Thoughts on the Ancients Written in My Cottage
癸卯岁始春怀古田舍二首
1
其一∶
I've heard about my land that gives good yields.
But never practised farming in the fields.
Now that I'm poor without a single dime.
How can I stay home at ploughing time?
在昔闻南亩，当年竟未践。
屡空既有人，春兴岂自免。
Prepared for work before the break of day，
I'm happy as a lark upon my way.
The birds are singing tunes of vernal song
While cool breeze brings uttermost joys along.
夙晨装吾驾，启涂情已缅。
鸟哢欢新节，泠风送馀善。
The winter bamboo hides deserted ways,
The distant paths that few men come to blaze.
No wonder hermits in the good old days
Would like to leave the world and make long stays
In face of learned men I may feel shame,
But what I seek is more than keep my name.
寒竹被荒蹊，地为罕人远。
是以植杖翁，悠然不复返。
即理愧通识，所保讵乃浅。
2
其二∶
The Confucian teaching rings without doubt:
Il's learning, not poverty, that man cares about.
This teaching is easier said than done,
And so I turn to work hard in the sun.
先师有遗训，忧道不忧贫。
瞻望邈难逮，转欲志长勤。
I am busy working with the plough.
And give advice to farmers here and now.
Winds from afar blow o'er the stretching field;
The thriving shoots foretell abundant yield.
秉耒欢时务，解颜劝农人。
平畴交远风，良苗亦怀新。
Although 1 don’t know how much I'll reap yet,
I'm overjoyed for what I do with sweat.
When I feel tired at times and take a rest,
No passer-by will come to make request.
虽未量岁功，即事多所欣。
耕种有时息，行者无问津。
At dusk I go with farmers hand in hand
And take some wine to neighbours near my land
I close my wattled gate and sing aloud，
Content to be away from the madding crowd.
日入相与归，壶浆劳新邻。
长吟掩柴门，聊为陇亩民。