不知江海流。
Do not know how the seas and rivers flood.
燕雀戏藩柴，
How can sparrows which hop about the hedge
安识鸿鹄游？
Understand the flight of swans in full fledge?
世士此诚明，
With this idea rooted deep in mind,
大德固无俦。
You’ll tower over others of your kind.
驾言登五岳，
If you ride to the top of the Five Mounts,
然后小陵丘。
You’ll find that other mountains do not count.
俯视上路人，
Those profit-seekers, on the other hand,
势利惟是谋。
Covet the wealth and power of the land.
仇高念皇家，
To serve the kingdom is my lofty yearning;
远怀柔九州。
To quell the country is my heartfelt burning.