English Rendering
If aught is gained, then sing; if lost, then let it lie.
Too much of grief and grudge will in the long run die.
If there is drink today, be drunken while you may;
And if tomorrow brings its care,
Then tomorrow is the day for care.
Self-Admonition
- Poetry of Luo Yin
《自谴》#Frustration
Original Text (中文原文)
得即高歌失即休，多愁多恨亦悠悠。
今朝有酒今朝醉，明日愁来明日愁。
Analysis & Context
This poem is a work of self-consolation by the late Tang poet Luo Yin, written during a period of repeated examination failures and career stagnation. Renowned for his literary talent, Luo Yin, due to his humble origins and inability to curry favor, "failed the imperial examinations ten times," remaining trapped in the examination halls for decades, his heart filled with pent-up frustration. The late Tang court was corrupt, with eunuchs monopolizing power and regional warlords asserting independence, leaving scholars with no avenue to serve their country.
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.
- The Summit Temple
- <Prelude to Water Melody> Sent to Ziyou on Mid-autumn Festival
- Invitation to Wine
- Question and Answer in the Mountains
- Cold sheet
- Coming Home ( Returning Home )
The Masters' Directory
Journey through the dynasties. Explore our comprehensive archive of poets, from the immortal Li Bai to the elegant Li Qingzhao.
View All Poets →