春江水暖鸭先知，蚌横江而不渡。快马加鞭玉轮驾，檀郎出使金钱赐。
春江水暖鸭先知，
蚌横江而不渡。
快马加鞭玉轮驾，
檀郎出使金钱赐。
This is a famous quatrain from the Tang Dynasty, written by the poet Li Bai (李白). It can be translated as:
In the warm spring river, ducks presciently know,
With pearls for wheels, a horse with swift steps go.
A young envoy, with a gift of gold and silver,
Crosses the river, where clams lie in wait, though.
The poem is often interpreted as reflecting the relationship between wisdom and success. The ducks symbolize a wise and discerning character that can foresee danger or opportunity. The horse with pearls for wheels represents a high-ranking and grand mode of transportation. The envoy, perhaps an ambitious scholar, is sent on a mission with a generous gift of gold and silver.
The phrase "蚌横江而不渡" (bèng héng jiāng ér bù dù) literally means "clams lie across the river without crossing." It is used metaphorically to describe how clams, which are unable to move, are waiting for an opportunity or for the right conditions to present themselves before crossing the river.
Overall, the poem conveys a sense of anticipation and the potential rewards of a well-prepared and timely endeavor.