In my Renzi year, I recall with a sigh,
I left my home by Puyang mountain high.
To wed in the Prime Minister's hall I came,
Assigned to Junzi district, my post and name.
At that time, your fame, sir, was widely spread,
Not just in Liang and Chu, its echoes fled.
Hearers were all inspired, their spirits stirred,
Beholders stood in reverence, without a word.
Your brilliance blooms from classics stored in chest,
While dross is left in kerchief-box, unblest.
The tiger's stripes in pipe are seldom seen,
The sea's vastness by a ladle can't be gleaned.
Young Fubo showed his courage, bold and keen,
Excelling in the literary scene.
You gave me a bright pearl, a moonlit gem,
At first sight, my heart felt a cooling stem.
Thrown down, it clinks like purest jade so clear,
Reflecting sun, its fiery light shines near.
Spring clouds may match its graceful, changing state,
A hundred flowers blush, feeling not so great.
Looking down on Yin and He, that humble crew,
You rival Li and Du, in line and view.
I know not why, born late, I stand in awe,
Before your lofty pile, without a flaw.
Your prose attains the depth of Han Yu's art,
Your learning climbs to Confucius' hall, a part.
The Way runs through Zeng and Zi's profound thought,
Your heart awakes, like Yan's fast, self-taught.
What books do you read? Tell me, pray,
Reciting those of Yu and Tang, you say.
What do you revere? Let me behold,
Gazing at Heaven's vault, majestic and old.
Benevolence and righteousness long ripe,
Your words flow forth as from a bag, just right.
Like a crane soaring to the sky on high,
The whole world shuns your noble, lofty cry.
What more for culture's sake can we await?
The wooden clapper, Heaven will ordain.
The Six Classics serve as imperial decree,
A single ode humbles Changyang's glee.
Such generous gifts, how can I repay?
Like one who pays for judging horse, they say.
But I shall carve them in my heart, for aye,
Engrave on pendants, gems in bright array.
Humbly I come again, for this alone,
To raise a cup of wine, my zeal has shown.
Refreshed as if washed clean from scorching heat,
My parting sorrows find a wide retreat.
Returning, I shall amaze my friends with pride,
To bask in virtue's fragrance, by your side.