On the Two Shus
咏二疏
As the heaven moves the natural seasons,
So the victors leave without fair reasons.
Since the last days of the house of Zhou,
As to this simple truth, few could know.
大象转四时，功成者自去。
借问衰周来，几人得其趣？
In the process of the house of Han,
Such men were two Shus of the selfsame clan.
Carefree, they went home ever since,
Quitting jobs as teachers of the prince.
游目汉廷中，二疏复此举。
高啸还旧居，长揖储君傅；
The ministers came out to say goodbye,
Luxurious waggons filling streets nearby.
Laden with departing sorrows in their mind,
The Shus thus left their fame and name behind.
饯送倾皇朝，华轩盈道路。
离别情所悲，馀荣何足顾；
Their resignation moved those on highways,
Who hailed them “virtuous"as a special praise.
They were so happy in the countryside
And left the daily drudgeries aside.
事胜感行人，贤哉岂常誉！
厌厌闾里欢，所营非近务；
With village elders they were fond to dine
While over old times they were fond to wine.
As far as legacies were then concerned,
They said that things earned were better than things yearned
促席延故老，挥觞道平素。
问金终寄心，清言晓未悟；
They made the best of life to their last breath,
Not caring what would happen after death.
Who says that virtuous Shus are dead and gone?
Their virtues are more praised as time goes on.
放意乐馀年，遑恤身後虑。
谁云其人亡，久而道弥著。