lnhammer: the Chinese character for poetry, red on white background (Default)
[personal profile] lnhammer
If you hold [a pot] that’s full, you’d best stop carrying it;
If you use [a blade] that’s sharp, you cannot protect it long;
If your hall’s filled with gold and jades, it cannot be defended.
If you’re arrogant from wealth and honors, this is a mistake;
If after successes you withdraw, this is the way of heaven.

持而盈之,不如其已;
揣而锐之,不可长保。
金玉满堂,莫之能守;
富贵而骄,自遗其咎。
功遂身退天之道。

“Protect” the blade from dulling, apparently—though compare 4.3. Alternate second half of l.5: “it’s your own damn fault” as Laozi thumps his cane.

---L.
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As language practice, I like to translate poetry. My current project is Chinese, with practice focused on Tang Dynasty poetry. Previously this was classical Japanese, most recently working through the Kokinshu anthology (archived here). Suggestions, corrections, and questions always welcome.

There's also original pomes in the journal archives.

April 2025

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