修鳞半已没，
去意谁能遮？
We see half its body disappear And soon we'll lose sight of the whole.
况欲系其尾，
虽勤知奈何！
If we try to tie down its tail, We can't succeed whatever we do.
儿童强不睡，
相守夜讙哗。
Children will stay up and regale Themselves with feast the whole night through.
晨鸡且勿唱，
更鼓畏添挝。
Cocks, wake not the dawn with your song; Drums, do not boom out the hour now!
坐久灯烬落，
起看北斗斜。
The wick is burned as I sit long, I rise to see the slanting Plough.
明年岂无年，
心事恐蹉跎。
Will there be no New Year's Eve next year? I am afraid time waits for none.
努力尽今夕，
少年犹可夸。
Let us enjoy tonight with cheer So that childhood will longer run.