Shrimps and Eels
- Poetry of Cao Zhi

《鰕䱇篇》

English Rendering

The shrimps and eels which linger in the mud 

Do not know how the seas and rivers flood.

How can sparrows which hop about the hedge 

Understand the flight of swans in full fledge?


With this idea rooted deep in mind,

You'll tower over others of your kind.

If you ride to the top of the Five Mounts,

You'll find that other mountains do not count.


Those profit-seekers,on the other hand,

Covet the wealth and power of the land.

To serve the kingdom is my lofty yearning;

To quell the country is my heartfelt burning.


When I touch my sword,it roars like thunder;

When I wave my sword,it flashes with wonder.

For those who crave beyond what wishes ban,

How can they understand the upright man?

Shrimps and Eels by Cao Zhi
Shrimps and Eels by Cao Zhi

Original Text (中文原文)

鰕䱇游潢潦,不知江海流。

燕雀戏藩柴,安识鸿鹄游!

世士此诚明,大德固无俦。

驾言登五岳,然后小陵丘。

俯观上路人,势利惟是谋。

雠高念皇家,远怀柔九州。

抚剑而雷音,猛气纵横浮。

泛泊徒嗷嗷,谁知壮士忧?

Analysis & Context

Cao Zhi

Reader's Companion

The Essence of the Verse

Classical Chinese poetry thrives on Concision and Ambiguity. Without tense or number, the words create a timeless space where the reader becomes the co-creator of the poem's meaning.

Reading Between the Lines

Look for Contrasts: light and shadow, movement and stillness. Don't just translate the words; feel the Yijing (artistic conception) that lingers long after the last character.

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