Invitation to Wine (Li Bai, Invitation to Wine)

Do you not see the Yellow River’s waters come pouring down from the sky, rolling eastward to the sea, never to return again?

Do you not see before the bright mirror in the high hall, people grieve for their white hair—in the morning it was black as silk, by evening it turns snow-white?

When fortunes smile, indulge fully in joy, and do not let the golden cup stand empty facing the moon.

Heaven gave me talents—they must be of use; a thousand in gold scattered will come back again.

Boil the lamb, slaughter the ox—let us enjoy the moment; to drink, we must down three hundred cups at once.

Master Cen, Master Danqiu, quick, come drink—do not stop your cups.

I will sing a song for you; please lend me your ears.

What worth is the life of bells and tripods, of jade platters and rare dainties? I only wish to stay drunk and never wake.

Since ancient times, sages and worthies have lived in obscurity; only great drinkers have left their names behind.

Long ago, Prince Chen Cao Zhi feasted at the Pingle Temple—a gallon of wine cost ten thousand coins, and they gave themselves to joyful play.

Why does the host say money is scarce? Just go and buy more wine, and let us drink together.

My fine dappled horse, my fur robe worth a thousand gold—call my boy to take them and trade for fine wine, that together we may drown the endless sorrow of ages.