In vain I slaved to understand the Three Histories;
Uselessly I pored over the Five Classics.
Until I'm old I'll go on checking census figures;
As in the past, a petty clerk scribbling in
tax ledgers.
When I ask the I Ching it says there's
trouble ahead;
All my life is ruled by evil stars.
If only I could be like the tree at the river's edge
Every year turning green again!