Poems about music: Zhou
compiled by David Badagnani (rev. 26 April 2024)
"Lord of the East" (Dong Jun), no. 7 from Nine Songs (Jiu Ge)
作者:屈原(战国时楚人)
by Qu Yuan (State of Chu/Warring States period, c. 340 BC-278 BC)
translated by Colin Huehns
translated by Colin Huehns
今按:此日神也。礼曰:「天子朝日于东门之外。」又曰:「王宫祭日也。」汉志亦有东君。
暾将出兮东方,
The newly risen sun is about to emerge in the east
照吾槛兮扶桑。
载云旗兮委蛇。Shining on my boundary fence of fusang trees
抚余马兮安驱,
Patting my horse, so it moves peacefully forward
夜皎皎兮既明。
The night, brightly lit by the moon, merges into the morning light
驾龙辀兮乘雷,
Driving a dragon chariot, riding thunder
Driving a dragon chariot, riding thunder
Carrying the clouds, like flags, furling and unfurling
长太息兮将上,
For a long while, sighing, and then rising up
心低佪兮顾怀。
Heart hesitating, reluctant to leave, nurturing feelings in my breast
羌声色兮娱人,
A swirling hubbub of sound and colour makes the people joyful
观者憺兮忘归。
Those observing, contentedly peaceful, forget to return
縆瑟兮交鼓,
String up the se zither, beat the drum
箫钟兮瑶簴。
Strike the bells so they rock back and forth the rack on which they hang
鸣䶵兮吹竽,
心低佪兮顾怀。
Heart hesitating, reluctant to leave, nurturing feelings in my breast
羌声色兮娱人,
A swirling hubbub of sound and colour makes the people joyful
观者憺兮忘归。
Those observing, contentedly peaceful, forget to return
縆瑟兮交鼓,
String up the se zither, beat the drum
箫钟兮瑶簴。
Strike the bells so they rock back and forth the rack on which they hang
鸣䶵兮吹竽,
Sound the chi bamboo pipe, blow the yu mouth organ
思灵保兮贤姱。
Reflecting on the chief shaman [acting the role of the Lord of the East], virtuous and lovely
翾飞兮翠曾,
Floatingly and delicately dancing as if flying, like green birds spreading their wings and soaring away
展诗兮会舞。
Boldly singing poetical songs and chants, together dancing
应律兮合节,
思灵保兮贤姱。
Reflecting on the chief shaman [acting the role of the Lord of the East], virtuous and lovely
翾飞兮翠曾,
Floatingly and delicately dancing as if flying, like green birds spreading their wings and soaring away
展诗兮会舞。
Boldly singing poetical songs and chants, together dancing
应律兮合节,
Matching the melody, in harmony with the metre
灵之来兮蔽日。
灵之来兮蔽日。
The gods approaching in their multitudes block out the sun
青云衣兮白霓裳,
青云衣兮白霓裳,
Attired in a blue-cloud tunic, set off by a white rainbow skirt
举长矢兮射天狼。
举长矢兮射天狼。
Raising aloft a long arrow to shoot down the constellation Sirius
操余弧兮反沦降,
操余弧兮反沦降,
Holding high my wooden bow, turning to shoot down the setting sun
援北斗兮酌桂浆。
援北斗兮酌桂浆。
Clasping the Plough, to drink my fill of osmanthus elixir
撰余辔兮高驼翔,
撰余辔兮高驼翔,
Taking hold of my bridle, high aloft, to gallop at full pelt, soaring and wheeling
杳冥冥兮以东行。
杳冥冥兮以东行。
In the dark and deep, travelling on an eastward journey
Notes: In Chinese mythology, the fusang (扶桑) is a legendary mulberry tree that grows in the ocean where the sun is supposed to rise.
