Seeing Off a Friend Who Failed in the Civil Service Examination (Wang Wei: Seeing Off a Friend Who Failed in the Civil Service Examination)

In an era of clear governance, no one lives in seclusion; worthy talents all come to offer their service. Thus even those who once dwelled in the mountains can no longer cling to the life of gathering ferns. Although you came to the capital but failed the examination, who can say our principles are wrong? You passed through the Jiang-Huai region during the Cold Food Festival, and in Luoyang you had spring garments sewn. I set out wine at the long pavilion to see you off, yet a kindred spirit must part from me. Soon you will sail southward, and before long you will lightly knock at your own rustic gate. Distant trees frame the figure of the traveler, and a lone village faces the afterglow of the setting sun. Our plans are merely temporarily unappreciated; do not think that kindred spirits are few in this world.