寶釵：“蘅蕪君，你可有了？”寶釵道：“有卻有了，只是不好。”寶玉背著手，在回廊上踱來踱去，因向黛玉說道：“你聽，他們都有了。”黛玉道：“你別管我。”寶玉又見寶釵已謄寫出來，因說道：“了不得！Then she asked Baochai, "Lady of Heng-Wu, have you finished yet?" Baochai said, "Finished, yes, but it's not good." Baoyu, hands clasped behind his back, was pacing back and forth along the covered walkway, and said to Daiyu, "Listen, everyone else has already finished." Daiyu said, "Never mind me." Baoyu then saw that Baochai had already made her fair copy, and said, "This is terrible!香只剩了一寸了，我才有了四句。”又向黛玉道：“香就完了，只管蹲在那潮地下作什麼？”黛玉也不理。The incense has only an inch left, and I've only managed four lines so far." Then he said to Daiyu, "The incense is almost gone—why are you still crouching there on the damp ground doing nothing?" Daiyu paid him no attention.寶玉道：“可顧不得你了，好歹也寫出來罷。”說著也走在案前寫了。Baoyu said, "Well, I can't worry about you any longer—I'd better get something written down, come what may." So saying, he too went to the table and began to write.李紈道：“我們要看詩了，若看完了還不交卷是必罰的。”寶玉道：“稻香老農雖不善作卻善看，又最公道，你就評閱优劣，我們都服的。”眾人都道：“自然。”于是先看探春的稿上寫道是：Li Wan said, "We're going to look at the poems now—if we finish reading and yours still isn't handed in, you'll certainly be fined." Baoyu said, "Though the Old Farmer of Paddy-Sweet Fragrance may not be skilled at composing, she is skilled at judging, and is besides most fair-minded—let her rank the poems by merit, and we'll all be satisfied." Everyone said, "Of course." So they first looked at Tanchun's draft, which read:

待书一样预备下四份纸笔，便都悄然各自思索起来。独黛玉或抚梧桐，或看秋色，或又和丫鬟们嘲笑。迎春又令丫鬟炷了一支”梦甜香”。原来这”梦甜香”只有三寸来长，有灯草粗细，以其易烬，故以此烬为限，如香烬未成便要罚。一时探春便先有了，自提笔写出，又改抹了一回，递与迎春。因问宝钗：“蘅芜君，你可有了？”宝钗道：“有却有了，只是不好。”宝玉背著手，在回廊上踱来踱去，因向黛玉说道：“你听，他们都有了。”黛玉道：“你别管我。”宝玉又见宝钗已誊写出来，因说道：“了不得！香只剩了一寸了，我才有了四句。”又向黛玉道：“香就完了，只管蹲在那潮地下作什么？”黛玉也不理。宝玉道：“可顾不得你了，好歹也写出来罢。”说著也走在案前写了。李纨道：“我们要看诗了，若看完了还不交卷是必罚的。”宝玉道：“稻香老农虽不善作却善看，又最公道，你就评阅优劣，我们都服的。”众人都道：“自然。”于是先看探春的稿上写道是：

詠白海棠·限門盆魂痕昏On the White Begonia — rhymes fixed on: door, basin, soul, trace, dusk

咏白海棠·限门盆魂痕昏

斜陽寒草帶重門，苔翠盈舖雨後盆。Slanting sun on chill grass touches the layered gate; green moss spreads thick over the basin after rain.

斜阳寒草带重门，苔翠盈铺雨后盆。

玉是精神難比洁，雪為肌骨易銷魂。Jade has a spirit, yet its purity is hard to match; snow forms its flesh and bone, easily stirring the soul.

玉是精神难比洁，雪为肌骨易销魂。

芳心一點嬌無力，倩影三更月有痕。A fragrant heart, delicate and without strength; a lovely shadow at the third watch, traced by the moon.

芳心一点娇无力，倩影三更月有痕。

莫謂縞仙能羽化，多情伴我詠黃昏。Do not say the white-robed immortal can rise and become a spirit—full of feeling, she keeps me company as I chant of the dusk.

莫谓缟仙能羽化，多情伴我咏黄昏。

次看寶釵的是：Next they looked at Baochai's, which read:

次看宝钗的是：

珍重芳姿晝掩門，自攜手瓮灌苔盆。Cherishing her fragrant form, she keeps the door closed by day; with her own hands she carries a jar to water the moss-grown basin.

珍重芳姿昼掩门，自携手瓮灌苔盆。

胭脂洗出秋階影，冰雪招來露砌魂。Rouge seems washed away, leaving her shadow on the autumn steps; ice and snow seem summoned, calling forth a soul of dew upon the terrace.

胭脂洗出秋阶影，冰雪招来露砌魂。

淡极始知花更艷，愁多焉得玉無痕。Only in the utmost plainness does one know the flower to be more lovely still; with so much sorrow, how could the jade be without a trace?

淡极始知花更艳，愁多焉得玉无痕。

欲償白帝憑清洁，不語婷婷日又昏。Wishing to repay the White God through her pure cleanliness, silent and graceful, she stands as day again turns to dusk.

欲偿白帝凭清洁，不语婷婷日又昏。

李紈笑道：“到底是蘅蕪君。”說著又看寶玉的，道是：Li Wan said with a smile, "She really is the Lady of Heng-Wu after all." So saying, they went on to look at Baoyu's, which read:

李纨笑道：“到底是蘅芜君。”说著又看宝玉的，道是：

秋容淺淡映重門，七節攢成雪滿盆。Autumn's pale countenance is mirrored in the layered gate; seven joints have gathered together, snow filling the basin.

秋容浅淡映重门，七节攒成雪满盆。

出浴太真冰作影，捧心西子玉為魂。Like Taizhen fresh from her bath, her shadow formed of ice; like Xizi clutching her heart, her soul made of jade.

出浴太真冰作影，捧心西子玉为魂。

曉風不散愁千點，宿雨還添淚一痕。The dawn wind cannot scatter a thousand points of sorrow; the overnight rain adds yet another trace of tears.

晓风不散愁千点，宿雨还添泪一痕。

獨倚畫欄如有意，清砧怨笛送黃昏。Leaning alone against the painted balustrade, as if lost in thought, the clear sound of fulling-blocks and a plaintive flute send off the dusk.

独倚画栏如有意，清砧怨笛送黄昏。

大家看了，寶玉說探春的好，李紈才要推寶釵這詩有身分，因又催黛玉。When everyone had read them, Baoyu said Tanchun's was the best; Li Wan was just about to argue that Baochai's poem had more dignity and depth, when she went on to urge Daiyu to hand in hers.黛玉道：“你們都有了？”說著提筆一揮而就，擲與眾人。Daiyu said, "Have you all finished, then?" So saying, she picked up her brush and dashed it off in one stroke, then tossed it to the others.李紈等看他寫道是：Li Wan and the others looked, and saw that she had written:

大家看了，宝玉说探春的好，李纨才要推宝钗这诗有身分，因又催黛玉。黛玉道：“你们都有了？”说著提笔一挥而就，掷与众人。李纨等看他写道是：

半卷湘帘半掩門，碾冰為土玉為盆。Half-rolled the bamboo blind, half-closed the door; ice ground fine for soil, jade fashioned for the basin.

半卷湘帘半掩门，碾冰为土玉为盆。

看了這句，寶玉先喝起彩來，只說”從何處想來！”又看下面道：On reading this line, Baoyu was the first to cry out in admiration, saying only, "Wherever did she think of that!" They read on further:

看了这句，宝玉先喝起彩来，只说”从何处想来！”又看下面道：

偷來梨蕊三分白，借得梅花一縷魂。Stolen in secret, three parts of the whiteness of pear blossoms; borrowed besides, a single thread of the plum blossom's soul.

