In Reply to Military Counsellor Pang
答庞参军
I've read your poem time and again, unable to put it down. Since we became neighbours, one year has already passed. Constant communications have made us good friends. As the saying goes, “A few encounters, a pair of new friends”. Is it true that our communications are not mere encounters? Human life often runs counter to our wishes. It is time for your departure. What Yang Zhu deplored is more than ordinary woe. I have refrained from writing poems due to years of illness. Age and illness have further weakened my poor health. However, I write this poem to requite your kindness and to serve as a keepsake after your departure.
三复来贶，欲罢不能。自尔邻曲，冬春再交，款然良时，忽成旧游。俗谚∶「数面成亲旧」，况情过此者乎？人事好乖，便当语离；杨公所叹，岂惟常悲。吾抱疾多年，不复为文，本既不丰，复老病继之；辄依《周礼》往复之义，且为别後相思之资。
“Friendship does not come from time alone",
By now this simple truth is widely known.
As a guest who knows my thoughts sublime,
You come to visit me from time to time.
相知何必旧，倾盖定前言。
有客赏我趣，每每顾林园。
Of worldly subjects we will never talk,
But dwell on masters? Teachings while we walk.
Whenever we have got some cups of wine,
We drink at ease and then our mood is fine.
谈谐无俗调，所说圣人篇。
或有数斗酒，闲饮自欢然。
A man who stays away from worldly quest,
I never seek for office east and west.
Old friends are treasured best on troubled earth;
Exchange of letters is of greatest worth.
我实幽居士，无复东西缘。
物新人惟旧，弱毫多所宣。
Although our hearts are linked from day to day，
The hills and rills will keep us miles away.
Take care of yourself till I see you then;
Who knows in which year we can meet again!
情通万里外，形迹滞江山。
君其爱体素，来会在何来？