苟能隆二伯，
Chong'er and Xiaobai achieved success
安问党与仇！
Because they gained support in times of distress.
中夜抚枕叹，
When I cannot fall asleep at night,
想与数子游。
The former saints will come into my sight.
吾衰久矣夫，
As I’m growing old and time goes on,
何其不梦周！
All my aspirations are dead and gone!
谁云圣达节，
Who says that resignation makes men great
知命故不忧？
And free from worry as they know their fate?
宣尼悲获麟，
Even Confucius freely shed his tears
西狩涕孔丘。
When capture of a kylin brought him fears.
功业未及建，
Before I can do everything for the best,
夕阳忽西流。
My life is like the sun declining in the west.
时哉不我与，
Time awaits me not, however hard I try;
去乎若云浮。
It flies away like clouds floating in the sky.
朱实陨劲风，
In violent winds, the fruits fall to the ground;
繁英落素秋。
In chilly autumn, blooms are never found.
狭路倾华盖，
Majestic carts might upset on a narrow way;
骇骊摧双轄。
Cart axles might be broken during the day.
何意百炼刚，
The years of war have seen me brave and wild,
化为绕指柔。
But now, alas, I must be meek and mild!