In wealth he knew not how to enjoy his lot;
In poverty he could not endure the desolation.
Pity—he wasted his fine youthful years;
For country and family alike, there was no hope in him.
The most incapable under heaven,
The most unworthy through all time.
A word to all you pampered sons of privilege:
Do not follow this boy's example!
English titles, text, and notes are AI-assisted for reading only; for scholarship cite the Chinese and authoritative editions.
Annotation
The second lyric continues the 'seeming criticism, real praise' approach. 'The most incapable under heaven, the most unworthy through all time' appears extremely derogatory but actually praises Baoyu's transcendence beyond worldly ambitions. 'Do not follow this boy's example' is ironic social commentary. Together, the two lyrics form a satire of feudal conventions.
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