Man of my heart standing alone
beyond Ch'in Pass so far away
I've sent you my simple letters
your brocade response has arrived
recalling those Feng River days
arm in arm gazing at autumn hills
bored with government work
I was newly enamored of unemployed living
I did nothing productive all year
I slept and ate and couldn't have been lazier
so I don't know why it happened
my name was listed at court
I put on my robe and said goodbye to the farmers
my fancy hatpin lit up my sad face
I found a residence thanks to your kindness
I followed you around day and night
but a public servant without any skills
I was destined to be sent off again
thoughts of our separation increase with the season
I squint at the road home over mountains and rivers
even with a beautiful moon above my quarters
and a transparent spring in the garden
my heart's companion doesn't share my pleasure
I fill the wine cup before me in vain
and read your account of our wanderings
your expressions so perfectly lovely
I've been in a daze all day
and lack the words to reply
taxes are heavier and more frequent
my office is completely overwhelmed
I reprimand debtors and forgive first offenders
and let them go home at year's end
don't complain that your prospects are poor
beware the temptation of fame