Taking Leave of a Friend

by Li Bai

Blue mountains lie beyond the north wall;

　　Round the city's eastern side flows the white water.

　　Here we part, friend, once forever.

　　You go ten thousand miles, drifting away

　　Like an unrooted water-grass.

　　Oh, the floating clouds and the thoughts of a wanderer!

　　Oh, the sunset and the longing of an old friend!

　　We ride away from each other, waving our hands,

　　While our horses neigh softly, softly . . . .

　　Li Po