偷来梨蕊三分白，借得梅花一缕魂。

眾人看了也都不禁叫好，說“果然比別人又是一樣心腸。”又看下面道是：Reading this, the others too could not help crying out in praise, saying, "She truly has a different sensibility from everyone else." They read on further:

众人看了也都不禁叫好，说“果然比别人又是一样心肠。”又看下面道是：

月窟仙人縫縞袂，秋閨怨女拭啼痕。The immortal of the moon's cave stitches her plain white sleeves; the resentful lady of the autumn chamber wipes away her traces of weeping.

月窟仙人缝缟袂，秋闺怨女拭啼痕。

嬌羞默默同誰訴，倦倚西風夜已昏。Shy and silent, to whom can she tell her heart? Wearily she leans into the west wind, as night already turns to dusk.

娇羞默默同谁诉，倦倚西风夜已昏。

眾人看了，都道是這首為上。Having read it, everyone agreed that this poem was the best of all.李紈道：“若論風流別致，自是這首，若論含蓄渾厚，終讓蘅稿。”探春道：“這評的有理，瀟湘妃子當居第二。”李紈道：“怡紅公子是壓尾，你服不服？”寶玉道：“我的那首原不好了，這評的最公。”又笑道：“只是蘅瀟二首還要斟酌。”李紈道：“原是依我評論，不與你們相干，再有多說者必罰。”寶玉聽說，只得罷了。Li Wan said, "If we speak of romantic charm and originality, this poem certainly stands first; but if we speak of restrained depth and richness, we must in the end yield to the Heng-Wu draft." Tanchun said, "That judgment is reasonable—the Xiaoxiang Consort should rank second." Li Wan said, "And the Lord of Happy Red comes in last—do you accept that or not?" Baoyu said, "My poem simply wasn't good to begin with—this judgment is entirely fair." Then he added with a laugh, "Still, the two drafts by Heng-Wu and Xiaoxiang deserve further consideration." Li Wan said, "The judging was to be mine to begin with, and none of your concern—whoever says anything more about it will certainly be fined." Hearing this, Baoyu had no choice but to let the matter drop.李紈道：“從此後我定于每月初二、十六這兩日開社，出題限韻都要依我。Li Wan said, "From now on, I've decided the society will meet on the second and sixteenth of every month, and the setting of topics and rhymes must always be left to me.這其間你們有高興的，你們只管另擇日子補開，那怕一個月每天都開社，我只不管。In between, if any of you feel like it, you may go ahead and choose other days for extra gatherings, even if you held one every single day of the month—I won't interfere.只是到了初二，十六這兩日，是必往我那里去。”寶玉道：“到底要起個社名才是。”探春道：“俗了又不好，特新了，刁鑽古怪也不好。Only, when the second and the sixteenth come around, you must all come to my place without fail." Baoyu said, "We really ought to settle on a name for the society, though." Tanchun said, "If it's too commonplace, that won't do; but if it's too deliberately novel, strange, or eccentric, that won't do either.可巧才是海棠詩開端，就叫個海棠社罷。As it happens, we began with poems on the begonia, so let's just call it the Begonia Society.雖然俗些，因真有此事，也就不礙了。”說畢大家又商議了一回，略用些酒果，方各自散去。Though it's a bit ordinary, since it's founded on a real occasion, it doesn't really matter." When she had finished speaking, everyone discussed things a while longer, partook lightly of wine and fruit, and only then went their separate ways.也有回家的，也有往賈母王夫人處去的。Some went back to their own quarters, and some went to attend on Grandmother Jia or Lady Wang.當下別人無話。For the moment, there is nothing more to tell of the others.

众人看了，都道是这首为上。李纨道：“若论风流别致，自是这首，若论含蓄浑厚，终让蘅稿。”探春道：“这评的有理，潇湘妃子当居第二。”李纨道：“怡红公子是压尾，你服不服？”宝玉道：“我的那首原不好了，这评的最公。”又笑道：“只是蘅潇二首还要斟酌。”李纨道：“原是依我评论，不与你们相干，再有多说者必罚。”宝玉听说，只得罢了。李纨道：“从此后我定于每月初二、十六这两日开社，出题限韵都要依我。这其间你们有高兴的，你们只管另择日子补开，那怕一个月每天都开社，我只不管。只是到了初二，十六这两日，是必往我那里去。”宝玉道：“到底要起个社名才是。”探春道：“俗了又不好，特新了，刁钻古怪也不好。可巧才是海棠诗开端，就叫个海棠社罢。虽然俗些，因真有此事，也就不碍了。”说毕大家又商议了一回，略用些酒果，方各自散去。也有回家的，也有往贾母王夫人处去的。当下别人无话。

且說襲人因見寶玉看了字貼兒便慌慌張張的同翠墨去了，也不知是何事。Now to speak of Xiren: seeing that Baoyu, after reading the note, had hurried off flustered together with Cuimo, she had no idea what the matter was.後來又見後門上婆子送了兩盆海棠花來。Later she saw the old woman from the back gate bring over two pots of begonia flowers.襲人問是那里來的，婆子便將寶玉前一番緣故說了。Xiren asked where they had come from, and the old woman told her the whole story of what had happened with Baoyu earlier.襲人聽說便命他們擺好，讓他們在下房里坐了，自己走到自己房內秤了六錢銀子封好，又拿了三百錢走來，都遞與那兩個婆子道：“這銀子賞那抬花來的小子們，這錢你們打酒吃罷。”那婆子們站起來，眉開眼笑，千恩萬謝的不肯受，見襲人執意不收，方領了。Xiren, hearing this, told them to set the things down properly and asked them to sit in the outer room; she herself went into her own room, weighed out six qian of silver and wrapped it up, then took another three hundred cash and came out, handing both to the two old women, saying, "This silver is a reward for the boys who carried the flowers here; this cash is for you two to buy yourselves some wine." The old women stood up, beaming with delight, and thanking her over and over refused to take it; only when they saw that Xiren insisted, did they finally accept it.襲人又道：“後門上外頭可有該班的小子們？”婆子忙應道：“天天有四個，原預備里面差使的。Xiren also asked, "Are there any boys on duty at the back gate?" The old woman quickly answered, "There are always four every day, kept ready for errands inside.姑娘有什麼差使，我們吩咐去。”襲人笑道：“有什麼差使？Whatever errand the young lady has, we'll go and tell them." Xiren said with a smile, "What errand would there be?今兒寶二爺要打發人到小侯爺家與史大姑娘送東西去，可巧你們來了，順便出去叫後門小子們雇輛車來。Today Master Bao the Second wants to send someone to take some things over to Miss Shi at the young marquis's house; since you happen to be here, would you go out on your way and have the boys at the back gate hire a carriage.回來你們就往這里拿錢，不用叫他們又往前頭混碰去。”婆子答應著去了。When you come back, come here for the money — no need to have them go bumbling around out front." The old women agreed and left.

