除日當早歸，
官事乃見留。
Holding my writing brush in hand, I grieve For I am like these prisoners I see.
執筆對之泣，
哀此系中囚：
They cannot earn an honest livelihood, And feel no shame at committing a crime.
小人營糇糧，
墮網不知羞。
I won't resign my office which I should, And get into a rut and lose my time.
我亦戀薄祿，
因循失歸休。
Don't ask who is foolish or who is wise. All of us alike must scheme for a meal.
不須論賢愚，
均是為食謀。
Who can be carefree from his fall and rise? Silent before the sage, what shame I feel!
誰能暫縱遣？
閔默愧前修。
Who can briefly let it go? Silent and ashamed before the ancient sages.