Page:The works of Li Po - Obata.djvu/110

 將進酒 55. AN EXHORTATION

Do you not see the waters of the Yellow River Come flowing from the sky? The swift stream pours into the sea and returns nevermore. Do you not see high on yonder tower A white-haired one sorrowing before his bright mirror? In the morning those locks were like black silk, In the evening they are all snow. Let us, while we may, taste the old delights, And leave not the gold cask of wine To stand alone in the moonlight!

Gods have bestowed our genius on us; They will also find its use some day. Be not loath, therefore, to spend Even a thousand gold pieces! Your money will come back. Kill the sheep, slay the ox, and carouse! Truly you should drink three hundred cups in a round!

Come, Chin, my friend! Dear Tan-chiu, too. To you I offer wine, you must not refuse it. Now I will sing a snatch of song. Lend ear and hearken! Little I prize gongs and drums and sweet-meats, I desire only the long ecstasy of wine, And desire not to awaken. Rh