且说袭人因见宝玉看了字贴儿便慌慌张张的同翠墨去了，也不知是何事。后来又见后门上婆子送了两盆海棠花来。袭人问是那里来的，婆子便将宝玉前一番缘故说了。袭人听说便命他们摆好，让他们在下房里坐了，自己走到自己房内秤了六钱银子封好，又拿了三百钱走来，都递与那两个婆子道：“这银子赏那抬花来的小子们，这钱你们打酒吃罢。”那婆子们站起来，眉开眼笑，千恩万谢的不肯受，见袭人执意不收，方领了。袭人又道：“后门上外头可有该班的小子们？”婆子忙应道：“天天有四个，原预备里面差使的。姑娘有什么差使，我们吩咐去。”袭人笑道：“有什么差使？今儿宝二爷要打发人到小侯爷家与史大姑娘送东西去，可巧你们来了，顺便出去叫后门小子们雇辆车来。回来你们就往这里拿钱，不用叫他们又往前头混碰去。”婆子答应著去了。

襲人回至房中，拿碟子盛東西與史湘雲送去，卻見槅子上碟槽空著。Xiren went back to her room, took a small dish to put things in to send to Shi Xiangyun, but saw that the dish-slot on the cabinet shelf was empty.因回頭見晴雯，秋紋，麝月等都在一處做針黹，襲人問道：“這一個纏絲白瑪瑙碟子那去了？”眾人見問，都你看我我看你，都想不起來。Turning around she saw Qingwen, Qiuwen, Sheyue and the others all sitting together doing needlework, and Xiren asked, "Where's that agate dish with the twisted-thread pattern gone?" Hearing the question, they all looked at one another, and none of them could recall.半日，晴雯笑道：“給三姑娘送荔枝去的，還沒送來呢。”襲人道：“家常送東西的家伙也多，巴巴的拿這個去。”晴雯道：“我何嘗不也這樣說。After a while, Qingwen said with a smile, "It went with the lychees sent to Miss Tanchun, and hasn't come back yet." Xiren said, "There are plenty of everyday dishes for sending things — did they have to take that one especially?" Qingwen said, "That's exactly what I said too.他說這個碟子配上鮮荔枝才好看。He said only this dish would set off fresh lychees properly.我送去，三姑娘見了也說好看，叫連碟子放著，就沒帶來。When I took it over, Miss Tanchun saw it and also said it looked nice, and told me to leave it there, dish and all, so I didn't bring it back.你再瞧，那槅子盡上頭的一對聯珠瓶還沒收來呢。”秋紋笑道：“提起瓶來，我又想起笑話。And look again — that pair of matched vases right on top of the cabinet shelf hasn't been collected either." Qiuwen said with a smile, "Speaking of vases, that reminds me of something funny.我們寶二爺說聲孝心一動，也孝敬到二十分。Once our Master Bao's filial feelings are stirred, he carries them out to the full twenty parts.因那日見園里桂花，折了兩枝，原是自己要插瓶的，忽然想起來說，這是自己園里的才開的新鮮花，不敢自己先頑，巴巴的把那一對瓶拿下來，親自灌水插好了，叫個人拿著，親自送一瓶進老太太，又進一瓶與太太。That day he saw the osmanthus in the garden and broke off two sprigs, meaning at first to put them in a vase for himself, but suddenly he thought of something and said these were freshly opened flowers from our own garden, and he dared not enjoy them himself first — so he had that pair of vases brought down, filled them with water and arranged the flowers himself, then had someone carry them, one vase to be delivered in person to Old Ancestress, the other to Madam.誰知他孝心一動，連跟的人都得了福了。Who would have thought that once his filial heart was stirred, even the servant who went along got some good fortune out of it.可巧那日是我拿去的。As it happened, that day it was I who carried it over.老太太見了這樣，喜的無可無不可，見人就說：‘到底是寶玉孝順我，連一枝花兒也想的到。When Old Ancestress saw it like that, she was so pleased there was nothing she wouldn't say, and told everyone she saw, 'In the end it's Baoyu who's filial to me — he even thinks of a single spray of flowers.別人還只抱怨我疼他。’你們知道，老太太素日不大同我說話的，有些不入他老人家的眼的。Others just complain that I dote on him.' As you all know, Old Ancestress doesn't usually talk much with me — I'm one of those who doesn't quite catch her old eye.那日竟叫人拿幾百錢給我，說我可怜見的，生的單柔。But that day she actually had someone give me a few hundred cash, saying she felt sorry for me, being born so slight and delicate.這可是再想不到的福氣。This really was good fortune I could never have imagined.幾百錢是小事，難得這個臉面。The few hundred cash was a small thing — what's hard to come by is that kind of favor.及至到了太太那里，太太正和二奶奶，趙姨奶奶，周姨奶奶好些人翻箱子，找太太當日年輕的顏色衣裳，不知給那一個。And then when I got to Madam's place, Madam was there with Second Mistress, Aunt Zhao, Aunt Zhou and a number of others, going through trunks, looking for some of the colored clothes Madam wore when she was young, not sure yet who they'd be given to.一見了，連衣裳也不找了，且看花兒。As soon as she saw it, she stopped even looking for the clothes, and just looked at the flowers instead.又有二奶奶在旁邊湊趣兒，夸寶玉又是怎麼孝敬，又是怎樣知好歹，有的沒的說了兩車話。And then Second Mistress standing by joined in adding to the fun, praising how filial Baoyu was, how well he understood what mattered, going on and on, cartloads of words, true or not.當著眾人，太太自為又增了光，堵了眾人的嘴。With everyone there, Madam felt her own standing had risen even more, and it stopped others' mouths.太太越發喜歡了，現成的衣裳就賞了我兩件。Madam grew even more pleased, and right there on the spot rewarded me with two pieces of clothing.衣裳也是小事，年年橫豎也得，卻不象這個彩頭。”晴雯笑道：“呸！The clothes were a small thing too — one gets them every year regardless — but it's not like this stroke of good luck." Qingwen said with a laugh, "Bah!沒見世面的小蹄子！You little wretch who's never seen the world!那是把好的給了人，挑剩下的才給你，你還充有臉呢。”秋紋道：“憑他給誰剩的，到底是太太的恩典。”晴雯道：“要是我，我就不要。That was the good ones given away to someone else, and only the leftover picks given to you, and still you put on airs about it." Qiuwen said, "No matter who else's leftovers they were, in the end it's still Madam's favor." Qingwen said, "If it were me, I wouldn't want it.若是給別人剩下的給我，也罷了。If it's leftovers given to me after someone else, that would be one thing.一樣這屋里的人，難道誰又比誰高貴些？We're all the same, people of this room — is anyone really nobler than anyone else?把好的給他，剩下的才給我，我宁可不要，沖撞了太太，我也不受這口軟氣。”秋紋忙問：“給這屋里誰的？Give the good ones to someone else and only the leftovers to me — I'd rather not have it; even if it offended Madam, I wouldn't swallow that kind of soft insult." Qiuwen quickly asked, "Given to whom else in this room?我因為前兒病了幾天，家去了，不知是給誰的。Since I was sick those few days and went home, I don't know who else it was given to.好姐姐，你告訴我知道知道。”晴雯道：“我告訴了你，難道你這會退還太太去不成？”秋紋笑道：“胡說，我白聽了喜歡喜歡。Dear sister, tell me, let me know." Qingwen said, "If I tell you, are you going to go give it back to Madam now?" Qiuwen said with a laugh, "Nonsense, I'd just be happy hearing it, that's all.那怕給這屋里的狗剩下的，我只領太太的恩典，也不犯管別的事。”眾人聽了都笑道：“罵的巧，可不是給了那西洋花點子哈巴兒了。”襲人笑道：“你們這起爛了嘴的！Even if it were leftovers given to a dog in this room, I'd just accept it as Madam's favor and not go meddling in other matters." Hearing this, everyone laughed and said, "Well put — and it's true, it went to that Western spotted lapdog." Xiren said with a laugh, "You lot with your rotten mouths!得了空就拿我取笑打牙兒。The moment you get a free moment you use me to crack jokes.一個個不知怎麼死呢。”秋紋笑道：“原來姐姐得了，我實在不知道。Every one of you doesn't know how you'll come to a bad end." Qiuwen said with a laugh, "So it was you who got it, sister — I really didn't know.我陪個不是罷。”襲人笑道：“少輕狂罷。Let me apologize." Xiren said with a laugh, "Enough of your nonsense.你們誰取了碟子來是正經。”麝月道：“那瓶得空兒也該收來了。What matters now is which of you is going to go get that dish." Sheyue said, "That vase ought to be collected back too when there's a free moment.老太太屋里還罷了，太太屋里人多手雜。In Old Ancestress's room it's not so bad, but in Madam's room there are too many hands about.別人還可以，趙姨奶奶一伙的人見是這屋里的東西，又該使黑心弄坏了才罷。Others are fine enough, but if Aunt Zhao's crowd sees it's something from this room, they're sure to use some spiteful trick to spoil it.太太也不大管這些，不如早些收來正經。”晴雯聽說，便擲下針黹道：“這話倒是，等我取去。”秋紋道：“還是我取去罷，你取你的碟子去。”晴雯笑道：“我偏取一遭兒去。Madam doesn't pay much attention to such things either, so it's best to collect it back soon, properly." Hearing this, Qingwen threw down her needlework and said, "That's true — let me go get it." Qiuwen said, "Better let me go get it, you go get your dish." Qingwen said with a laugh, "This time I insist on going myself.是巧宗兒你們都得了，難道不許我得一遭兒？”麝月笑道：“通共秋丫頭得了一遭兒衣裳，那里今兒又巧，你也遇見找衣裳不成。”晴雯冷笑道：“雖然碰不見衣裳，或者太太看見我勤謹，一個月也把太太的公費里分出二兩銀子來給我，也定不得。”說著，又笑道：“你們別和我裝神弄鬼的，什麼事我不知道。”一面說，一面往外跑了。All the lucky chances have gone to you lot — why shouldn't I get one turn too?" Sheyue said with a laugh, "All told, Qiuwen only got one turn of clothes — is it likely that today's just as lucky, and you too will run into someone looking for clothes?" Qingwen said with a cold laugh, "Even if I don't run into any clothes, perhaps Madam will notice how diligent I am and set aside two taels of silver a month from her own allowance for me — who's to say it couldn't happen." As she spoke, she added with a laugh, "Don't you all play tricks and put on an act with me — there's nothing going on I don't know about." So saying, she ran off outside.秋紋也同他出來，自去探春那里取了碟子來。Qiuwen went out with her too, and went off by herself to Tanchun's place to fetch the dish.

