I studied verse to no avail,
So I quit and studied writing.
I studied writing to no avail,
So I quit and studied art.
Now if I sell enough for a hundred cash a day
It will be considered making a living,
And keep one from abject poverty
In the elegant name of art.
Now I've escaped all appointments and meetings,
And begging for official favour.
The clean fresh air blows through my house,
And no horses and carriages crowd my gate."
Zheng Xie:
