Composed on My Way to Assume the Office of Military Counsellor
始作镇军参军经曲阿作
Since early childhood free from worldly care.
On lute and books I spend my time to spare.
In coarse attire, I am content indeed
With what I have although I am in need.
弱龄寄事外，委怀在琴书。
被褐欣自得，屡空常晏如。
When I am summoned for a post by chance,
Though disinclined, I try to make advance.
At dawn I put down my books and mount my horse
To leave my fields and take the worldly course.
时来苟冥会，宛辔憩通衢。
投策命晨装，暂与园田疏。
The farther from home in my boat I go,
The stronger my thoughts for the country grow.
Isn't the journey long enough for me?
Up hill, down dale, I'll go a thousand li.
眇眇孤舟逝，绵绵归思纡。
我行岂不遥，登降千里馀。
Tired of passing sights along the way,
I miss my country cottage by the bay.
How I admire the birds that soar and fly!
How I esteem the fish that swim nearby!
目倦川涂异，心念山泽居。
望云惭高鸟，临水愧游鱼。
Of natural transformation rm aware;
Who says that I’m entrapped in worldly snare?
For some time I，ll drift with the natural trend,
But turn back to my cottage in the end.
真想初在襟，谁谓形迹拘。
聊且凭化迁，终返班生庐。