In light or gloom,
I rest at ease
’Mid grass and bloom,
Bamboos and trees,
A lute on bed,
A jar of wine.
Golden Age’s fled,
Alone I pine.
Original Poem
「时运 · 其四」
陶渊明
斯晨斯夕，言息其庐。
花药分列，林竹翳如。
清琴横床，浊酒半壶。
黄唐莫逮，慨独在余。
Interpretation
"Spring Excursion" is one of Tao Yuanming's pastoral poems, reflecting his love for a quiet, simple life and his retreat from the political turmoil of his time. Living in an era of instability and upheaval, Tao chose to resign from his official post and return to nature, embracing a reclusive lifestyle. This fourth poem captures the essence of his daily life in seclusion, using vivid descriptions of his surroundings to express his affection for rural living and his detachment from worldly affairs.
First Couplet: "斯晨斯夕，言息其庐。"
Sī chén sī xī, yán xī qí lú.
In the morning and evening, my words and thoughts fade within this humble abode.
This couplet conveys the passage of time ("morning and evening") and the poet's inner tranquility ("words and thoughts fade"). Tao's mind remains calm and detached, as if he has severed ties with the outside world. The phrase "fade within this humble abode" symbolizes his retreat from society and his deep appreciation for inner peace.
Second Couplet: "花药分列，林竹翳如。"
Huā yào fēn liè, lín zhú yì rú.
Flowers and herbs are neatly arranged; trees and bamboo form a lush screen.
Here, Tao paints a picture of his natural surroundings. The orderly arrangement of flowers and herbs, along with the dense growth of trees and bamboo, creates a serene and secluded atmosphere. This imagery reflects his pursuit of a peaceful, reclusive life and his deep connection to the land. The word "screen" (翳如) enhances the vividness of the scene, emphasizing his contentment and longing for rural simplicity.
Third Couplet: "清琴横床，浊酒半壶。"
Qīng qín héng chuáng, zhuó jiǔ bàn hú.
A pure qin lies across the bed; half a pot of coarse wine sits quietly.
This couplet offers a glimpse into Tao's reclusive life. The "pure qin" symbolizes his refined taste and spiritual pursuits, while the "coarse wine" represents his embrace of simplicity and spontaneity. The contrast between the two highlights his inner peace and detachment from material desires. The coarse wine, unrefined yet satisfying, reflects his acceptance of life's imperfections and his focus on inner fulfillment.
Fourth Couplet: "黄唐莫逮，慨独在余。"
Huáng Táng mò dǎi, kǎi dú zài yú.
The chaos of Huang and Tang cannot reach me; I remain here alone, steadfast.
In the final couplet, Tao expresses his resignation from and indifference to the turbulent political world. "Huang and Tang" may refer to the Huang Chao Rebellion or symbolize the general chaos of the era. Despite the upheaval, Tao remains steadfast in his secluded life, demonstrating his commitment to peace and his detachment from political strife.
Overall Appreciation
"Timely Fortune (Fourth of Four)" captures the tranquility and freedom of Tao Yuanming's reclusive life. Through vivid descriptions of natural scenery and daily activities, the poem conveys his pursuit of inner peace and his detachment from worldly chaos. The contrast between the "pure qin" and "coarse wine" reflects Tao's refined yet unpretentious lifestyle, while the final lines underscore his determination to remain untouched by external turmoil. The poem's concise language and profound imagery reveal Tao's ideal of a simple, free life and his inner world as a recluse.
Writing Characteristics
- Vivid Natural Imagery
Tao uses detailed descriptions of flowers, herbs, trees, and bamboo to create a serene and secluded atmosphere, reflecting his love for rural life. - Symbolic Contrasts
The juxtaposition of the "pure qin" and "coarse wine" symbolizes Tao's balance between spiritual refinement and earthly simplicity, highlighting his inner peace and detachment. - Concise Language, Profound Meaning
The poem's simple yet evocative language conveys deep emotions and philosophical reflections, showcasing Tao's ability to express complex ideas with clarity. - Detachment from Worldly Affairs
Tao's indifference to political turmoil and his commitment to a secluded life are central themes, emphasizing his pursuit of inner tranquility and freedom.
Insights
"Spring Excursion" offers an alternative approach to life: seeking inner peace and independence by retreating from worldly chaos and embracing a simple, natural existence. Tao Yuanming's poem reminds us of the importance of maintaining inner calm and staying true to oneself, even in a complex and turbulent world. In today's fast-paced society, this longing for a peaceful life resonates deeply. The "coarse wine" in the poem serves as a metaphor for accepting life's imperfections and finding contentment in simplicity, encouraging us to prioritize inner fulfillment over external perfection.
Poem translator
Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)
About the poet
Tao Yuanming(陶渊明), 365–427 CE, was a poet, literary figure, fu writer, and essayist active during the late Eastern Jin and early Liu Song dynasties. Born in Chaisang (near present-day Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province), he pioneered a new genre of pastoral-themed literature, expressing profound philosophical insights through simple language. His poetic style became an enduring aesthetic standard in classical Chinese poetry.
