曹操《龟虽寿》英文翻译欣赏

龟虽寿

Though the Tortoise Lives Long

曹操

By Cao Cao

神龟虽寿，犹有竟时。

Though the tortoise blessed with magicpowers lives long, its days have their allotted span.

騰蛇乘雾，终为土灰。

Though winged serpents ride high on themist, they turn to dust and ashes at the last.

老骥伏枥，志在千里。

An old war-horse may be stabled, yet stillit longs to gallop a thousand miles;

烈士暮年，壮心不已。

And a noble-hearted man though advanced inyears, never abandons his proud aspirations.

盈缩之期，不但在天；

Man's span of life , whether long or short,depends not on Heaven alone;

养怡之福，可得永年。

One who eats well and keeps cheerful, canlive to a great old age.

幸甚至哉，歌以咏志。

And so, with joy in my heart, I hum this song.