More information:
https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E4%B9%9D%E6%AD%8C%C2%B7%E4%B8%9C%E5%90%9B
http://www.vantagemusic.org/magazine/qu-yuans-nine-songs/
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《九歌·东皇太一》 其一
"The Emperor of the East, the Supreme Unity" (Dong Huai Tai Yi), no. 1 from Nine Songs (Jiu Ge)
作者:屈原(战国时楚人)
More information:
https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E4%B9%9D%E6%AD%8C%C2%B7%E4%B8%9C%E5%90%9B
http://www.vantagemusic.org/magazine/qu-yuans-nine-songs/
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《九歌·东皇太一》 其一
"The Emperor of the East, the Supreme Unity" (Dong Huai Tai Yi), no. 1 from Nine Songs (Jiu Ge)
作者:屈原(战国时楚人)
by Qu Yuan (State of Chu/Warring States period, c. 340 BC-278 BC)
translated by Colin Huehns
translated by Colin Huehns
吉日兮辰良,
On this auspicious day, this excellent morning
穆将愉兮上皇;
In reverent solemnity, we will delight the Emperor above
On this auspicious day, this excellent morning
穆将愉兮上皇;
In reverent solemnity, we will delight the Emperor above
抚长剑兮玉珥,
Holding our long swords’ jade hilts
璆锵鸣兮琳琅;
"Qiu-qiang" sound our jade pendants and plaques
Holding our long swords’ jade hilts
璆锵鸣兮琳琅;
"Qiu-qiang" sound our jade pendants and plaques
瑶席兮玉瑱,
Mats of woven herbs held in place by jade weights
盍将把兮琼芳;
In synchronous unison, taking perfumed flowers, like fine jade
Mats of woven herbs held in place by jade weights
盍将把兮琼芳;
In synchronous unison, taking perfumed flowers, like fine jade
蕙肴蒸兮兰藉,
Present lavender-flavoured meat on the bone served on an orchid garnish
奠桂酒兮椒浆;
Offer osmanthus liquor and pepper elixir
Present lavender-flavoured meat on the bone served on an orchid garnish
奠桂酒兮椒浆;
Offer osmanthus liquor and pepper elixir
扬枹兮拊鼓,
Raising high the drumsticks, strike the drum
疏缓节兮安歌;
In a slow, solemn, and steady metre, a harmoniously peaceful song
Raising high the drumsticks, strike the drum
疏缓节兮安歌;
In a slow, solemn, and steady metre, a harmoniously peaceful song
陈竽瑟兮浩倡;
Arrayed are yu mouth organs and se zithers accompanying deeply resonant singing
灵偃蹇兮姣服,
The Emperor, haughtily magnificent, is richly dressed
芳菲菲兮满堂;
The Emperor, haughtily magnificent, is richly dressed
芳菲菲兮满堂;
A fragrance, heady and heavy, fills the hall
五音纷兮繁会,
The five notes are varied in counterpoint and heterophony
君欣欣兮乐康。
The five notes are varied in counterpoint and heterophony
君欣欣兮乐康。
And the Lord is deliciously delighted, happy and calm
More information:
https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E4%B9%9D%E6%AD%8C%C2%B7%E4%B8%9C%E7%9A%87%E5%A4%AA%E4%B8%80/699288
More information:
https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E4%B9%9D%E6%AD%8C%C2%B7%E4%B8%9C%E7%9A%87%E5%A4%AA%E4%B8%80/699288
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《诗经·大雅·板》
(Ban)
from the "Da Ya" (大雅, Major Court Hymns) section of the Shi Jing (Classic of Poetry)
(Zhou Dynasty, c. 10th-9th century BC)
translated by James Legge (1815-1897)
上帝板板、下民卒癉。
出話不然、為猶不遠 。
靡聖管管、不實於亶。
猶之未遠、是用大諫 。
God has reversed [His usual course of procedure],
And the lower people are full of distress.
The words which you utter are not right;
The plans which you form are not far-reaching.
As there are not sages, you think you have no guidance;
You have no reality in your sincerity.
[Thus] your plans do not reach far,
And I therefore strongly admonish you.
天之方難、無然憲憲。
天之方蹶、無然泄泄。
辭之輯矣、民之洽矣。
辭之懌矣、民之莫矣 。
Heaven is now sending down calamities; -
Do not be so complacent.
Heaven is now producing such movements; -
Do not be so indifferent.
If your words were harmonious,
The people would become united.
If your words were gentle and kind,
The people would be settled.
我雖異事、及爾同僚。
我即而謀、聽我囂囂。
我言維服、勿以為笑。
先民有言、詢于芻蕘 。
Though my duties are different from yours,
I am your fellow-servant.
