我生業文字,自幼及老年。
前後七十卷,小大三千篇。
The other can already recite poems and songs. At morning they play clinging about my feet; At night they sleep pillowed against my dress. Why, children, did you reach the world so late,
誠知終散失,未忍遽棄捐。
自開自鎖閉,置在書帷前。
Coming to me just when my years are spent? Young things draw our feelings to them; Old people easily give their hearts. The sweetest vintage at last turns sour;
身是鄧伯道,世無王仲宣。
只應分付女,留與外孫傳。
The full moon in the end begins to wane. And so with men the bonds of love and affection Soon may change to a load of sorrow and care. But all the world is bound by love’s ties; Why did I think that I alone should escape?