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