这首《山坡羊·述怀》是对充满着矛盾的自我灵魂的深刻解剖。作品前半部是回顾自己大半生的遭际：“为功名走遍天涯路”写为求功名，不由自主地在宦海中劳碌奔波。时光易逝，两鬓渐现白发。作者对自己不能摆脱名缰利锁的羁绊深自悔恨。小令后半部则阐发了自己的切身体验：“心待足时名便足：高，高处苦；低，低处苦。”从而向世人发出警戒：名缰利索令人寝食难安。不要为功名所困。此作坦荡真诚，直抒胸臆，毫不矫揉造作，这正与作者其人豪放不羁、光明磊落的人格精神相合。
This poem ‘The Sheep on the Mountain Slope: Recollections’ is a profound dissection of the self soul full of contradictions. The first half of the work reflects on the experiences of most of one’s life: ‘Traveling the ends of the earth for fame and fortune’. It is written as a search for fame and fortune, involuntarily toiling in the sea of officialdom. Time flies, and white hair gradually appears on both temples. The author deeply regrets not being able to break free from the shackles of fame and fortune. The latter half of Xiao Ling elaborated on his personal experience: “When the heart is ready, the name is ready: high, high places are bitter; low, low places are bitter.” This serves as a warning to the world: the reins and ropes of fame make people restless. Don’t be trapped by fame and fortune. This work is open and sincere, expressing one’s feelings without any affectation, which is in line with the author’s unrestrained and honest personality spirit.
薛昂夫·《山坡羊·述怀》
大江东去，
长安西去，
为功名走遍天涯路。
厌舟车，
喜琴书，
早星星鬓影瓜田暮。
心待足时名便足。
高，高处苦；
低，低处苦。
Revelation of Sentiment
To the Tune of Sheep on the Hillside
Xue Angfu
Along the Yangtze River eastward,
To Chang’an I travel westward,
For fame and rank I hustle and bustle around the world.
I’m travel-worn,
But fond of art,
Leading a secluded farming life in my old age,
I’m content with my present life with page.
High in rank, the experience is bitter;
Low in position, you have to suffer.
（周方珠 译）