I come to advise with you,
And you hear me with contemptuous indifference.
My words are about the [present urgent] affairs; -
Do not think them matter for laughter.
The ancients had a saying:
'Consult the grass and firewood-gatherers. '
天之方虐、無然謔謔。
老夫灌灌、小子蹻蹻。
匪我言耄、爾用憂謔。
多將熇熇、不可救藥 。
Heaven is now exercising oppression; -
Do not in such a way make a mock of things.
An old man, [I speak] with entire sincerity;
But you, my juniors, are full of pride.
It is not that my words are those of age,
But you make a joke of what is sad.
But the troubles will multiply like flames,
Till they are beyond help or remedy.
天之方懠、無為夸毗。
威儀卒迷、善人載尸。
民之方殿屎、則莫我敢葵。
喪亂蔑資、曾莫惠我師 。
Heaven is now displaying its anger; -
Do not be either boastful or flattering,.
Utterly departing from all propriety of demeanour,
Till good men are reduced to personators of the dead.
The people now sigh and groan,
And we dare not examine [into the causes of their trouble].
The ruin and disorder are exhausting all their means of living,
And we show no kindness to our multitudes.
天之牖民、如壎如篪。
如璋如圭、如取如攜。
攜無日益、牖民孔易。
民之多辟、無自立辟 。
Heaven enlightens the people,
As the bamboo flute responds to the porcelain whistle;
As two half maces form a whole one;
As you take a thing, and bring it away in your hand,
Bringing it away without any more ado.
The enlightenment of the people is very easy.
They have [now] many perversities; -
Do not you set up your perversity [before them].
价人維藩、大師維垣、大邦維屏、大宗維翰、懷德維寧、宗子維城。
無俾城壞、無獨斯畏。
Good men are a fence;
The multitudes of the people are a wall;
Great States are screens;
Great Families are buttresses;
The cherishing of virtue secures repose;
The circle of [the king's] Relatives is a fortified wall.
We must not let the fortified wall get destroyed;
We must not let him solitary be consumed with terrors.
敬天之怒、無敢戲豫。
敬天之渝、無敢馳驅。
昊天曰明、及爾出王。
昊天曰旦、及爾游衍。
Revere the anger of Heaven,
And presume not to make sport or be idle.
Revere the changing moods of Heaven,
And presume not to drive about [at your pleasure].
Great Heaven is intelligent,
And is with you in all your goings.
Great Heaven is clear-seeing,
And is with you in your wandering and indulgences.
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《诗经·小雅·常棣》
Brush Cherries (Chang Di)
from the "Xiao Ya" (小雅, Lesser Court Hymns) section of the Shi Jing (Classic of Poetry)
(Zhou Dynasty, c. 9th-8th century BC)
translated by James Legge (1815-1897)
常棣之华,鄂不韡韡。
凡今之人,莫如兄弟。
The flowers of the cherry tree -
Are they not gorgeously displayed?
Of all the men in the world,
There are none equal to brothers.
死丧之威,兄弟孔怀。
原隰裒矣,兄弟求矣。
On the dreaded occasions of death and burial,
It is brothers who greatly sympathize.
When fugitives are collected on the heights and low grounds,
They are brothers who will seek one another out.
脊令在原,兄弟急难。
每有良朋,况也永叹。
There is the wagtail on the level height; -
When brothers are in urgent difficulties,
Friends, though they may be good,
Will [only] heave long sighs.
兄弟阋于墙,外御其务。
每有良朋,烝也无戎。
Brothers may quarrel inside the walls,
But they will oppose insult from without,
When friends, however good they may be,
Will not afford help.
丧乱既平,既安且宁。
虽有兄弟,不如友生?
When death and disorder are past,
And there are tranquillity and rest;
Although they have brothers,
[Some] reckon them not equal to friends.
傧尔笾豆,饮酒之饫。
兄弟既具,和乐且孺。
Your dishes may be set in array,
And you may drink to satiety;
But it is when your brothers are all present,
That you are harmonious and happy, with child-like joy.
妻子好合,如鼓瑟琴。
兄弟既翕,和乐且湛。
Loving union with wife and children,
Is like the music of lutes;
But it is the accord of brothers,
Which makes the harmony and happiness lasting.
宜尔室家,乐尔妻帑。
是究是图,亶其然乎?
