I have got patronage, but am too lazy to use 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 am too lazy to drink; <br /> So it's just the same as if my cellar were empty. <br /> I have got a harp, but am too lazy to play; <br /> So it's just the same as if it had no strings. <br /> My wife tells me there is no more bread in the house; <br /> I want to bake, 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 <br /> to open. <br /> I have always been told that Chi Shu-yeh1 <br /> Passed his whole life in absolute idleness. <br /> But he played the harp and sometimes transmuted metals, <br /> So even he was not so lazy as I<br /><br />Bai Juyi<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/lazy-man-s-song-2/
