Saying Goodbye to Cambridge Again Saying Goodbye to Cambridge Again Very quietly I take my leave As quietly as I came here ; Quietly I wave goodbye 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 on my heart . The floating heartt growing in the sludge Sways leisurely under the water ; In the gentle waves of Cambriage 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 duckweeds 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 starling . But I canon sing aloud Quietness is my farewell music ; Even summer insects heap silence for me Silent is Cambridge tonight! Very quietly I take my leave As quietly as I come here ; Gently I flick my sleeves Not even a wisp of cloud will I bring away !