For the ordering of your family,
For your joy in your wife and children,
Examine this and study it; -
Will you not find that it is truly so?
Notes:
"Lutes" is an incorrect translation of se (瑟) and qin (琴), instruments that are actually zithers.
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《诗经·国风·秦风·车邻》
(Che Lin)
(Che Lin)
from the "Guo Feng" (国风, Airs of the States): "Qin Feng" (秦风, Airs of Qin) section of the Shi Jing (Classic of Poetry)
(Zhou Dynasty, c. 8th-7th century BC)
translated by James Legge (1815-1897)
有车邻邻、有马白颠。
未见君子、寺人之令。
He has many carriages, giving forth their lin-lin;
He has horses with their white foreheads.
Before we can see our prince,
We must get the services of the eunuch.
阪有漆、隰有栗。
既见君子、并坐鼓瑟。
今者不乐、逝者其耋。
On the hill-sides are varnish trees;
In the low wet grounds are chestnuts.
When we have seen our prince,
We sit together with him, and they play on their lutes.
If now we do not take our joy,
The time will pass till we are octogenarians.
阪有桑、隰有杨。
既见君子、并坐鼓簧。
今者不乐、逝者其亡。
On the hill-sides are mulberry trees;
In the low wet grounds are willows.
When we have seen our prince,
We sit together with him, and they play on their organs.
If now we do not take our joy,
The time will pass till we are no more.
Notes:
"Lutes" is an incorrect translation of se (瑟), an instrument that is actually a bridge zither.
"Lutes" is an incorrect translation of se (瑟), an instrument that is actually a bridge zither.
More information:
* * * * * * * * *
《诗经·小雅·车舝》
(Che Xia)
《诗经·小雅·车舝》
(Che Xia)
from the "Xiao Ya" (小雅, Lesser Court Hymns) section of the Shi Jing (Classic of Poetry)
(Zhou Dynasty, c. 9th-8th century BC)
translated by James Legge (1815-1897)
间关车之舝兮,思娈季女逝兮。
匪饥匪渴,德音来括。
虽无好友?式燕且喜。
Jian-guan went the axle ends of my carriage,
As I thought of the young beauty, and went [to fetch her].
It was not that I was hungry or thirsty,
But [I longed] for one of such virtuous fame to come and be with me.
Although no good friends be with us,
We will feast and be glad.
依彼平林,有集维鷮。
辰彼硕女,令德来教。
式燕且誉,好尔无射。
Dense is that forest in the plain,
And there sit the long-tailed pheasants.
In her proper season that well-grown lady,
With her admirable virtue, is come to instruct me.
We will feast, and I will praise her.
' I love you, and will never be weary of you. '
虽无旨酒?式饮庶几。
虽无嘉肴?式食庶几。
虽无德与女?式歌且舞?
Although I have no good spirits,
We will drink [what I have], and perhaps [be satisfied].
Although I have no good viands,
We will eat [what I have], and perhaps [be satisfied].
Although I have no virtue to impart to you,
We will sing and dance.
陟彼高冈,析其柞薪。
析其柞薪,其叶湑兮。
鲜我觏尔,我心写兮。
I ascend that lofty ridge,
And split the branches of the oaks for firewood.
I split the branches of the oaks for firewood,
Amid the luxuriance of their leaves.
I see you whose match is seldom to be seen,
And my whole heart is satisfied.
高山仰止,景行行止。
四牡騑騑,六辔如琴。
觏尔新婚,以慰我心。
The high hill is looked up to;
The great road is easy to be travelled on.
My four steeds advanced without stopping;
The six reins [made music] in my hands like lute-[strings].
I see you my bride,
To the comfort of my heart.
Notes:
"Lute" is an incorrect translation of qin (琴), an instrument that is actually a zither.
"Lute" is an incorrect translation of qin (琴), an instrument that is actually a zither.
More information:
* * * * * * * * *
《诗经·国风·鄘风·定之方中》
(Ding Zhi Fang Zhong)
from the "Guo Feng" (国风, Airs of the States): "Yong Feng" (鄘风, Airs of Yong) section of the Shi Jing (Zhou Dynasty, c. 8th-7th century BC)
translated by James Legge (1815-1897)
定之方中,作于楚宫。揆之以日,作于楚室。树之榛栗,椅桐梓漆,爰伐琴瑟。
When Ding culminated [at night fall],
He began to build the palace at Chu.
