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