Though Long May Live the Sacred Turtle
Though Long May Live the Sacred Turtle
There is time it has to die.
The Flying Snake on mist arises
At last to dust it has to turn.
The aged steed that lies in the stable
Aspires to race a thousand miles.
The hero in his evening years
Never lets droop his noble ideal.
It is not with Heaven along that rests
The fullness or abridgment of life.
By keeping peace of mind and body
One will secure longevity.
——(Tr. Roxane Witke)
龜雖壽 (魏)曹操
神龜雖壽，猶有竟時，
騰蛇乘霧，終為土灰.
老驥伏櫪，志在千里;
烈士暮年，壯心不已。
盈縮之期, 不但在天;
養(yǎng)怡之福，可得永年
Though Long May Live the Sacred Turtle
There is time it has to die.
The Flying Snake on mist arises
At last to dust it has to turn.
The aged steed that lies in the stable
Aspires to race a thousand miles.
The hero in his evening years
Never lets droop his noble ideal.
It is not with Heaven along that rests
The fullness or abridgment of life.
By keeping peace of mind and body
One will secure longevity.
——(Tr. Roxane Witke)
龜雖壽 (魏)曹操
神龜雖壽，猶有竟時，
騰蛇乘霧，終為土灰.
老驥伏櫪，志在千里;
烈士暮年，壯心不已。
盈縮之期, 不但在天;
養(yǎng)怡之福，可得永年