The Insouciants – Two Epigrams

The First.

Flowery fields and verdant woods,
In the glory of spring each other woo.
Whereto that youth,
Who clip-clops through?
Cockfights, dog walks, and bawdy nights,
Losing his fair concubine to a throw of dice.
He says that folly wild and lame
Is just his way to make a name!
Woe!

 

The Second.

Rustling leaves fall,
And insects chirp.
Alas, too soon rosy cheeks wrinkle,
And sideburns turn from jet black to snow.
Stark wearied by the rough journey called life,
On this autumnal day bitterly he cries,
A young idler, an old beggar,
The saying goes.
So?
 

轻薄篇二首

其一

绣林锦野，
春态相压。
谁家少年，
马蹄蹋蹋。
斗鸡走狗夜不归，
一掷赌却如花妾。
惟云不颠不狂，
其名不彰，
悲夫！

 

其二

木落萧萧，
虫鸣唧唧。
不觉朱蔫脸红，
霜劫鬓漆。
世途多事，
泣向秋日。
方吟少壮不努力，
老大徒伤悲。
如何？
 

Author: Guan Xiu, AD 832-912, Tang Dynasty
Translator: Charlie Lu
Posted: April 14, 2022