1月12日

放言 ( 其三 )
唐 白居易 ( 772~846 )

贈君一法決狐疑，不用鑽龜與祝蓍；
試玉要燒三日滿，辨材須待七年期。
周公恐懼流言日，王莽謙恭未篡時；
向使當時身便死，一生真偽復誰知？

──選自《全唐詩》

January 12th

Random Talk III
Bai Juyi (772 - 846, Tang Dynasty)
English translation: Miao Guang

I offer a way to settle your doubts
Without the need for drilled shells or yarrow stalks.

Passing three full days in the furnace, real jade is thus authenticated;
After waiting out seven years, good material is finally recognized.

The Duke of Zhou feared rumorful days,
Wang Mang appeared humble and respectful until he usurped the throne.

Suppose their deaths came early,
Who would have recognized their hypocrisy or genuineness?

── from Quan Tang Shi (Complete Collection of Tang Poems)