When the body perishes the name fades too–
thinking of it, my heart’s on fire!
Let us do good and win the love of ages after;
why not bend all efforts toward that?
Wine they say can wash away care,
but surely it cannot compare to such a goal!
transalated by Burton Watson
I have read the whole poem in a translation by David Hinton. I love it and find it extremely deep in its simplicity. That’s so typical T’ao Yuan Ming and that’s why I admire him so much.
I agree, however I thought that section very appropriate for the climate today.
Even when I read your posts late, they seem to be right on time.
Thanks, Jeff. That’s a kind thing to say.