Scott L. Satterfield – translation of “A Mean Abode” by Liu Yuxi
September 4, 2017
陋室铭
山不在高，有仙则名。水不在深，有龙则靈。斯是陋室，惟吾德馨。苔痕上階绿，草色入帘青。谈笑有鸿儒，往来无白丁。可以调素琴，阅金经。无丝竹之乱耳，无案牍之劳形。南阳诸葛庐，西蜀子云亭。孔子云，【何陋之有？】
刘禹锡
A Mean Abode
It is not how high the mountain, if there be spirits within fame follows. It is not how deep the water, if there be dragons within wonder follows. In this mean abode, only my self graces it. Traces of moss cover the steps green, grass shows green through the hung screen. The learned are here for talks and laughter, no unlettered folk come and go. I can play simple melodies, read the scriptures. No strings or flutes troubling the ear, no papers tiring body and soul. Here is as famous men of integrity passed simple lives in mean places far apart.*
So did Confucius ask, “ In what manner is this mean?”
- Liu Yuxi (772–842)