Du Mu: Passed the Imperial Examination, Later I Will Depend Upon My Chang’an Friends

Passed the Imperial Examination, Later I Will Depend Upon My Chang’an Friends

及 第 后 奇 长 安 故 人

东 都 放 榜 未 花 开
三 十 三 人 走 马 回。

秦 地 少 年 多 酿 酒
却 将 春 色 人 关 来。

Ji Di Hou Qi Chang An Gu Ren

Dong dou fang bang wei hua kai
San shi san ren zou ma hui.                                                                                                        Qin di shao niao duo niang jiu
Que jiang chun se ren guan lai.

Passed the Imperial Examination, Later I Will Depend Upon
My Chang’an Friends

Eastern capital successful scholars announced, spring blossoms
not yet open.
Thirty-three people run their horses back to Chang’an.

Qin nation region, many young people make their own wine
Approach outside the city gates, we arrive when spring colors are about
to be displayed.

Notes:

Eastern capital: City of Luoyang.    Chang’an was the western capital city.

Qin nation:  Located in western China from the 897-207 BC.