Tilling Illustration 14

Irrigation

In the high fields of the sixth month, the water springs run thin; The "sixth month" in the lunar calendar corresponds to the height of summer, usually July or August, when water is most scarce.
We draw from the streams to the channels, water rushing as if in flight.
Exhausting all strength, the shadoof original: jiegao, a counterweighted sweep used to lift water. creaks until limbs are weary;
As the setting sun sinks in the west, no one speaks of returning home.

Human skill rivals the wonders of nature,

As diligent labor increases the earth’s bounty.

The sound of the shadoof vibrates like a drum;

The bailing bucket and the chain pump original: fanche, a "square-pallet" pump operated by foot or hand to move water uphill. work in swift rhythm.

Water pours into the furrows until they are suddenly full,

Amidst the groaning of the wheels as the sun begins to tilt.

Furthermore, the wind and dew are kind tonight,

And the lush crops burst forth with new blossoms.

Carrying water in jars eventually fails as strength fades;
But the wheel of the shadoof turns as fast as a bird in flight.
The ponds are now overflowing, and the new grain is well-moistened;
Under the shade of the trees, we rest in the cool, waiting for the moon to lead us home.

In the high fields of the sixth month, the water springs run thin; We draw from the streams to the channels, water rushing as if in flight. Exhausting all strength, the shadoof creaks until limbs are weary; As the setting sun sinks in the west, no one speaks of returning home.

Human skill rivals the wonders of nature,
As diligent labor increases the earth’s bounty.
The sound of the shadoof vibrates like a drum;
The bailing bucket and the chain pump work in swift rhythm.
Water pours into the furrows until they are suddenly full,
Amidst the groaning of the wheels as the sun begins to tilt.
Furthermore, the wind and dew are kind tonight,
And the lush crops burst forth with new blossoms.