Determining its aspects by means of the sun,
He built the mansion at Chu.
He planted about it hazel and chesnut trees,
The yi, the tong, the zi, and the varnish-tree,
Which, when cut down, might afford materials for lutes.
升彼虚矣,以望楚矣。望楚与堂,景山与京。降观于桑。卜云其吉,终焉允臧。
He ascended those old walls,
And thense surveyed [the site of ] Chu.
He surveyed Chu and Tang,
With the high hills and lofty elevations about :
He descended and examined the mulberry trees;
He then divined, and got a fortunate response;
And thus the issue has been truly good.
灵雨既零,命彼倌人。星言夙驾,说于桑田。匪直也人,秉心塞渊。騋牝三千。
When the good rains had fallen,
He would order his groom,
By starlight, in the morning, to yoke his carriage,
And would then stop among the mulberry trees and fields.
But not only thus did he show what he was; -
Maintaining in his heart a profound devotion to his duties,
His tall horses and mares amounted to three thousand.
Notes:
"Lutes" is an incorrect translation of qin [and] se (琴瑟), instruments that are actually zithers.
"Lutes" is an incorrect translation of qin [and] se (琴瑟), instruments that are actually zithers.
More information:
https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E9%84%98%E9%A3%8E%C2%B7%E5%AE%9A%E4%B9%8B%E6%96%B9%E4%B8%AD/19674290
https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E9%84%98%E9%A3%8E%C2%B7%E5%AE%9A%E4%B9%8B%E6%96%B9%E4%B8%AD/19674290
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《诗经·小雅·甫田》
(Fu Tian)
from the "Xiao Ya" (小雅, Lesser Court Hymns) section of the Shi Jing (Classic of Poetry)
(Zhou Dynasty, c. 9th-8th century BC)
translated by James Legge (1815-1897)
倬彼甫田,岁取十千。我取其陈,食我农人。自古有年,今适南亩。或耘或耔,黍稷薿薿。攸介攸止,烝我髦士。
Bright are those extensive fields,
A tenth of whose produce is annually levied.
I take the old stores,
And with them feed the husbandmen,
From of old we have had good years,
And now I go to the south-lying acres,
Where some are weeding, and some gather the earth about the roots.
The millets look luxuriant;
And in a spacious resting place,
I collect and encourage the men of greater promise.
以我齐明,与我牺羊,以社以方。我田既臧,农夫之庆。琴瑟击鼓,以御田祖。以祈甘雨,以介我稷黍,以榖我士女。
With my vessels full of bright millet,
And my pure victim-rams,
We sacrificed to [the Spirits of] the land, and to [those of] the four quarters.
That my fields are in such good condition,
Is matter of joy to my husbandmen.
With lutes, and with drums beating,
We will invoke the Father of husbandry,
And pray for sweet rain,
To increase the produce of our millets,
And to bless my men and their wives.
曾孙来止,以其妇子。馌彼南亩,田畯至喜。攘其左右,尝其旨否。禾易长亩,终善且有。曾孙不怒,农夫克敏。曾孙之稼,如茨如梁。
The distant descendant comes,
When their wives and children,
Are bringing food to those [at work] in the south-lying acres.
The surveyor of the fields [also] comes, and is glad.
He takes [of the food] on the left and the right,
And tastes whether it be good or not.
The grain is well cultivated, all the acres over;
Good will it be and abundant.
The distant descendant has no displacency;
The husbandmen are encouraged to diligence.
曾孙之庾,如坻如京。乃求千斯仓,乃求万斯箱。黍稷稻粱,农夫之庆。报以介福,万寿无疆。
The crops of the distant descendant,
Look [thick] as thatch, and [swelling] like a carriage cover.
The stacks of the distant descendant,
Will stand like islands and mounds.
He will seek for thousands of granaries;
He will seek for myriads of carts.
The millets, the paddy, and the maize,
Will awake the joy of the husbandmen;
[And they will say], ' May he be rewarded with great happiness.
With myriads of years, life without end!
