Paroles et traduction Corvus Corax - Chou Chou Sheng

Chou Chou Sheng

C__ sit fama multiplex de te divulgata
Veritati consonent omnia prolata
Colorare stultum est bene colorata
Et non decet aliquem serere iam sata

Vide, si complaceat tibi me tenere
In scribendis litteris certus sum valere
Et si forsan accidat opus imminere
Vices in dictamine potero supplere

Hoc si recusaveris, audi, quod attendas
Paupertatis oneri pie condescendas
Et ad penas hominis huius depellendas
Curam aliquatenus muneris impendas

Chou Chou Sheng

Such is the widespread reputation of thee.
May all that is said agree with truth.
It is foolish to colour that which is already well-coloured,
And it is not fitting for anyone to sow what has already been sown.

See, if it pleases you to employ me,
In writing letters I am certainly able.
And if perchance there should happen to be some imminent work,
I shall be able to fill in for you in dictating.

But if you have declined this, hear what I recommend:
Graciously deign to ease the burden of poverty,
And in order to dispel the penalties of this man,
Give some attention to the care of this duty.