Send Off Zhong Gao, Older Cousin Goes to Xing Zai
送 仲 高 兄 学 秩 满 赴 行 在
兄 去 犹 东 阁
才 堪 直 北 扉。
莫 忧 持 橐 晚
姑 记 乞 身 归。
道 义 无 今 古
功 名 有 是 非。
临 分 出 苦 语
不 敢 计 从 违。
Song Zhong Gao Xiong Xue Zhi Man Fu Xing Zai
Xiong qu you dong ge
Cai kan zhen bei fei.
Mo you chi tuo wan
Gu ji qi shen gui.
Dao yi wu jin gu
Gong ming you shi fei.
Lin fen chu ku yu
Bu gan ji cong wei.
Send Off Zhong Gao, Older Cousin Goes to Xing Zai
My older cousin traveled to the eastern imperial pavilions
Your talented enough to be a part of the emperor’s inner circle.
Do not worry, you are like Chi Tuo who wrote imperial documents
Remember if things go bad, you can always return home.
From ancient to modern times, the path of justice is always present
Success and fame goes to those both good and bad.
Now separated, I can share with you some bitter words
Don’t you dare follow those who disobey your principles.
Notes:
[Lu Yu’s cousin had received an imperial appointment to be a close advisor to the emperor. Lu is warning him that there are some factions in the palace that can be dangerous and treacherous to one’s career and life.]
Cui Tuo: Han Dynasty intellectual.