The Double-Ninth Festival
己酉岁九月九日
Late autumn now provides a dreary view,
Amid the chilly wind and heavy dew.
The withered crawling vines have ceased to grow
And garden trees present a barren show.
靡靡秋已夕，
凄凄风露交。
蔓草不复荣，
园木空自凋。
When the air is clear and day is bright,
The heaven seems to reach to a distant height.
The chirp of cicadas no longer rings aloud
While wild geese utter shrieks above the cloud.
清气澄馀滓，
杳然天界尚。
哀蝉无留响，
丛雁鸣云霄。
Since the course of nature runs its round,
By hardships are the human beings bound.
Death has waited since man’s life began;
I am distressed for time has too short a span.
万化相寻绎，
人生岂不劳！
从古皆有没，
念之中心焦。
What is there to soothe my burdened mind?
In wine alone can 1 my pleasure find.
Forget the future life come what it may;
Dash down the cup and sing praise of today!
何以称我情？
浊酒且自陶。
千载非所知，
聊以永今朝.