题长安壁主人 – （唐）张谓

 

世人结交须黄金，黄金不多交不深。

纵令然诺暂相许，终是悠悠行路心。

 

A Doggerel on Host’s House Wall in Chang’an  

 

Acquaintance needs gold to pave the way,

Less real friendship if less gold thou couldst pay.  

No matter how good one’s promises sound,

An aloof stranger for aye he will stay.  

 

Tr. Ziyuzile