龟虽寿英译

Though Long May Live the Sacred Turtle

　　Though Long May Live the Sacred Turtle

　　There is time it has to die.

　　The Flying Snake on mist arises

　　At last to dust it has to turn.

　　The aged steed that lies in the stable

　　Aspires to race a thousand miles.

　　The hero in his evening years

　　Never lets droop his noble ideal.

　　It is not with Heaven along that rests

　　The fullness or abridgment of life.

　　By keeping peace of mind and body

　　One will secure longevity.

　　——(Tr. Roxane Witke)

　　龟虽寿 (魏)曹操

　　神龟虽寿，犹有竟时，

　　腾蛇乘雾，终为土灰.

　　老骥伏枥，志在千里;

　　烈士暮年，壮心不已。

　　盈缩之期, 不但在天;

　　养怡之福，可得永年