袭人回至房中，拿碟子盛东西与史湘云送去，却见槅子上碟槽空著。因回头见晴雯，秋纹，麝月等都在一处做针黹，袭人问道：“这一个缠丝白玛瑙碟子那去了？”众人见问，都你看我我看你，都想不起来。半日，晴雯笑道：“给三姑娘送荔枝去的，还没送来呢。”袭人道：“家常送东西的家伙也多，巴巴的拿这个去。”晴雯道：“我何尝不也这样说。他说这个碟子配上鲜荔枝才好看。我送去，三姑娘见了也说好看，叫连碟子放著，就没带来。你再瞧，那槅子尽上头的一对联珠瓶还没收来呢。”秋纹笑道：“提起瓶来，我又想起笑话。我们宝二爷说声孝心一动，也孝敬到二十分。因那日见园里桂花，折了两枝，原是自己要插瓶的，忽然想起来说，这是自己园里的才开的新鲜花，不敢自己先顽，巴巴的把那一对瓶拿下来，亲自灌水插好了，叫个人拿著，亲自送一瓶进老太太，又进一瓶与太太。谁知他孝心一动，连跟的人都得了福了。可巧那日是我拿去的。老太太见了这样，喜的无可无不可，见人就说：‘到底是宝玉孝顺我，连一枝花儿也想的到。别人还只抱怨我疼他。’你们知道，老太太素日不大同我说话的，有些不入他老人家的眼的。那日竟叫人拿几百钱给我，说我可怜见的，生的单柔。这可是再想不到的福气。几百钱是小事，难得这个脸面。及至到了太太那里，太太正和二奶奶，赵姨奶奶，周姨奶奶好些人翻箱子，找太太当日年轻的颜色衣裳，不知给那一个。一见了，连衣裳也不找了，且看花儿。又有二奶奶在旁边凑趣儿，夸宝玉又是怎么孝敬，又是怎样知好歹，有的没的说了两车话。当著众人，太太自为又增了光，堵了众人的嘴。太太越发喜欢了，现成的衣裳就赏了我两件。衣裳也是小事，年年横竖也得，却不象这个彩头。”晴雯笑道：“呸！没见世面的小蹄子！那是把好的给了人，挑剩下的才给你，你还充有脸呢。”秋纹道：“凭他给谁剩的，到底是太太的恩典。”晴雯道：“要是我，我就不要。若是给别人剩下的给我，也罢了。一样这屋里的人，难道谁又比谁高贵些？把好的给他，剩下的才给我，我宁可不要，冲撞了太太，我也不受这口软气。”秋纹忙问：“给这屋里谁的？我因为前儿病了几天，家去了，不知是给谁的。好姐姐，你告诉我知道知道。”晴雯道：“我告诉了你，难道你这会退还太太去不成？”秋纹笑道：“胡说，我白听了喜欢喜欢。那怕给这屋里的狗剩下的，我只领太太的恩典，也不犯管别的事。”众人听了都笑道：“骂的巧，可不是给了那西洋花点子哈巴儿了。”袭人笑道：“你们这起烂了嘴的！得了空就拿我取笑打牙儿。一个个不知怎么死呢。”秋纹笑道：“原来姐姐得了，我实在不知道。我陪个不是罢。”袭人笑道：“少轻狂罢。你们谁取了碟子来是正经。”麝月道：“那瓶得空儿也该收来了。老太太屋里还罢了，太太屋里人多手杂。别人还可以，赵姨奶奶一伙的人见是这屋里的东西，又该使黑心弄坏了才罢。太太也不大管这些，不如早些收来正经。”晴雯听说，便掷下针黹道：“这话倒是，等我取去。”秋纹道：“还是我取去罢，你取你的碟子去。”晴雯笑道：“我偏取一遭儿去。是巧宗儿你们都得了，难道不许我得一遭儿？”麝月笑道：“通共秋丫头得了一遭儿衣裳，那里今儿又巧，你也遇见找衣裳不成。”晴雯冷笑道：“虽然碰不见衣裳，或者太太看见我勤谨，一个月也把太太的公费里分出二两银子来给我，也定不得。”说著，又笑道：“你们别和我装神弄鬼的，什么事我不知道。”一面说，一面往外跑了。秋纹也同他出来，自去探春那里取了碟子来。

襲人打點齊備東西，叫過本處的一個老宋媽媽來，向他說道：“你先好生梳洗了，換了出門的衣裳來，如今打發你與史姑娘送東西去。”那宋嬤嬤道：“姑娘只管交給我，有話說與我，我收拾了就好一順去的。”襲人聽說，便端過兩個小掐絲盒子來。Xiren finished packing up the things, called over a Granny Song from this place, and said to her, "First go wash up and comb your hair properly, and change into clothes fit for going out — now I'm sending you to take things over to Miss Shi." Granny Song said, "Just hand it to me, miss, tell me what to say, and once I've got myself ready I can go straight there." Hearing this, Xiren brought over two small filigree boxes.先揭開一個，里面裝的是紅菱和雞頭兩樣鮮果，又那一個，是一碟子桂花糖蒸新栗粉糕。She opened one first — inside were two kinds of fresh fruit, red water-chestnuts and gorgon-nuts; and in the other was a plate of osmanthus-sugar steamed cake made of fresh chestnut flour.又說道：“這都是今年咱們這里園里新結的果子，寶二爺送來與姑娘嘗嘗。She went on, "These are all fruits newly set this year in our garden here; Master Bao the Second sends them for the young lady to taste.再前日姑娘說這瑪瑙碟子好，姑娘就留下頑罷。And the other day the young lady said this agate dish was nice, so let the young lady just keep it to play with.這絹包兒里頭是姑娘上日叫我作的活計，姑娘別嫌粗糙，能著用罷。Inside this silk wrapper are some needlework pieces the young lady asked me to make the other day; tell her not to mind that they're rough, and just make do with them.替我們請安，替二爺問好就是了。”宋嬤嬤道：“寶二爺不知還有什麼說的，姑娘再問問去，回來又別說忘了。”襲人因問秋紋：“方才可見在三姑娘那里？”秋紋道：“他們都在那里商議起什麼詩社呢，又都作詩。Give our regards, and pay respects to Master Bao the Second on our behalf, that's all." Granny Song said, "Who knows if Master Bao the Second has anything more to say — miss, go ask him again, so you won't say later I forgot." Xiren then asked Qiuwen, "Did you happen to see him just now at Miss Tanchun's place?" Qiuwen said, "They're all over there discussing setting up some poetry club, and all writing poems.想來沒話，你只去罷。”宋嬤嬤聽了，便拿了東西出去，另外穿戴了。I doubt there's anything more to say — just go on." Hearing this, Granny Song took the things and went out, and changed into different clothes besides.襲人又囑咐他：“從後門出去，有小子和車等著呢。”宋媽去後，不在話下。Xiren further told her, "Go out by the back gate, there's a boy and a carriage waiting there." After Mama Song left, nothing more need be said of it.

