和董传留别 Farewell, My Dear Friend Dong Chuan

Farewell, My Dear Friend Dong Chuan

Chinese original: Su Shi (11th AC, social name 'Dongpo')

English translation: Julia Min (Dec. 2023)

A man of knowledge glows in spirit,

Though dressed in basics, roughly made.

Just let the golden senna pave your way

After so many years with old schoolmates.

You’d be so proud, and surrounded by fans,

As the Gold List has your name in fresh ink.

Don’t worry about buying a horse in spring.     

Ladies in carriages would seek you, I think.

Notes:

1.     Golden senna: A summer flower that bloomed when candidates gathered in the capital to prepare for the imperial exam held in autumn. The city was so filled with these golden trees that a popular saying went: "It's a world of busy students in a world of golden senna."

2.     The Gold List: The royal roster of successful examinees.

3.     The horse … carriages: The exam took place in autumn, with celebrations held the following spring. Crowds would line the streets to cheer the winners, while the top scholar, called Zhuang Yuan, rode a decorated horse in procession. This day was also known informally as Dating Day, as unmarried ladies from noble families would watch from their carriages, seeking an ideal match.

Appreciation:

So there you are, Dong Chuan, young, brilliant, and completely broke.

Su Shi and Dong Chuan met during Su Shi's three-year probationary period—basically the ancient equivalent of grad school. Two young talents, fuelled by ambition and poetry, trading verses like we trade memes today. They got each other.

Dong Chuan was about to take the imperial examination. It was the ultimate career move, but getting there meant years of studying with no income, plus months of expensive rent in the capital. Su Shi knew the struggle—he and his brother had been there. So when he wrote this poem, he wasn't just being poetic. He was being a good friend. He starts with a line so good it's still quoted today: "A man of knowledge glows in spirit." ( You might be wearing thrift-store robes, but your brain? Immaculate. Your vibe? Unshakeable.)

Then comes the gentle roast. Su Shi tells Dong Chuan: Relax. You'll crush this exam. Your name will be on the Gold List in fresh ink. Everyone will be talking about it. And don't worry about buying a horse come spring. The ladies in their carriages will queue up for you. Ha, Su Shi—one of the greatest poets in Chinese history—basically told his friend, Don't stress about money, bro. The girls will come.

It's a farewell poem, but more than that, it's a vote of confidence wrapped in a joke. Su Shi believed in Dong Chuan so completely that he could afford to tease him about the fame (and romance) waiting just around the corner. That's the kind of friendship that makes you smile, even a thousand years later.

So if you're young, grinding, your bank account is sad, but your dreams are not? This poem is for you. Su Shi is nodding: Now go get them.

和董传留别

原作: 苏轼（字子瞻, 号东坡居士; 11世纪北宋）

英译: 闵晓红(2023.12)

粗缯大布裹生涯，

腹有诗书气自华。

厌伴老儒烹瓠叶，

强随举子踏槐花。

囊空不办寻春马，

眼乱行看择婿车。

得意犹堪夸世俗，

诏黄新湿字如鸦。

Reference:

1. m.gushiwen.cn

2. picture from sohu.com/《每日一花》