Autumn Floods (5)

1 Chuang Tzu traveled to Pu River for holiday in that year. Prince of the State of Chu sent two senior officials to invite him as minister of Chu.

2 Two officials saw Chuang tzu fishing when they arrived. Having known their purpose, he replied without head turning, “I heard that in Chu, a shell of turtle of three thousands years was founded and Prince of Chu contributed it to the temple.

3 Now, I asked you two. Does the turtle like to be a tribute in temple, or live freely in mud?”

4 In reverence, the two officials replied, “Of course, it would rather live in mud.”

5 Chuang Tzu said, “Why do you stand here yet? You go back to tell the prince that Chuang Tzu would rather live freely in mud.”

Su Dongpo’s poem goes following:

Luxury hall sitting in, I keep the style as a common person.

Often touring Shugan Ridge, I like the frosted twigs of pine.

It stands still and its root under the earth must be very deep, I think it is thousands years old now.

Vine of brilliant trumpet creeper, why you twisting and twined around the pine.

Hold a cup of wine to toast the vine’s root; please don’t detain other for nothing.