“For ten years I never left my books;
I went up … and won unmerited praise.
My high place I do not much prize;
The joy of my parents will first make me proud.”

— Bai Juyi

"After Passing the Examination" (A.D. 800)
Arthur Waley's translations

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Bai Juyi 12

Chinese poet of the Tang Dynasty 772–846

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