结交亦相因。
四海皆兄弟，
Bosom friends would share their joys and griefs. Since man to man the world o'er are brothers,
谁为行路人？
况我连枝树，
Who on earth do you think are the others? Furthermore, we're like intertwined boughs,
与子同一身。
昔为鸳与鸯，
As dear as if brought up in the same house. Like two mandarin ducks we used to stay;
今为参与辰。
昔者常相近，
Like two stars we shall be kept far away. Dear and near we used to be best friends;
邈若胡与秦。
惟念当乖离，
We'll stay apart at two extreme ends. At the thought that you shall soon depart,
恩情日以新。
鹿鸣思野草，
We seem to get e'er closer heart to heart. As the bleating deer invites its mate,
可以喻嘉宾。
我有一樽酒，
So I invite my friend unto my gate. I have prepared a jar of tasteful wine,
欲以赠远人。
愿子留斟酌，
Ready for the closest friend of mine. When we drink our wine, you'll stay awhile
叙此平生亲。
So that we have a talk in laugh and smile.