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