君子慎厥初。
名高不宿著，
The gentleman must not be caught unawares. There is never a lifelong high renown
易用受侵诬。
前者隳官去，
Because it’s liable to be trodden down. Some time ago when I resigned my post,
有人适我间。
田家无所有，
A man called at my house and I was the host. There was not much to serve the guest;
酌醴焚枯鱼。
问我何功德，
Wine and roasted fish would be the best. The guest asked, “What merit have you possessed
三人承明庐。
所占于此土，
That you were thrice assigned at royal behest? Now that you have retired and live alone,
是谓仁智居。
文章不经国，
Why do you name it ‘Wise’, the house you own? Nor have you achievements of great worth.
筐篚无尺书。
How can you be known as a learned man