In the Style of Han Shan and Shih Te, Two Selections: Poem 1 by Wang An-shih

Had I been an ox or horse
I would rejoice to see grass and beans;
If, on the other hand, I were a woman,
the sight of men would please me.
But if I were really me
I would always settle for what I be.
If liking and dislike keep you upset
surely you are being used:
Big man, with all your dignity,
don’t mistake what you have for what you are.

translated by Jan W. Walls

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