題長安壁主人 – （唐）張謂

 

世人結交須黃金，黃金不多交不深。

縱令然諾暫相許，終是悠悠行路心。

 

A Doggerel on Host’s House Wall in Chang’an  

 

Acquaintance needs gold to pave the way,

Less real friendship if less gold thou couldst pay.  

No matter how good one’s promises sound,

An aloof stranger for aye he will stay.  

 

Tr. Ziyuzile