the moon is bright and stars are few

Talent in the world - dāng shì cái dù

Elusive potential - dùn jì qián xíng

incoherent - diān sān dǎo sì

There is no shame in the world - bù zhī rén jiān yǒu xiū chǐ shì

soldiers and horses are in great haste -- busily engaged in warfare - róng mǎ kǒng zǒng

regard as worn-out shoes - shì rú bì xǐ

dregs of the old society - cán zhā yú niè

A wide range of talents is harmful to one's health - cái guǎng fáng shēn

strain every nerve - gǔ gōng zhī lì

ability in petty things - diāo chóng zhuàn kè