Lament of the Neglected Sage
Oh, how I lament! Once, I dwelled in grand halls, but now, my meals are sparse and meager. Alas! My treatment now is far worse than before! How pitiful! Once, every meal was delightful, but now, I endure hunger and never feel full. How unfortunate! The past was so much better than the present!
This poem is a brief lament by a sage, satirizing the inconsistent support of scholars by the rulers of Qin. Some scholars interpret it as a lament from the declining aristocracy of Qin, reflecting on the deterioration of their living conditions.
The poem consists of two structurally identical stanzas, expressing “endless regret” (as noted by Wu Kaisheng in “Comprehensive Interpretation of Poetic Meaning”). It laments Duke Kang of Qin’s failure to properly honor scholars. The first line begins with an exclamation, as if a disappointed scholar throws up his hands and sighs, evoking a sense of deep sorrow. This sets the stage for the strong contrast between past and present mentioned in the following lines, making the contrast feel natural and not abrupt.
In the past, meals were abundant, with plenty of food and meat. Now, however, meals are so simple that they hardly satisfy hunger. The disparity in treatment is difficult to bear. In reality, the change in diet is not the most important aspect; it reflects the sage’s declining status in the ruler’s eyes.
The poem’s two stanzas, though similar, reveal subtle changes that highlight the dramatic difference in the speaker’s treatment over time. The first stanza mentions a shift from abundant meals to insufficient ones. In the second stanza, the change becomes more severe, from having four dishes per meal to not having enough to eat. Thus, the author laments, “Oh, how I lament! No longer in power.” This sigh is filled with disappointment in the current neglect and hope for Duke Kang to restore the virtues of his predecessors, who honored scholars.
Although the poem does not reveal whether the author’s situation improved after his lament, the image of Meng Changjun’s guest, Feng Xuan, who returned with a long sword but had no fish to eat (as noted in “Strategies of the Warring States”), might suggest a similar fate for the author.
In ancient China, scholars and sages held a revered place in society. Their wisdom was sought after by rulers, who often provided them with comfortable living conditions and ample food in exchange for their counsel. However, as political and social dynamics shifted, the treatment of these scholars could change drastically, leading to feelings of neglect and disappointment, as expressed in the poem “.”
The poem begins with a heartfelt lament, evoking the image of a once-respected scholar who now finds himself in diminished circumstances. The grand halls and abundant meals of the past symbolize the respect and honor once bestowed upon him. In contrast, the current state of sparse meals reflects not just a lack of food but a deeper sense of being undervalued and overlooked.
The repetition of the lamentation and the vivid contrast between past and present underscore the depth of the scholar’s disappointment. In the first stanza, the transition from hearty meals to insufficient food is stark but somewhat bearable. By the second stanza, the situation has worsened significantly, highlighting the dramatic fall from grace. This progressive decline in conditions serves to amplify the scholar’s sense of loss and betrayal.
The poem also subtly critiques the ruler’s failure to maintain the virtues of his predecessors. In ancient Chinese culture, rulers were expected to honor and support scholars, recognizing their contributions to the state’s governance and moral integrity. The lamentation thus serves as both a personal expression of regret and a broader commentary on the ruler’s neglect of his responsibilities.
The sage’s lamentation reflects a common theme in Chinese literature: the impermanence of favor and the precariousness of a scholar’s position. This theme resonates with the broader societal values of respect for wisdom and the moral duty of rulers to honor those who contribute to the state’s well-being. The scholar’s hope that Duke Kang might restore the previous standards of honor and respect adds a layer of complexity to the poem, blending personal disappointment with a broader aspiration for societal improvement.
In conclusion, “” captures the emotional turmoil of a scholar who has fallen out of favor, using vivid imagery and structural repetition to highlight the stark contrast between past honor and present neglect. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the fluctuating fortunes of scholars in ancient China and the enduring importance of mutual respect and honor between rulers and their advisors. Through its heartfelt expressions and subtle critiques, the poem offers a timeless reflection on the human condition and the enduring quest for recognition and respect.