鐔津文集 17.42

17.42

Leisurely was Yan Ziling, / A vessel of expansive and lofty breadth. / His old friend was honored as emperor, / Yet the White Colt in the end did not arrive. / Addicted to leisure, he loved the clear pool; / Lofty and transcendent, he played with fragrant bait. / Green mountains floating with white clouds, / For ten thousand ages he entrusted his noble intent. / Hou Ba did not understand the Way; / At first he too disliked his haughty will. / Why did he hold kings and marquises in low esteem? / Because his mind surpassed heaven and earth. / Thus one grieves for the likes of Lou Hu: / Why attach oneself to power and influence? / Wandering between Jiang and Guan, / Bending their principles to dance in line. / Vast and great was the Way of ancient august rulers; / A toiling life binds itself in shackles. / Better to return home, / Riding the wind and shaking out long sleeves!