Lazy Man's Song

I could have a job, but am too lazy to choose it;
I have got land, but am too lazy to farm it
My house leaks; I am too lazy to mend it
My clothes are torn; I am too lazy to darn them
I have got wine, but I am too lazy to drink;
So it's just the same as if my cup were empty
I have got a lute, but am too lazy to play;
So it's just the same as if it had no strings
My family tells me there is no more steamed rice;
I want to cook, but am too lazy to grind
My friends and relatives write me long letters;
I should like to read them, but they're such a bother to open.
I have always been told that Xi Shuye
Passed his whole life in absolute idleness.
But he played his lute and sometimes worked at his forge;
So even he was not as lazy as I.
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Author of original: 
Po Chü-i
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