Classic Poem

The old woodcutter of the sea
lives on an island in the sea.
He says he cannot live as well
as the woodcutter of the mountain.
The woodcutter of the mountain chops down trees,
and takes them home as firewood:
in coldest winter, his house is full of springtime warmth.
The woodcutter of the sea hauls up branches of coral in his net—
even if you wished to burn them in the brazier
they wouldn't catch on fire!
So everyday he sits with his family, their bellies empty;
who would claim he eats as well
as the woodcutter of the mountain?
—Now the glorious Emperor holds a New Year's celebration;
he opens wide the palace gates to feast his noble guests.
Imperial messengers seek out rare treasures in all four directions.
The woodcutter of the sea has food to eat,
the woodcutter of the mountain goes hungry!