举世少复真。
汲汲鲁中叟，
Their simple ways of life no longer last. Confucius, shuttling from state to state,
弥缝使其淳。
凤鸟虽不至，
Hoped to bring traditions up to date. Although he failed to save the world from strife,
礼乐暂得新。
洙泗缀微响，
He lent rites and music a new lease of life. Confucian learning ceased to widely spread;
漂流逮狂秦。
诗书复何罪？
The tyrannous king of Qin made people dread. For what were poems and classic books to blame
一朝成灰尘！
区区诸老翁，
That they were all committed to the flame? When Qin was overthrown, some old learned men
为事诚殷勤。
如何绝世下，
Worked hard to teach Confucian ways again. Because of dynastic failures, chaos and war,
六籍无一亲？
终日驰车走，
Confucian classic books were read no more. Of all the profit-seekers on the way,
不见所问津。
若复不快饮，
No one cares about the order of the day. If I do not drink to my heart's content,
空负头上巾。
但恨多谬误，
I, a scholar of no worth, shall lament. I'm sorry for the rubbish I have said;
君当恕醉人。
Please pardon me, a man with a drunken head.