The Knowledge of Shame
识 愧
几 年 羸 疾 卧 家 山
牧 竖 樵 夫 日 往 还。
至 论 本 求 简 编 上
忠 言 乃 在 里 闾 闻。
私 忧 骄 虏 心 常 折
念 报 名 时 涕 每 澘。
寸 禄 不 沾 能 及 此
细 听 只 益 厚 吾 颜。
Shi Kui
Ji nian lei ji wo jia shan
Mu shu qiao fu ri wang huan.
Zhi lun ben qiu jian bian shang
Zhong yan nai zai li lu wen.
Si you jiao lu xin chang she
Nian bao ming shi ti mei shan.
Cun lu bu zhan neng ji ci
Xi ting zhi yi hou wu yan.
The Knowledge of Shame
Several years ill and thin, lie down in my mountain house
Back and forth everyday, shepherd boys and firewood gatherers.
Go to the old books to discover elevated discourse
Found instead that the real truth tellers are inside nearby gated lanes.
My heart often breaks, my personal concerns better provided than my neighbors
Monthly newssheet brings thoughts and tears for a time now of better governance.
These farmers without an official’s salary still able to be thankful
Overhear their conversations, feel shame for all of the blessings given to me.