Some like to drink strong tea,

Like aghada herb,

But some like drinking weak tea--

The evening drink made from

The cypress needles or pine nuts;

And some prefer to drink

Just pure spring water

Also called 'the spring bubbles.'

Strong tea is like the scorching sun

In summertime and loud thunder

Out of a clear blue sky;

Weak tea is like the autumn moon,

Full in size but hidden behind the clouds.

As for spring water, it is no sun, no moon

And no rain to be neither night nor day

But clarity and brightness of the Mind.

Strong tea stimulates and excites people;

Weak tea quenches their thirst;

While water is to replenish the body

With enough liquid, and that's it.

Most people are busy and prefer

Drinking strong tea to counteract

Their exhaustion from toil--

They dare not to fall asleep or indulge

In a roaming or scattered thoughts.

And only some drink weak or diluted tea

To relax their bodies and minds--

It gives them opportunity for idleness

And sighting the reality before their eyes.

Those who only drink water are few.