1. Though grey hairs punish blackness at my temples,
Dawn's radiance still follows the night.

2. When the bow of destruction misses its mark
Some tresses and temples still whiten.

3. Had the ignorant night any merit,
No lamps or wicks would lessen its gloom.

4. Whiteness is a laughing face for the eyes,
Blackness a gloomy face for the eyes.

5. Swifter than the trunks of chargers at full gallop,
More enduring than the pliant spearshaft’s thrust.

6. The tent ropes ambush the road though it be safe,
While searchers range the road for lost maidens.