The Hibiscus Shrubs
荣木并序
The Hibiscus Shrubs is written when I think of my approaching old age. Along with the changing course of seasons, summer has come again. I started to learn Confucian truth in my childhood, but I have not achieved anything now that my hair has turned grey.
荣木，念将老也。日月推迁，已复九夏，总角闻，白首无成。
Hibiscus shrubs, so thick, so dense.
Strike root along my garden fence.
Their blooms，at dawn so brave and bright,
May die away before the night.
其一∶
采采荣木，结根于兹。
晨耀其华，夕已丧之。
Our life, like sojourns on the way,
Will pine away and never stay.
Occupied with such a thought,
In sad remorse I'm deeply caught.
人生若寄，憔悴有时。
静言孔念，中心怅而。
Hibiscus shrubs, so thick, so dense,
Take root beside my garden fence.
Their blooms, at dawn so bright and brave,
At night may have approached their grave.
其二∶
采采荣木，于兹托根。
繁华朝起，慨暮不存。
A man is bom as strong or weak，
But fortune is what man may seek.
Truth is what I have in view;
Virtue is what I pursue.
贞脆由人，祸福无门。
匪道曷依，匪善奚敦！
Alas, a man of humble breed
I'm doomed to live
in want indeed!
My prime of life is gone forever.
But 1 have not become more clever.
其三∶
嗟予小子，禀兹固陋。
徂年既流，业不增旧。
Although I ve stuck to Confucian truth
The wine consoles me best in sooth.
Whenever thoughts of this do start,
I strongly feel ashamed in heart.
志彼不舍，安此日富。
我之怀矣，怛焉内疚。
Confucian teachings in my mind
Have ne'er in life been left behind.
At forty I've made no success.
But I am hopeful nonetheless.
其四∶
先师遗训，余岂云坠！
四十无闻，斯不足畏。
I ll grease my cart and drive full speed;
I'll hasten Ibrward on mv steed.
A way that goes a thousand li
Will not in anv case scare me.
脂我名车，策我名骥。
千里虽遥，孰敢不至！