I could have a job, but am too lazy to choose it; br I have got land, but am too lazy to farm it. br My house leaks; I am too lazy to mend it. br My clothes are torn; I am too lazy to darn them. br I have got wine, but I am too lazy to drink; br So it's just the same as if my cup were empty. br I have got a lute, but am too lazy to play; br So it's just the same as if it had no strings. br My family tells me there is no more steamed rice; br I want to cook, but am too lazy to grind. br My friends and relatives write me long letters; br I should like to read them, but they're such a bother to open. br I have always been told that Hsi Shu-yeh br Passed his whole life in absolute idleness. br But he played his lute and sometimes worked at his forge; br So even he was not so lazy as I.