At dawn I went to the long office, knelt and sat to speak with him.
By chance we escaped discord, he saw me off with a warm face.
Returning home, saddle not yet removed, official documents already filled the door.
Guests kept arriving one after another, it was past noon before I had my morning meal.
All my life I've been lazy by nature, social interactions are not my true self.
Moreover, being heavily burdened and harmed, how much good spirit can remain?
Only at night did I finally get rest, I looked over the texts on my desk.
I opened the scroll but had not yet read, drowsiness already clouded my mind.
Knowing I've returned to petty matters, what more is there to say, so clear?
Often in the clear night's dreams, I mostly see your spirit, my friend.
I lean my ear to listen to your lofty discourse, as if drinking from a golden goblet.
Awake, I cannot go to you, wishing to fly but having no wings.
Yesterday I received your poem, your heart spoke before mine in it.
You wonder why my poems are so slow, friendship's way should indeed be earnest.
Is it that I don't think of you day and night? Truly, I'm vexed by deskwork's toil.
Is there no worthy colleague? Yet I cannot avoid running and rushing.
Meeting amidst overwhelming duties, words to say but no leisure to state them.
Alas, alas, scholars of this age, share the hardship of having no food.
Thinking of my strength, hard to bear the task; hearing your plans are even harder.
Long have I known it's Heaven's doing, how can I complain of poverty and need?
I hear a gentleman takes office, to act with righteousness and that is all.
He also seeks to realize his own righteousness, how could he be led by profit?
In the east sea there is the vast deep, in the western extreme there is Kunlun.
Since ancient times, who has reached them? Only a few esteemed masters.
You already have your carriage and boat, I too will make oars and wheels.
I wish to follow you on your journey, but do not know when it will be.