On the Mountain is the Pivot

Preface: "There Are Elms on the Mountain" is a poem satirizing Lord Zhao of Jin. Lord Zhao failed to cultivate and illuminate virtue to correct the state; he possessed wealth but could not use it, had bells and drums but could not take pleasure in them, had a court but could not sweep it clean. Government affairs fell into ruin, the people scattered, and the state was on the verge of peril. The neighboring states plotted to seize his country while he remained unaware, so the people of the state composed this poem to satirize him.

On the mountain grows the elm tree, in the lowlands grows the white elm. You have clothes and robes, yet you do not wear or put them on. You have chariots and horses, yet you do not drive or ride them. When suddenly you die, others will come to enjoy them.

On the mountain grows the thorn tree, in the lowlands grows the spindle tree. You have courtyards and inner chambers, yet you do not sprinkle or sweep them. You have bells and drums, yet you do not strike or beat them. When suddenly you die, others will come to possess them.

On the mountain grows the lacquer tree, in the lowlands grows the chestnut tree. You have fine wine and delicious food—why every day do you not play the zither? For the moment, use them for pleasure; for the moment, use them to pass the time. When suddenly you die, others will enter your chambers.

"There Are Elms on the Mountain" has three stanzas, each stanza of eight lines.