Time & Brevity
Carpe Diem
Translated by Herbert A. Giles (1898) · From Chinese Poetry in English Verse (1898)
Man reaches scarce a hundred, yet his tears
Would fill a lifetime of a thousand years.
When days are short and night's long hours move slow,
Why not with lamp in search of pleasure go?
This day alone gives sure enjoyment — this!
Why then await tomorrow's doubtful bliss?
Fools grudge to spend their wealth while life abides.
And then posterity their thrift derides.
We cannot hope, like Wang Tzu-ch'iao, to rise
And find a paradise beyond the skies.
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Classical Chinese). “Carpe Diem.” Translated by Herbert A. Giles. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/classical-chinese-anonymous/6/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Classical Chinese). “Carpe Diem.” Translated by Herbert A. Giles. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/classical-chinese-anonymous/6/.
Read this poem with the Codex →