In the poet's eyes, however precious a coat of gold thread may be, it cannot compare with the years of youth.
Tips
culture
The whole poem: 劝君莫惜金缕衣，劝君惜取少年时。花开堪折直须折，莫待无花空折枝。 'Do not prize your coat of gold thread, I urge you; prize the days of your youth. When a flower can be picked, pick it; do not wait till the flowers are gone and break off a bare branch.'
history
Who wrote it is unknown. It was sung by 杜秋娘, a singer in the household of the governor 李锜 and later a palace lady, and 杜牧's poem about her is why her name is attached to it.
