Su Dongpo: Heard That Ziyou Made Prefecture Official, But Has Lost This Position

Heard That Ziyou Made Prefecture Official, But Has Lost This Position

闻 子 由 为 郡 僚 所 捃 恐 当 去 官

小 学 不 为 身
宿 志 固 有 在。
虽 然 敢 自 必
用 舍 置 度 外。

天 初 若 相 我
发 迹 造 弘 大。
岂 敢 负 所 付
捐 躯 欲 投 会。

宁 知 事 大 谬
举 步 得 狼 狈。
我 已 无 可 言
堕 甑 难 追 悔。

子 虽 仅 自 免
鸡 肋 安 足 赖。
低 回 畏 罪 罟
黾 勉 敢 言 退。

若 人 疑 或 使
为 子 得 微 罪。
时 哉 归 去 来
共 抱 东 坡 耒。

Wen Zi You Wei Jun Liao Suo Jun Kong Dang Qu Guan

Xiao xue bu wei shen
Su zhi gu you zai.
Sui ran gan zi bi
Yong she zhi du wai.

Tian chu ruo xiang wo
Fa ji zao hong da.
Qi gan fu suo fu
Juan qu yu tou hui.

Ning zhi shi da miu
Ju bu dei lang bei.
Wo yi wu ke yan
Duo zeng nan zhui hui.

Zi sui jin zi mian
Ji lei an zu lai.
Di hui wei zui gu
Min mian gan yan tui.

Ruo ren yi huo shi
Wei zi dei wei zui.
Shi zai gui qu lai
Gong bao dong po lei.

Heard That Ziyou Made Prefecture Official, But Has Lost This Position

During our early studies of classical Chinese
Our longstanding ambition was to help others.
Although we are sure of ourselves
We are not concerned with outside results.

With heaven’s help, I have now gained some renown
And completed large projects.
Fearful of disappointing the emperor
I can give up my life to those who know and trust me.

But later imperial affairs became false
Stepping forward would have put me in a very difficult position.
Now I cannot say anything
What is past is past, no need to pursue regrets.

Brother, you just walk away from this position
Like chicken bones with very little meat.
I know you fear and feel guilt for the possible ramifications to your family
Continue to make efforts, do not retreat.

Most people still believe in you
Those around you with no faults will support you.
When the time is right, we can go into retirement
And then together go home into rural seclusion.

Notes:

Ziyou:  Su’s beloved younger brother.