《将进酒》- 李白

[Li Bai] - Quaffing Wine

Have you not seen the Yellow River's waters, From heaven they descend, Rushing to the sea, they never return?

Have you not seen the bright mirror in the grand hall, Reflecting white hair, a cause for sorrow? In the morning, like green threads, by evening, like snow.

In life's moments of triumph, let joy be fully embraced, Do not let golden goblets face the moon in vain.

Heaven has bestowed upon me talents, they must have their use, Scatter a thousand pieces of gold, they will return again.

Roast lamb, slaughter oxen, let us make merry, Gather and drink three hundred cups in one sitting.

Cen Chun, the hermit of Mount Danqiu, Come, quaff the wine, let not the cups pause.

Let me sing you a song, I beg you to lend me your ear.

The chimes, drums, jade, and delicacies, they are of no worth, Only wish to be eternally drunk, never to awaken.

From ancient times, sages and saints have all been solitary, Only those who drink have left their names behind.

King Chen once held a banquet in Ping Le Palace, Ten thousand coins per jug, he reveled and joked without restraint.

Why, master, do you speak of having little money? Just go and buy some wine to share with me.

Five-flowered steeds, thousand-gold furs, Call my son and have him exchange them for fine wine, With you, let us together drown the sorrows of ten thousand ages.

《将进酒》 作者:李白
君不见黄河之水天上来,奔流到海不复回。 君不见高堂明镜悲白发,朝如青丝暮成雪。 人生得意须尽欢,莫使金樽空对月。 天生我材必有用,千金散尽还复来。 烹羊宰牛且为乐,会须一饮三百杯。 岑夫子,丹丘生,将进酒,杯莫停。 与君歌一曲,请君为我倾耳听。 钟鼓馔玉不足贵,但愿长醉不复醒。 古来圣贤皆寂寞,惟有饮者留其名。 陈王昔时宴平乐,斗酒十千恣欢谑。 主人何为言少钱,径须沽取对君酌。 五花马,千金裘,呼儿将出换美酒,与尔同销万古愁。

Line 1:

The poem opens with a grand invocation, urging the reader to contemplate the vastness and power of nature, exemplified by the relentless flow of the Yellow River. This sets the stage for the poet's subsequent reflections on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of seizing the moment.

Line 2:

The poet shifts his focus to the reflections of time's passage in the human experience. The image of white hair in the mirror serves as a stark reminder of mortality, urging the reader to cherish the present while they still have the capacity to do so.

Line 3:

In this stanza, Li Bai boldly declares the value of living life to the fullest, embracing joy and indulging in pleasures. He asserts that one's inherent talents and abilities will find their way back, even if temporarily lost.

Line 4:

The poet's hedonistic spirit continues to flourish as he calls for a celebration, filled with roasted lamb, slaughtered oxen, and copious amounts of wine. He invites his companions to join him in this revelry, seeking to cast aside their worries and immerse themselves in the present moment.

Line 5:

Li Bai addresses two fellow drinkers, Cen Chun and the hermit of Mount Danqiu, urging them to join him in their unbridled consumption of wine. He encourages them to abandon their reservations and fully embrace the intoxicating experience.

Line 6:

The poet transitions into a song-like section, expressing his deep appreciation for the art of music and its ability to transport the listener to a realm of pure enjoyment. He declares that worldly possessions and luxuries pale in comparison to the profound pleasures of intoxication.

Line 7:

Li Bai challenges the traditional Confucian values of moderation and self-restraint, asserting that only those who indulge in wine and embrace their passions have truly left their mark on history. He suggests that the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom is often accompanied by solitude and loneliness, while those who embrace life's pleasures are more likely to be remembered.

Line 8:

The poet invokes the historical figure of King Chen, who was renowned for his extravagant feasts and uninhibited enjoyment of life. Li Bai draws inspiration from this example, encouraging his companions to cast aside their concerns about money and embrace the pursuit of pleasure.

Line 9:

In a final flourish of extravagance, Li Bai commands his son to bring out his most prized possessions – five-flowered steeds and thousand-gold furs – and exchange them for fine wine. He declares his intention to drown the sorrows of the ages in the company of his drinking companions.

Overall, "Quaffing Wine" is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the joys of life, the pursuit of pleasure, and the transformative power of wine. Li Bai's uninhibited and rebellious spirit shines through his verses, challenging societal norms and embracing the full spectrum of human experience. The poem's enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to resonate with readers across cultures and time periods.