North Gate

"North Gate"

Preface: "North Gate" is a satire on the frustration of serving as an official. It tells of a loyal minister of Wei who cannot fulfill his ambitions.

I walk out from the north gate,

My heart burdened with deep sorrow.

Utterly poor and destitute,

No one knows my hardship.

Enough! Heaven has ordained it thus—

What more can I say?

The king's affairs are entrusted to me,

All state matters are heaped upon me.

When I return home from outside,

My family rebukes me one after another.

Enough! Heaven has ordained it thus—

What more can I say?

The king's affairs press me hard,

All state matters are shoved onto me.

When I return home from outside,

My family strikes me one after another.

Enough! Heaven has ordained it thus—

What more can I say?

"North Gate" has three stanzas, each with seven lines.