当我用英语朗读《爱莲说》

On the Love of the Lotus.

Zhou Dunyi.

Among the flowers of the land and water, the beloved ones are plentiful. The Jin dynasty's Tao Yuanming had a unique love for chrysanthemums. Since the Li and Tang dynasties, people have greatly adored the peony. I alone love the lotus, which rises out of the mud without being tainted, washes clean in the clear ripples without being seductive, is hollow inside and straight outside, does not sprawl or branch out, its fragrance is far-reaching and becomes purer, standing tall and planted cleanly, it can be observed from afar but not to be disrespected with frivolous play.

I say, the chrysanthemum is the hermit among flowers; the peony, the flower of wealth and honor; the lotus, the gentleman among flowers.

Alas! The love for chrysanthemums, scarce heard after Tao. Who shares my love for the lotus? The love for peonies, fitting for the masses indeed.