I wish to sing to you, and I beg you to listen to me.

Long since honours have ceased to have any value;

I would rather be drunk than awake.

Sages and philosophers were always too sad,

Whilst topers remained gay.

Prince Tcheng was not fond of music;

He preferred to spend ten thousand crowns to buy a measure of wine.

Do not say that you have no money—

Continue to supply us.

Take my horse, my fur coat, and go and exchange them for good wine,