May 31, 2009

  • A poem from Cao Cao

    Though the Tortoise Lives Long

    Though the tortoise blessed with magic powers lives long,
     Its days have their allotted span;

    Though winged serpents ride high on the mist,
     They turn to dust and ashes at the last;

    An old war-horse may be stabled,
     Yet still it longs to gallop a thousand li;

    And a noble-hearted man though advanced in years
     Never abandons his proud aspirations.

    Man's span of life, whether long or short,
     Depends not on Heaven alone;

    One who eats well and keeps cheerful
     Can live to a great old age.

    And so, with joy in my heart,
     I hum this song.