English Rendering
Bows and swords march beyond Elm Pass,
Ink and books climb Penglai’s peak.
Gain comes effortless as loss—
Both are but a passing whim.
Not all ancients were so wise,
Nor are moderns all astray—
Worldly affairs are but a monkey’s game.
This old man cares not for distinctions—
Between inner, outer, or in-between.
Drink when there’s wine,
Write when verse calls,
But never pluck the sword’s lament.
Life is for joy—
Why hasten the greying of hair?
Prosperity brings banners and gold armor,
Poverty means a lame donkey and torn hat—
See them not as opposites.
Such is the way of the world—
Owls and phoenixes will be known in time.