袭人打点齐备东西，叫过本处的一个老宋妈妈来，向他说道：“你先好生梳洗了，换了出门的衣裳来，如今打发你与史姑娘送东西去。”那宋嬷嬷道：“姑娘只管交给我，有话说与我，我收拾了就好一顺去的。”袭人听说，便端过两个小掐丝盒子来。先揭开一个，里面装的是红菱和鸡头两样鲜果，又那一个，是一碟子桂花糖蒸新栗粉糕。又说道：“这都是今年咱们这里园里新结的果子，宝二爷送来与姑娘尝尝。再前日姑娘说这玛瑙碟子好，姑娘就留下顽罢。这绢包儿里头是姑娘上日叫我作的活计，姑娘别嫌粗糙，能著用罢。替我们请安，替二爷问好就是了。”宋嬷嬷道：“宝二爷不知还有什么说的，姑娘再问问去，回来又别说忘了。”袭人因问秋纹：“方才可见在三姑娘那里？”秋纹道：“他们都在那里商议起什么诗社呢，又都作诗。想来没话，你只去罢。”宋嬷嬷听了，便拿了东西出去，另外穿戴了。袭人又嘱咐他：“从后门出去，有小子和车等著呢。”宋妈去后，不在话下。

寶玉回來，先忙著看了一回海棠，至房內告訴襲人起詩社的事。Baoyu came back, and first hurried to look at the crab-apple blossoms for a while, then went into the room and told Xiren about starting the poetry club.襲人也把打發宋媽媽與史湘雲送東西去的話告訴了寶玉。Xiren also told Baoyu about having sent Mama Song to take things to Shi Xiangyun.寶玉聽了，拍手道：“偏忘了他。Hearing this, Baoyu clapped his hands and said, "I clean forgot about her.我自覺心里有件事，只是想不起來，虧你提起來，正要請他去。I felt there was something on my mind, but I just couldn't think what it was — thanks to you bringing it up, I was just about to go invite her.這詩社里若少了他還有什麼意思。”襲人勸道：“什麼要緊，不過玩意兒。If this poetry club were missing her, what fun would it be?" Xiren said soothingly, "What's so urgent about it — it's just a bit of fun.他比不得你們自在，家里又作不得主兒。She's not as free as the rest of you; back at her own home she can't even have her own say.告訴他，他要來又由不得他，不來，他又牽腸挂肚的，沒的叫他不受用。”寶玉道：“不妨事，我回老太太打發人接他去。”正說著，宋媽媽已經回來，回复道生受，與襲人道乏，又說：“問二爺作什麼呢，我說和姑娘們起什麼詩社作詩呢。If we tell her, whether she can come or not isn't up to her; if she can't come, she'll be worried sick over it, and there's no need to make her uncomfortable for nothing." Baoyu said, "It's no trouble — I'll tell Old Ancestress and send someone to fetch her." Just as he was speaking, Mama Song had already come back, reporting on how she'd been received and thanking Xiren for the trouble, and said, "He asked what everyone was up to, and I said the young ladies were starting some poetry club and writing poems.史姑娘說，他們作詩也不告訴他去，急的了不的。”寶玉聽了立身便往賈母處來，立逼著叫人接去。Miss Shi said that when they write poems and don't even tell her, it makes her so anxious she can't bear it." Hearing this, Baoyu got straight up and went to Grandmother Jia's place, and insisted that someone be sent to fetch her at once.賈母因說：“今兒天晚了，明日一早再去。”寶玉只得罷了，回來悶悶的。Grandmother Jia said, "It's late today; go first thing tomorrow morning." Baoyu had no choice but to give up, and came back feeling glum.

宝玉回来，先忙著看了一回海棠，至房内告诉袭人起诗社的事。袭人也把打发宋妈妈与史湘云送东西去的话告诉了宝玉。宝玉听了，拍手道：“偏忘了他。我自觉心里有件事，只是想不起来，亏你提起来，正要请他去。这诗社里若少了他还有什么意思。”袭人劝道：“什么要紧，不过玩意儿。他比不得你们自在，家里又作不得主儿。告诉他，他要来又由不得他，不来，他又牵肠挂肚的，没的叫他不受用。”宝玉道：“不妨事，我回老太太打发人接他去。”正说著，宋妈妈已经回来，回复道生受，与袭人道乏，又说：“问二爷作什么呢，我说和姑娘们起什么诗社作诗呢。史姑娘说，他们作诗也不告诉他去，急的了不的。”宝玉听了立身便往贾母处来，立逼著叫人接去。贾母因说：“今儿天晚了，明日一早再去。”宝玉只得罢了，回来闷闷的。

次日一早，便又往賈母處來催逼人接去。Early the next morning, he went again to Grandmother Jia's place to press for someone to be sent to fetch her.直到午後，史湘雲才來，寶玉方放了心，見面時就把始末原由告訴他，又要與他詩看。Not until after noon did Shi Xiangyun arrive, and only then did Baoyu's heart settle; when they met he told her the whole story from beginning to end, and wanted to show her the poems too.李紈等因說道：“且別給他詩看，先說與他韻。Li Wan and the others said, "Don't show her the poems yet — first give her the rhymes.他後來，先罰他和了詩：若好，便請入社，若不好，還要罰他一個東道再說。”史湘雲道：“你們忘了請我，我還要罰你們呢。Let her come along afterward — first make her pay the penalty of matching the poems: if they're good, then let her join the club; if not, she'll still have to pay a further penalty of hosting a treat before we discuss it further." Shi Xiangyun said, "You all forgot to invite me — I ought to make you pay a penalty instead.就拿韻來，我雖不能，只得勉強出丑。Just give me the rhymes; though I can't do it well, I'll just have to make a poor showing and embarrass myself.容我入社，掃地焚香我也情願。”眾人見他這般有趣，越發喜歡，都埋怨昨日怎麼忘了他，遂忙告訴他韻。Let me join the club, and I'd be willing even to sweep the floor and tend the incense." Seeing how delightful she was being, everyone grew even more pleased, and all blamed themselves for having forgotten her the day before, and hurried to tell her the rhymes.史湘雲一心興頭，等不得推敲刪改，一面只管和人說著話，心內早已和成，即用隨便的紙筆錄出，先笑說道：“我卻依韻和了兩首，好歹我卻不知，不過應命而已。”說著遞與眾人。Shi Xiangyun, her heart set entirely on it, couldn't wait to polish and revise, and even while chatting on with everyone, had already composed the matching poems in her mind; she at once jotted them down on whatever paper and brush was at hand, and said with a laugh, "I've matched the rhyme with two poems — whether they're any good or not I couldn't say, it's just to answer the call." So saying, she handed them to everyone.眾人道：“我們四首也算想絕了，再一首也不能了。Everyone said, "The four of us thought ourselves quite worn out over just one each — there's nothing more to say.你倒弄了兩首，那里有許多話說，必要重了我們。”一面說，一面看時，只見那兩首詩寫道：And here you've turned out two — where do you have so much to say, surely you must be repeating our rhymes." As they spoke, they looked, and saw the two poems read as follows:

