Very quietly I take my leave 　　As quietly as I came here; 　　Quietly I wave good-bye 　　To the rosy clouds in the western sky. 　　The golden willows by the riverside 　　Are young brides in the setting sun; 　　Their reflections on the shimmering waves 　　Always linger in the depth of my heart. 　　The floating heart growing the sludge 　　Sways leisurely under the water; 　　In the gentle waves of Cambridge 　　I would be a water plant! 　　That pool under the shade of elm trees 　　Holds not water but the rainbow from the sky; 　　Shattered to pieces among the duck weeds 　　Is the sediment of a rainbow-like dream? 　　To seek a dream? 　　Just to pole a boat upstream 　　To where the green grass is more verdant 　　Or to have the boat fully loaded with starlight 　　And sing aloud in the splendor of starlight. 　　But I can’t sing aloud 　　Quietness is my farewell music; 　　Even summer insects heap silence for me 　　Silent is Cambridge tonight! 　　Very quietly I left 　　As quietly as I came here; 　　Gently I flick my sleeves 　　Not even a wisp of cloud will I bring away