Unworthy, I shame my neighbors all around,
Awaiting punishment for a full twelve years.
Blocking the worthy, long have I been found,
Not stepping back, nor feeling shame's hot tears.
When Yonghou's tomb was sealed, the earth laid new,
Repeated pleas I dared before the throne.
I begged to serve my homeland, old and true,
For many ills made governance my own.
The Emperor sighed, 'Ah, you, Han Qi, my friend,
Your aid and toil have been a constant grace.
Now I send you home in glory, to attend
Your native place, with banners, to embrace.
In this bright age, to share ease is your right,
Such favor rare, beyond all thought and measure.
As I prepared to journey north, the plight
Of western borders showed a war's displeasure.
Suddenly, the command in Qin was changed,
The Emperor, late at meal, pondered whom to trust.
How dare I shun the hardship, pre-arranged?
I rushed to serve, accepting this new thrust.
Heaven's might now thundered, shaking far and near,
The cunning dens feared utter devastation.
The savage chiefs surrendered, bound in fear,
Hoping their mad folly found absolution.
Border affairs soon calmed, as days passed by,
My clumsy ailment rose with fading strength.
With utmost sincerity, I made my cry
To the benevolent throne, to gain at length
The chance once more to guard my mulberry trees,
To shed fatigue from heavy duties' strain,
And find in rest and banquets perfect ease.
The gardens and the pools, expanded then,
I viewed, tracing each legacy left behind.
Only north of the North Hall, a plot again
Of blessed ground, lacked a design defined.
Our predecessors wished to build and raise
A structure here, upon this very base.
The work halted, as if awaiting days
For me to bring this beauty into place.
Gathering materials, I hastened the toil,
Humbly expanding from a simple start.
Fragrant woods ring with dense and cooling moil,
The Huan River flows from the whale's mouth apart.
My hall sits on the sunny side, so bright,
Where all things come in radiant, clear light.
Not just to soothe my sickly heart's delight,
But also to host guests with feast and rite.
My aides requested a name for this scene,
Whether for the view or for myself, they thought.
I said, to boast of scenery, though keen,
Is less than honoring the purpose brought.
Gazing at the plaque, I think of my debt,
In truth, it rivals 'Brocade in Daylight's' sense.
Some may laugh, this old man foolish yet,
At glory's peak, still seeking recompense.
The village gains a temporary rest,
Why toil so diligently, they inquire?
I say, though diligence seems foolish at best,
My considerations reach far higher.
Heaven and Earth bestow their grace so vast,
To repay the throne, I'd give my ant-like all.
I hope at last to leave my noble past,
Return home, guard my failing years' recall.
My dwelling and the Duke's are not far spaced,
A hundred short steps make the distance small.
Is there no worthy governor, well-placed,
With intent to host the hermits' call?
May his carriage come from time to time, to grace
My humble grounds with courtesy's embrace.