It is sweet in the hot afternoon to lie

It is sweet in the hot afternoon to lie

under a leafy tree and wait for the evening breeze

to bring coolness.

Come, women! While I rest here

under a leafy tree, fill my ears

with your sustained tones. Sing again the song

of the girl plaiting her hair,

or the girl sitting near the ricefield

chasing away the greedy birds.

Singing pleases my soul; and dancing

is nearly as sweet as a kiss. Tread slowly,

and make your steps suggest the postures of pleasure

and ecstatic abandonment.

The breeze is starting to blow; the moon glistens

through the mountain trees.

Go and prepare the evening meal.