This male phoenix has returned to his old home, 
from roaming the four seas searching for his mate. 
Time was not yet ripe, there was no way to meet her; 
then what a surprise: this evening I come up to this hall, 
and there's a dazzling maiden in the women's quarters. 
The room near but she far: this poisons my guts. 
How can we entwine our necks like mandarin ducks? 
How can we flutter about, and together soar? 

Lady phoenix, lady phoenix: come with me and nest, 
be supported, breed with me, forever be my wife, 
exchange love in the usual way, our hearts harmonious: 
at midnight if you follow me who will know? 
Our wings together will rise, fluttering as high we fly. 
If your are unmoved by my feelings, I will be miserable.