,VIII Though the Tortoise Lives Long [Public][Text]

[dragon_of_wei]

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Though the tortoise blessed with magic powers lives long,
Its days have their allotted span;

Though winged serpents ride high on the mist,
They turn to dust and ashes at the last;

An old war-horse may be stabled,
Yet still it longs to gallop a thousand li;

And a noble-hearted man though advanced in years
Never abandons his proud aspirations.

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

One who eats well and keeps cheerful
Can live to a great old age.

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

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A nice change of pace considering the lewd conduct many of us has experienced as of late...