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