Hard Is the Way of the World (The Broad Road Is Blue as the Sky) (Li Bai, Hard Is the Way of the World No. 2)

The great road is as broad as the azure sky, yet I alone have no way forward. I am ashamed to follow the idle sons of wealthy families in the markets of Chang’an, betting on red cocks and white dogs (or “white pheasants”) for pears and chestnuts. Striking my sword, I sing a bitter, mournful song; running errands at the gates of the powerful is not my true intent. The street folk of Huaiyin mocked Han Xin, and the high ministers of the Han dynasty envied Jia Yi. Have you not seen how the ancient king of Yan honored Guo Wei, holding a broom and bowing low to welcome him, without a trace of suspicion? Ju Xin and Yue Yi, moved by this recognition of their worth, poured forth their utmost loyalty and brilliant talents. The white bones of King Zhao of Yan have long been tangled in the wild weeds—who still sweeps clean the Golden Terrace? The road is hard to travel—better to go home.