A Reply to Adviser P'ang

I

Inside the rustic door

I have cither and books.

I pluck and I read aloud

And take my pleasure so.

Not that this is all I like,

But retirement is myjoy.

Mornings I water my garden

Evenings rest in my hut.

II

What others take for treasures

Seem not so to me.

Without likes in common

How can men be close?

Seeking one good friend

I met the one I love.

Our own joyful hearts in harmony.

Our houses side by side.

III

That man whom I love

Zealously rejoices in virtue.

I have excellent wine

With you I will enjoy it.

We make elevating talk

And compose new poems.

One day away from you-

How can I not think of you?

IV

Of happy rambles never tired

And then you had to leave.

I went to see you of,

The wine cup held no joy.

Far away in ancient Ch'u

The western cloud is distant.

That person has gone away,

How can I hear his good talk?

V

Then when we parted

The orioles were singing.

Today we meet again

And snow comes pelting down.

The Great Protector gave the order

To you to go to the capital.

You have not forgot your ease

But the king's affairs are pressing.

VI

Sharp, sharp the chilly day

Piercing, piercing the wind.

Lightly tossing is the boat

Floating there in midstream.

May he take care, the traveler,

As he starts, to think of the goal,

Be careful on this auspicious day

And preserve his person.