Love within the mirror, and what is more, fame within a dream!
How swiftly that beautiful splendor departs!
Speak no more of embroidered curtains and mandarin-duck quilts.
Even wearing a pearl crown and phoenix jacket
Cannot offset the certainty of death.
Though they say one should not suffer poverty in old age,
One must still accumulate virtue for one's children.
Head held high with cap and tassel;
Chest bright with golden seal;
Majestically ascending to high rank—
Yet the dark road to the Yellow Springs draws near.
Ask: do the generals and ministers of old still remain?
Nothing but empty names for posterity to admire.
English titles, text, and notes are AI-assisted for reading only; for scholarship cite the Chinese and authoritative editions.
Annotation
This song concerns Li Wan. After years of widowhood and devotion to her son's education, Jia Lan achieves great success and she receives an imperial title. Yet 'love in the mirror' and 'fame in a dream' suggest it is all fleeting illusion. 'Yellow Springs draw near' indicates Li Wan died just as her fortunes turned, never truly enjoying the rewards.
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