The world is a hotel that houses all things. Time is a passenger who sees
hundreds of generations. On such a scale, one's life is just like a dream. How
long can we enjoy ourselves? This is the reason why ancient people lit candles
to have parties at night. Spring brings us beautiful pictures and nature
inspires us to write great essays. In this beautiful garden of plum and peach
trees, our family meets together and has a good time. All my younger brothers
are as talented as Hui-lian Xie 1. The only shame I feel is that my
spontaneous poetry can not compete with Duke Kang-le's 2, We continue
to appreciate the beauty of dainty flowers. At the same time we indulge
ourselves in discussing certain topics to gain better understanding. Surrounded
by beautiful flowers, we have a wonderful dinner. We toast each other and get
drunk under the moonlight. If we fail to present good poetry, how can we express
our delicate feelings? Anyone who can not write a good poem should be penalized
by drinking three cups of wine.
1
Hui-lian Xie was a younger brother of the poet, Ling-yun Xie, during the
Jin dynasty. The former was praised by the latter. Consequently, later
generations called a good younger brother "Hui-lian Xie".
2
Poet Ling-yun Xie inherited his ancestor's title as Duke Kang-le (healthy
and happy). Therefore, later generations called him Kang-le Xie.