Seeing Prisoners on New Year's Eve
除夜直都厅，囚系皆满， 日暮不得返舍，因题一诗于壁
I should go back early on New Year’s Eve,
But my official duty detains me.
Holding my writing brush in hand,
I grieve For I am like these prisoners I see.
除日当早归， 官事乃见留。
执笔对之泣， 哀此系中囚:
They cannot earn an honest livelihood,
And feel no shame at committing a crime.
I won’t resign my office which I should,
And get into a rut and lose my time.
小人营糇粮， .堕网不知羞。
我亦恋薄禄，因循失归休。
Don’t ask who is foolish or who is wise.
All of us alike must scheme for a meal.
Who can be carefree from his fall and rise?
Silent before the sage, what shame I feel!
不须论贤愚， 均是为食谋。
谁能暂纵遣？闵默愧前修.