次日一早，便又往贾母处来催逼人接去。直到午后，史湘云才来，宝玉方放了心，见面时就把始末原由告诉他，又要与他诗看。李纨等因说道：“且别给他诗看，先说与他韵。他后来，先罚他和了诗：若好，便请入社，若不好，还要罚他一个东道再说。”史湘云道：“你们忘了请我，我还要罚你们呢。就拿韵来，我虽不能，只得勉强出丑。容我入社，扫地焚香我也情愿。”众人见他这般有趣，越发喜欢，都埋怨昨日怎么忘了他，遂忙告诉他韵。史湘云一心兴头，等不得推敲删改，一面只管和人说著话，心内早已和成，即用随便的纸笔录出，先笑说道：“我却依韵和了两首，好歹我却不知，不过应命而已。”说著递与众人。众人道：“我们四首也算想绝了，再一首也不能了。你倒弄了两首，那里有许多话说，必要重了我们。”一面说，一面看时，只见那两首诗写道：

其一The First

神仙昨日降都門，种得藍田玉一盆。An immortal came down to the capital gate yesterday, and grew a potful of Blue Field jade.

神仙昨日降都门，种得蓝田玉一盆。

自是霜娥偏愛冷，非關倩女亦離魂。It's only that the Frost Maiden favors the cold especially, not that it's the parting soul of some lovesick lady.

自是霜娥偏爱冷，非关倩女亦离魂。

秋陰捧出何方雪，雨漬添來隔宿痕。From what quarter does the autumn overcast bring forth this snow — the traces of rain soaking in linger from the night before.

秋阴捧出何方雪，雨渍添来隔宿痕。

卻喜詩人吟不倦，豈令寂寞度朝昏。But how pleasing that the poet never tires of chanting over it, never letting it pass its lonely mornings and evenings in vain.

却喜诗人吟不倦，岂令寂寞度朝昏。

其二The Second

蘅芷階通蘿薜門，也宜牆角也宜盆。The steps of the fragrant angelica lead through a gate of trailing vines, fit alike for a corner by the wall or a pot.

蘅芷阶通萝薜门，也宜墙角也宜盆。

花因喜洁難尋偶，人為悲秋易斷魂。The flower, loving purity, is hard to find a match for; a person, grieving autumn, loses the soul all too easily.

花因喜洁难寻偶，人为悲秋易断魂。

玉燭滴乾風里淚，晶帘隔破月中痕。The jade candle drips dry its tears in the wind; the crystal blind, broken apart, lets through the moon's traces.

玉烛滴干风里泪，晶帘隔破月中痕。

幽情欲向嫦娥訴，無奈虛廊夜色昏。Wishing to pour out this hidden longing to the Moon Goddess — but helpless, for the empty gallery is dim with night.

幽情欲向嫦娥诉，无奈虚廊夜色昏。

眾人看一句，驚訝一句，看到了，贊到了，都說：“這個不枉作了海棠詩，真該要起海棠社了。”史湘雲道：“明日先罰我個東道，就讓我先邀一社可使得？”眾人道：“這更妙了。”因又將昨日的與他評論了一回。Reading line by line, everyone marveled line by line, and by the end all praised it, saying, "This alone was worth writing crab-apple poems for — we really ought to set up a Crab-Apple Club." Shi Xiangyun said, "Tomorrow let me first pay the penalty of hosting a treat, and then let me be the one to convene the next meeting — would that do?" Everyone said, "That would be even better." And they went over yesterday's poems with her once more, discussing them.至晚，寶釵將湘雲邀往蘅蕪苑安歇去。By evening, Baochai invited Xiangyun to go stay the night at Hengwu Yuan.湘雲燈下計議如何設東擬題。Under the lamp, Xiangyun set about planning how to host the treat and set the topic.寶釵聽他說了半日，皆不妥當，因向他說道：“既開社，便要作東。Baochai listened to her talk on for a good while, none of it quite fitting, and said to her, "Now that the club is started, someone has to act as host.雖然是頑意兒，也要瞻前顧後，又要自己便宜，又要不得罪了人，然後方大家有趣。Even though it's just for fun, you still have to think ahead and behind, both looking after your own means and not offending anyone, and only then will everyone find it enjoyable.你家里你又作不得主，一個月通共那幾串錢，你還不夠盤纏呢。At your own home you can't even have your own say, and in a month all told you get just those few strings of cash, which isn't even enough for your own expenses.這會子又幹這沒要緊的事，你嬸子聽見了，越發抱怨你了。If you go and do this unnecessary thing on top of that, once your aunt hears of it she'll only resent you the more.況且你就都拿出來，做這個東道也是不夠。Besides, even if you put out everything you have, it still wouldn't be enough to host this treat.難道為這個家去要不成？Surely you're not going to go home and ask for it?還是往這里要呢？”一席話提醒了湘雲，倒躊躕起來。Or are you going to ask for it here?" These words gave Xiangyun pause, and she grew hesitant.寶釵道：“這個我已經有個主意。Baochai said, "As for this, I already have an idea.我們當舖里有個伙計，他家田上出的很好的肥螃蟹，前兒送了幾斤來。There's a hand at our pawnshop whose family raises very fine fat crabs on their fields, and the other day they sent over a few catties.現在這里的人，從老太太起連上園里的人，有多一半都是愛吃螃蟹的。As for the people here now, from Old Ancestress on down, including more than half the people in the garden, they're fond of eating crab.前日姨娘還說要請老太太在園里賞桂花吃螃蟹，因為有事還沒有請呢。The other day Aunt even said she wanted to invite Old Ancestress to enjoy the osmanthus and eat crab in the garden, but hasn't gotten around to it yet because of other matters.你如今且把詩社別提起，只管普通一請。For now, don't even mention the poetry club — just go ahead and issue a general invitation.等他們散了，咱們有多少詩作不得的。Once they've all had their fill and dispersed, we can compose however many poems we like.我和我哥哥說，要幾簍极肥极大的螃蟹來，再往舖子里取上幾壇好酒，再備上四五桌果碟，豈不又省事又大家熱鬧了。”湘雲聽了，心中自是感服，极贊他想的周到。I'll speak to my brother, and have him get a few baskets of the very fattest, biggest crabs, and also fetch several jars of good wine from the shop, and prepare four or five tables of fruit and dishes besides — wouldn't that save trouble and make it lively for everyone at once?" Hearing this, Xiangyun was deeply moved and grateful in her heart, and praised again and again how thoughtful she was.寶釵又笑道：“我是一片真心為你的話。Baochai went on with a smile, "What I say is out of pure sincerity for your sake.你千萬別多心，想著我小看了你，咱們兩個就白好了。Whatever you do, don't take it the wrong way and think I look down on you — otherwise our friendship would have been for nothing.你若不多心，我就好叫他們辦去的。”湘雲忙笑道：“好姐姐，你這樣說，倒多心待我了。If you don't take it the wrong way, then I can go ahead and tell them to arrange it." Xiangyun said quickly with a smile, "Dear sister, saying that only shows you're the one taking things the wrong way about me.憑他怎麼糊涂，連個好歹也不知，還成個人了？However foolish I may be, not even able to tell good from bad — would I even count as a person then?我若不把姐姐當作親姐姐一樣看，上回那些家常話煩難事也不肯盡情告訴你了。”寶釵聽說，便叫一個婆子來：“出去和大爺說，依前日的大螃蟹要幾簍來，明日飯後請老太太姨娘賞桂花。If I didn't think of you, sister, just like my own sister, I wouldn't have been willing to tell you all those troublesome family matters last time either." Hearing this, Baochai called over an old woman and said, "Go out and tell Elder Brother, following what we did the other day, to get a few baskets of those big crabs; tomorrow after the meal we'll invite Old Ancestress and Aunt to enjoy the osmanthus.你說大爺好歹別忘了，我今兒已請下人了。”那婆子出去說明，回來無話。Tell Elder Brother not to forget, whatever happens — I've already invited people for today." The old woman went out and explained it, then came back, and nothing more was said of it.

