双语诗歌翻译|陶渊明-《责子》

《责子》是晋代诗人陶渊明创作的作品。这首诗大约是陶渊明五十岁左右时作。责子，就是对儿子的责备、批评。

陶渊明 《责子》

白发被两鬓，
肌肤不复实。
虽有五男儿，
总不好纸笔。
阿舒已二八，
懒惰故无匹。
阿宣行志学，
而不爱文术。
雍端年十三，
不识六与七。
通子垂九龄，
但觅梨与栗。
天运苟如此，
且进杯中物。

Blaming Sons

My temples covered with white hair,
My skin wrinkled, my muscles slack.
Though I have five sons, none would care
To read or write in white or black.
My eldest son is now twice eight,
But lazy as him none appears.
My second son won't dedicate
Himself to arts at fifteen year.
My third and fourth sons at thirteen
Know not how much makes six plus seven.
My youngest son has nine years green;
Mid pears and nuts he is in heaven.
If such be the decree divine,
What can I do but drink my wine?