English中文
A Fine Feast Today
今日良宴会，
欢乐难具陈。
Today's fair feast—its pleasures are hard to set forth in full.
弹筝奋逸响，
新声妙入神。
The zither is struck and gives forth far-flying sound; the new music is wondrous, entering the spirit.
令德唱高言，
识曲听其真。
One of noble virtue sings lofty words; he who knows the tune hears what is true in them.
齐心同所愿，
含意俱未申。
Hearts made one in the same desire, the meaning cherished yet not spoken.
人生寄一世，
奄忽若飙尘。
A man's life is lodged for a single generation, sudden as dust in a whirlwind.
何不策高足，
先据要路津。
Why not whip a swift horse and be first to seize the key ford?
无为守穷贱，
轗轲长苦辛。
Do not cling to poverty and low estate, long wretched and embittered.
Reading notes
轗轲 also appears as 坎坷; both convey hardship and frustration.