English translation of the classic Dream of the Red Chamber theme song “Wang Ning Mei”

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A literal English translation and cover version of the theme songs for the four great classic novels in TV series form… So there’s no need to say much; I just want to mention that for \"The Dream of the Red Chamber,\" the new trailer by Li Shaohong was used. Below is the translation of the theme song \"Wang Ning Mei\" from \"The Dream of the Red Chamber.\" Note that the translation provided here was done by Yang Xianyi and the sinologist David Hawkes, both of whom have translated \"The Dream of the Red Chamber\" before. The master’s translation can be used to compare with the lyrics above. Wasting frown: one is a fairy blossom from a celestial garden, the other is a flawless piece of jade. If there’s no fateful destiny, why then did I meet him in this life? ； If there is a fateful bond, why then do all thoughts ultimately turn to nothing? One wastes time in lamentation, the other in futile concern. One is the moon in water, the other is the flower in a mirror. How many tears can one’s eyes hold? How can they endure from autumn to the end of winter, and from spring to summer! 　　Yang Xianyi’s version: VAIN LONGING 　　One is an immortal flower of fairyland, 　　The other, fair and flawless jade. 　　If it weren’t destined, 　　Why would they meet again in this existence? 　　Yet, if it is destined, 　　Why does their love end in failure? 　　One sighs in vain, 　　The other longs uselessly; 　　One is the moon reflected in water, 　　The other, just a flower in a mirror. 　　How many tears can well from her eyes? 　　Can they flow on from autumn till winter, 　　From spring till summer? 　　David Hawkes version: HOPE BETRAYED 　　One was a flower from paradise, 　　One a pure jade without spot or stain. 　　If each of the other one was not intended, 　　Then why in this life did they meet again? 　　And yet if fate had meant them for each other, 　　why was their earthly meeting all in vain? 　　In vain were all his an*ous fears: 　　All, insubstantial, doomed to pass, 　　Like moonlight reflected in water 　　Or flowers reflected in a glass. 　　How many tears from those poor eyes could flow, 　　Which every season rained upon her woe? Translated from Hai Ci Happy English, for sharing among Hai friends