Meng Haoran’s famous lines describing Dongting Lake

Meng Haoran wrote a classic saying about Dongting Lake: "Steaming clouds and dreamy lakes, waves shaking Yueyang City."

Looking at Dongting Lake and giving a gift to Prime Minister Zhang/Looking at Dongting Lake and giving a gift to Prime Minister Zhang

Meng Haoran [Tang Dynasty]

The level of August Lake is mixed with clear water.

The clouds are steaming over Mengze, and the waves are shaking Yueyang City.

If you want to save money without a boat, you will live in shameful sage.

Sitting and watching the fishermen only envy the fish.

Meng Haoran has very wonderful writings about landscapes. These two lines can be said to be his most wonderful poems describing landscapes. The water vapor in Yunmeng Daze is steaming white, and the rough waves seem to shake Yueyang City. The poem uses exaggeration, and he also reveals his ambition to show his ambition. "If you want to save money without a boat, you will live in a shameful sage." These two sentences are the core of this ancient poem and what the poet longs to express. Facing the mighty lake, the poet thought that he is still a commoner today. He wants to find a way but no one can recommend him, just like he wants to cross the lake but there is no boat. "Living in shameful sage" means that in this peaceful and prosperous age of "sage", I am not willing to live idle and have nothing to do, and I want to go out and do something. These two sentences are a formal confession to Prime Minister Zhang, indicating that although he is a hermit at present, it is not his original wish. He still yearns for an official position, but he has not found a way yet.

“A fisherman who sits back and watches only envy the fish” actually refers to Meng Haoran taking retreat in order to advance. "Angler" refers to Prime Minister Zhang. These last two sentences mean: Mr. Zhang, who is in power, I admire you very much for being able to preside over state affairs. However, I am in the opposition and cannot follow you around or serve you. I can only express my admiration in vain.