众人看一句，惊讶一句，看到了，赞到了，都说：“这个不枉作了海棠诗，真该要起海棠社了。”史湘云道：“明日先罚我个东道，就让我先邀一社可使得？”众人道：“这更妙了。”因又将昨日的与他评论了一回。至晚，宝钗将湘云邀往蘅芜苑安歇去。湘云灯下计议如何设东拟题。宝钗听他说了半日，皆不妥当，因向他说道：“既开社，便要作东。虽然是顽意儿，也要瞻前顾后，又要自己便宜，又要不得罪了人，然后方大家有趣。你家里你又作不得主，一个月通共那几串钱，你还不够盘缠呢。这会子又干这没要紧的事，你婶子听见了，越发抱怨你了。况且你就都拿出来，做这个东道也是不够。难道为这个家去要不成？还是往这里要呢？”一席话提醒了湘云，倒踌蹰起来。宝钗道：“这个我已经有个主意。我们当铺里有个伙计，他家田上出的很好的肥螃蟹，前儿送了几斤来。现在这里的人，从老太太起连上园里的人，有多一半都是爱吃螃蟹的。前日姨娘还说要请老太太在园里赏桂花吃螃蟹，因为有事还没有请呢。你如今且把诗社别提起，只管普通一请。等他们散了，咱们有多少诗作不得的。我和我哥哥说，要几篓极肥极大的螃蟹来，再往铺子里取上几坛好酒，再备上四五桌果碟，岂不又省事又大家热闹了。”湘云听了，心中自是感服，极赞他想的周到。宝钗又笑道：“我是一片真心为你的话。你千万别多心，想著我小看了你，咱们两个就白好了。你若不多心，我就好叫他们办去的。”湘云忙笑道：“好姐姐，你这样说，倒多心待我了。凭他怎么糊涂，连个好歹也不知，还成个人了？我若不把姐姐当作亲姐姐一样看，上回那些家常话烦难事也不肯尽情告诉你了。”宝钗听说，便叫一个婆子来：“出去和大爷说，依前日的大螃蟹要几篓来，明日饭后请老太太姨娘赏桂花。你说大爷好歹别忘了，我今儿已请下人了。”那婆子出去说明，回来无话。

這里寶釵又向湘雲道：“詩題也不要過于新巧了。Here Baochai further said to Xiangyun, "The poem topics shouldn't be too clever or novel either.你看古人詩中那些刁鑽古怪的題目和那极險的韻了，若題過于新巧，韻過于險，再不得有好詩，終是小家氣。Look at how, among the poems of the ancients, there are those oddly contrived, far-fetched topics and those extremely tricky rhymes — if the topic is too clever and novel and the rhyme too tricky, one can never get a good poem out of it in the end, and it ends up looking petty and small-minded.詩固然怕說熟話，更不可過于求生，只要頭一件立意清新，自然措詞就不俗了。In poetry, of course, one fears using stale, hackneyed phrases, but even more one must not strain too hard after novelty; only get the first thing right — a fresh, clear conception — and the diction will naturally not turn out vulgar.究竟這也算不得什麼，還是紡績針黹是你我的本等。In the end, none of this amounts to much anyway; spinning thread and doing needlework are really our proper business, yours and mine.一時閒了，倒是于你我深有益的書看幾章是正經。”湘雲只答應著，因笑道：“我如今心里想著，昨日作了海棠詩，我如今要作個菊花詩如何？”寶釵道：“菊花倒也合景，只是前人太多了。”湘雲道：“我也是如此想著，恐怕落套。”寶釵想了一想，說道：“有了，如今以菊花為賓，以人為主，竟擬出幾個題目來，都是兩個字：一個虛字，一個實字，實字便用‘菊’字，虛字就用通用門的。When we have a spare moment, it's better to read a few chapters of some book that will truly do us good, you and me — that's the proper thing." Xiangyun just kept agreeing, then said with a smile, "Here's what I'm thinking now — yesterday we wrote crab-apple poems, so what if today I write some chrysanthemum poems?" Baochai said, "Chrysanthemums do suit the season, only there have been too many people before us who've written on them." Xiangyun said, "That's just what I was thinking too — afraid of falling into the same old rut." Baochai thought a moment, and said, "I have it. Now let's take the chrysanthemum as the guest and the person as the host, and work out a few topics, each of two characters: one an empty word, one a substantive word — the substantive word will always be 'chrysanthemum,' and the empty word can be any word in common use.如此又是詠菊，又是賦事，前人也沒作過，也不能落套。That way it will be both an ode to the chrysanthemum and an account of doings, something no one before has done, and it can't fall into the same old rut either.賦景詠物兩關著，又新鮮，又大方。”湘雲笑道：“這卻很好。It covers both describing the scene and singing of the object at once — both fresh and dignified." Xiangyun said with a laugh, "That's excellent indeed.只是不知用何等虛字才好。Only I don't know what sort of empty word would do.你先想一個我聽聽。”寶釵想了一想，笑道：“《菊夢》就好。”湘雲笑道：“果然好。You think of one first and let me hear it." Baochai thought a moment and said with a smile, "'Chrysanthemum Dream' would do well." Xiangyun said with a laugh, "That is good indeed.我也有一個，《菊影》可使得？”寶釵道：“也罷了。I have one too — would 'Chrysanthemum Shadow' work?" Baochai said, "That's fine too.只是也有人作過，若題目多，這個也夾的上。Only someone has done that one before as well; but if there are to be many topics, this one can still be worked in among them.我又有了一個。”湘雲道：“快說出來。”寶釵道：“《問菊》如何？”湘雲拍案叫妙，因接說道：“我也有了，《訪菊》如何？”寶釵也贊有趣，因說道：“越性擬出十個來，寫上再來。”說著，二人研墨蘸筆，湘雲便寫，寶釵便念，一時湊了十個。I have another one now." Xiangyun said, "Quick, say it." Baochai said, "How about 'Questioning the Chrysanthemum'?" Xiangyun slapped the table and cried out how marvelous, and went on to add, "I have one too — how about 'Seeking Out the Chrysanthemum'?" Baochai also praised it as delightful, and said, "Might as well work out a full ten of them, and write them down as we go." So saying, the two of them ground the ink and dipped the brush, Xiangyun writing them down while Baochai called them out, and before long they had gathered ten.湘雲看了一遍，又笑道：“十個還不成幅，越性湊成十二個便全了，也如人家的字畫冊頁一樣。”寶釵聽說，又想了兩個，一共湊成十二。Xiangyun looked them over once, then said with a laugh, "Ten still doesn't make a complete set — might as well round it out to twelve, and it'll be complete, just like a set of album leaves in someone's collection." Hearing this, Baochai thought of two more, making twelve in all.又說道：“既這樣，越性編出他個次序先後來。”湘雲道：“如此更妙，竟弄成個菊譜了。”寶釵道：“起首是《憶菊》，憶之不得，故訪，第二是《訪菊》，訪之既得，便种，第三是《种菊》，种既盛開，故相對而賞，第四是《對菊》，相對而興有余，故折來供瓶為玩，第五是《供菊》，既供而不吟，亦覺菊無彩色，第六便是《詠菊》，既入詞章，不可不供筆墨，第七便是《畫菊》，既為菊如是碌碌，究竟不知菊有何妙處，不禁有所問，第八便是《問菊》，菊如解語，使人狂喜不禁，第九便是《簪菊》，如此人事雖盡，猶有菊之可詠者，《菊影》《菊夢》二首續在第十第十一，末卷便以《殘菊》總收前題之盛。She then said, "Since that's so, we might as well arrange them in proper order." Xiangyun said, "That would be even better — it'll turn into a regular chrysanthemum manual." Baochai said, "Start with 'Recalling the Chrysanthemum' — since recalling it isn't enough, one goes to seek it out, so second is 'Seeking Out the Chrysanthemum'; having sought and found it, one plants it, so third is 'Planting the Chrysanthemum'; once planted it comes into full bloom, so one sits facing it and admires it, fourth is 'Facing the Chrysanthemum'; facing it, one's delight isn't spent, so one breaks off a spray to set in a vase and enjoy, fifth is 'The Chrysanthemum in a Vase'; once set out, if one doesn't chant of it, the chrysanthemum still seems to lack its full color, so sixth is 'Singing of the Chrysanthemum'; once it has entered into verse, one cannot but take up brush and ink for it too, so seventh is 'Painting the Chrysanthemum'; having gone to all this trouble over the chrysanthemum, and still not knowing just where its special charm lies, one cannot help but ask about it, so eighth is 'Questioning the Chrysanthemum'; as if the chrysanthemum understood speech and answered, filling one with wild delight, ninth is 'Wearing the Chrysanthemum in One's Hair'; with human affairs thus exhausted, there is still more of the chrysanthemum to sing of, so 'Chrysanthemum Shadow' and 'Chrysanthemum Dream' follow as tenth and eleventh; and the final one closes out all the previous topics' abundance with 'The Fading Chrysanthemum.'這便是三秋的妙景妙事都有了。”湘雲依說將題錄出，又看了一回，又問“該限何韻？”寶釵道：“我平生最不喜限韻的，分明有好詩，何苦為韻所縛。This way, all the fine scenes and fine doings of the three months of autumn are covered." Xiangyun, following this, wrote out the topics, looked them over once more, and then asked, "What rhymes should we set as limits?" Baochai said, "In all my life I've never liked setting limits on rhymes. When there's clearly a good poem in someone, why make them suffer for the sake of a rhyme?咱們別學那小家派，只出題不拘韻。Let's not imitate that petty, narrow-minded way of doing things — just set the topics, without confining anyone to particular rhymes.原為大家偶得了好句取樂，并不為此而難人。”湘雲道：“這話很是。The whole point in the first place was for everyone to come up with good lines now and then for our own enjoyment, not to make things hard on people for the sake of it." Xiangyun said, "Well said indeed.這樣大家的詩還進一層。Done this way, it makes the whole thing all the more the work of true gentry."但只咱們五個人，這十二個題目，難道每人作十二首不成？”寶釵道：“那也太難人了。"But there are only the five of us, and here are twelve topics — surely each of us isn't meant to write twelve poems?" Baochai said, "That would be asking too much of people.將這題目謄好，都要七言律，明日貼在牆上。Copy these topics out neatly — they must all be seven-character regulated verse — and tomorrow paste them up on the wall.他們看了，誰作那一個就作那一個。Let everyone look them over, and whoever wishes to write on a given topic may write on that one.有力量者，十二首都作也可，不能的，一首不成也可。Those with the ability may write all twelve if they wish; those who cannot need not manage even one.高才捷足者為尊。Precedence goes to the one of great talent and quick hand.若十二首已全，便不許他後赶著又作，罰他就完了。”湘雲道：“這倒也罷了。”二人商議妥貼，方才息燈安寢。If all twelve have already been written, no one else shall be allowed to chase after and write more afterward — simply fine him and have done with it." Xiangyun said, "That will do well enough." The two of them having settled it to their satisfaction, only then did they put out the lamp and go to sleep.要知端的，且聽下回分解。To know how it turned out, listen to the explanation given in the next chapter.

