On Lake Dongting Presented to Prime Minister Zhang

On Lake Dongting Presented to Prime Minister Zhang

On the Dongting Lake, to Prime Minister Zhang

In the eighth month the lake is level,

Encompassing the void, merging with the vast sky.

Steam rises over Yunmeng Marsh,

Waves shake the city of Yueyang.

I wish to cross, but have no boat or oars;

In idleness I feel ashamed before this sage age.

I sit and watch the man who holds the rod—

Vainly I nurse the longing for fish.