Do not die lightly; die only when your heart's at peace
Lest you regret it and want to do it over again.
Some better off dead hang on in spite of the shame
While some who should live have a sad decease.
Shameful life and wrongful death—what worlds apart!
The one condemned, the other pains my heart.
Unlike old age, death with honour is a source of fame:
We ever shall adore loyal minister and chaste dame.
When women hold life cheap, love has always been the flame,
After love, virtue has also made its claim.
Rare are those with love and virtue combined.
Yet an example is at hand:
Red Chamber's Tertia and her young man Liu Xianglian.