这里宝钗又向湘云道：“诗题也不要过于新巧了。你看古人诗中那些刁钻古怪的题目和那极险的韵了，若题过于新巧，韵过于险，再不得有好诗，终是小家气。诗固然怕说熟话，更不可过于求生，只要头一件立意清新，自然措词就不俗了。究竟这也算不得什么，还是纺绩针黹是你我的本等。一时闲了，倒是于你我深有益的书看几章是正经。”湘云只答应著，因笑道：“我如今心里想著，昨日作了海棠诗，我如今要作个菊花诗如何？”宝钗道：“菊花倒也合景，只是前人太多了。”湘云道：“我也是如此想著，恐怕落套。”宝钗想了一想，说道：“有了，如今以菊花为宾，以人为主，竟拟出几个题目来，都是两个字：一个虚字，一个实字，实字便用‘菊’字，虚字就用通用门的。如此又是咏菊，又是赋事，前人也没作过，也不能落套。赋景咏物两关著，又新鲜，又大方。”湘云笑道：“这却很好。只是不知用何等虚字才好。你先想一个我听听。”宝钗想了一想，笑道：“《菊梦》就好。”湘云笑道：“果然好。我也有一个，《菊影》可使得？”宝钗道：“也罢了。只是也有人作过，若题目多，这个也夹的上。我又有了一个。”湘云道：“快说出来。”宝钗道：“《问菊》如何？”湘云拍案叫妙，因接说道：“我也有了，《访菊》如何？”宝钗也赞有趣，因说道：“越性拟出十个来，写上再来。”说著，二人研墨蘸笔，湘云便写，宝钗便念，一时凑了十个。湘云看了一遍，又笑道：“十个还不成幅，越性凑成十二个便全了，也如人家的字画册页一样。”宝钗听说，又想了两个，一共凑成十二。又说道：“既这样，越性编出他个次序先后来。”湘云道：“如此更妙，竟弄成个菊谱了。”宝钗道：“起首是《忆菊》，忆之不得，故访，第二是《访菊》，访之既得，便种，第三是《种菊》，种既盛开，故相对而赏，第四是《对菊》，相对而兴有余，故折来供瓶为玩，第五是《供菊》，既供而不吟，亦觉菊无彩色，第六便是《咏菊》，既入词章，不可不供笔墨，第七便是《画菊》，既为菊如是碌碌，究竟不知菊有何妙处，不禁有所问，第八便是《问菊》，菊如解语，使人狂喜不禁，第九便是《簪菊》，如此人事虽尽，犹有菊之可咏者，《菊影》《菊梦》二首续在第十第十一，末卷便以《残菊》总收前题之盛。这便是三秋的妙景妙事都有了。”湘云依说将题录出，又看了一回，又问“该限何韵？”宝钗道：“我平生最不喜限韵的，分明有好诗，何苦为韵所缚。咱们别学那小家派，只出题不拘韵。原为大家偶得了好句取乐，并不为此而难人。”湘云道：“这话很是。这样大家的诗还进一层。但只咱们五个人，这十二个题目，难道每人作十二首不成？”宝钗道：“那也太难人了。将这题目誊好，都要七言律，明日贴在墙上。他们看了，谁作那一个就作那一个。有力量者，十二首都作也可，不能的，一首不成也可。高才捷足者为尊。若十二首已全，便不许他后赶著又作，罚他就完了。”湘云道：“这倒也罢了。”二人商议妥贴，方才息灯安寝。要知端的，且听下回分解。