Though the tortoise blessed with magic powers lives long,
Its days have their allotted span;
Though winged serpents ride high on the mist,
They turn to dust and ashes at the last;
...
East face Jieshi mountain
And gaze blue sea
Water how dancing gently
Mountain island towering
...
To my wine I sing
of the times of peace,
when officers shall not make calls at the door.
The ruler is bright and virtuous,
...
Driving a rainbow,
Riding crimson clouds,
I ascend the Nine Peaks to the Gates of Jade.
...
Though The Tortoise Lives Long
Though the tortoise blessed with magic powers lives long,
Its days have their allotted span;
Though winged serpents ride high on the mist,
They turn to dust and ashes at the last;
And a noble-hearted man though advanced in years
Never abandons his proud aspirations.
Man's span of life, whether long or short,
Depends not on Heaven alone;
One who eats well and keeps cheerful
Can live to a great old age.
And so, with joy in my heart,
I hum this song.
Cao Cao was a remarkable statement