An Officer Sets Forth His Hard Lot

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My way leads forth by the gate on the north;
  My heart is full of woe.
  I hav'n't a cent, begged, stolen, or lent,
  And friends forget me so.
  So let it be! 'tis Heaven's decree.
  What can I say--a poor fellow like me?

  The King has his throne, sans sorrow or moan;
  On me fall all his cares,
  And when I come home, resolved not to roam,
  Each one indignant stares.
  So let it be! 'tis Heaven's decree.
  What can I say--a poor fellow like me?

  Each thing of the King, and the fate of the State,
  On me come more and more.
  And when, sad and worn, I come back forlorn,
  They thrust me from the door.
  So let it be! 'tis Heaven's decree.
  What can I say--a poor fellow like me?

© Confucius