欢乐难具陈。
With mirth and riot hard for me to say.
弹筝奋异响，
When the lute plays a wondrous tone,
新声妙入神。
The new tunes are the most superb e'er known.
令德唱高言，
When a sage composes meaningful strains,
识曲听其真。
Those who know the music find the veins.
齐心同所愿，
The veins are all within the common ken,
含意俱未申。
But never made overt by any men.
人生寄一世，
Human beings live the briefest span,
奄忽若飘尘。
Which fades like dust as soon as it began.
何不策高足，
Why not strive hard to the uttermost,
先据要路津？
Take up the chance and grasp a powerful post?
无为守穷贱，
There’s no sense sticking to a wretched life
穢轲长苦辛。
And bearing burdens in an endless strife.