Notes:
"Lutes" is an incorrect translation of qin [and] se (琴瑟), instruments that are actually zithers.
"Lutes" is an incorrect translation of qin [and] se (琴瑟), instruments that are actually zithers.
* * * * * * * * *
《诗经·小雅·鼓钟》
(Gu Zhong)
鼓钟将将,淮水汤汤,忧心且伤。
淑人君子,怀允不忘。
(Gu Zhong)
from the "Xiao Ya" (小雅, Lesser Court Hymns) section of the Shi Jing (Classic of Poetry)
(Zhou Dynasty, c. 9th-8th century BC)
鼓钟将将,淮水汤汤,忧心且伤。
淑人君子,怀允不忘。
His bells ring out jiang-jiang,
While the waters of the Huai go sweeping on;
Sad is my heart and wouded.
The virtuous sovereigns [of old], -
In my heart, indeed, I cannot forget them.
鼓钟喈喈,淮水湝湝,忧心且悲。
淑人君子,其德不回。His drums ring out jie-jie,
While the waters of the Huai rush along;
My heart is sad and grieved.
Of the virtuous sovereigns [of old],
The virtue was without flaw.
鼓钟伐鼛,淮有三洲,忧心且妯。
淑人君子,其德不犹。His bells ring out, his large drums resound,
There are the three islands in the Huai;
Sad is my heart and moved.
Of the virtuous sovereigns [of old],
The virtue was different from this.
鼓钟钦钦,鼓瑟鼓琴,笙磬同音。
以雅以南,以籥不僭。His bells ring out qin-qin;
His lutes, large and small, give their notes;
The tones of his organs and sounding stones are in unison.
They sing the Ya and the Nan,
Dancing to their flutes without error.
Notes:
"Lutes" is an incorrect translation of se (瑟) and qin (琴), instruments that are actually zithers.
"Lutes" is an incorrect translation of se (瑟) and qin (琴), instruments that are actually zithers.
https://ctext.org/book-of-poetry/gu-zhong
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《诗经·国风·周南·关雎》
(Guan Ju)
(Guan Ju)
from the "Guo Feng" (国风, Airs of the States): "Zhou Nan" (周南, Odes of Zhou and the South) section of the Shi Jing (Zhou Dynasty, c. 8th-7th century BC)
translated by James Legge (1815-1897)
关关雎鸠,在河之洲。窈窕淑女,君子好逑。
Guan-guan go the ospreys,
On the islet in the river.
The modest, retiring, virtuous, young lady:
For our prince a good mate she.
参差荇菜,左右流之。窈窕淑女,寤寐求之。
求之不得,寤寐思服。悠哉悠哉,辗转反侧。
Here long, there short, is the duckweed,
To the left, to the right, borne about by the current.
The modest, retiring, virtuous, young lady:
Waking and sleeping, he sought her.
He sought her and found her not,
And waking and sleeping he thought about her.
Long he thought; oh! long and anxiously;
On his side, on his back, he turned, and back again.
参差荇菜,左右采之。窈窕淑女,琴瑟友之。
参差荇菜,左右芼之。窈窕淑女,钟鼓乐之。
Here long, there short, is the duckweed;
On the left, on the right, we gather it.
The modest, retiring, virtuous, young lady:
With lutes, small and large, let us give her friendly welcome.
Here long, there short, is the duckweed;
On the left, on the right, we cook and present it.
The modest, retiring, virtuous, young lady:
With bells and drums let us show our delight in her.
Notes:
"Lutes" is an incorrect translation of qin (琴) and se (瑟), instruments that are actually zithers.
"Lutes" is an incorrect translation of qin (琴) and se (瑟), instruments that are actually zithers.
* * * * * * * * *
《诗经·小雅·何人斯》
(He Ren Si)
from the "Xiao Ya" (小雅, Lesser Court Hymns) section of the Shi Jing (Classic of Poetry)
(Zhou Dynasty, c. 9th-8th century BC)
translated by James Legge (1815-1897)
彼何人斯、其心孔艰。
胡逝我梁、不入我门。
伊谁云从、维暴之云。
What man was that?
His mind is full of dangerous devices.
Why did he approach my dam,
Without entering my gate?
Of whom is he a follower?
I venture to say, - of Bao.
二人从行、谁为此祸。
胡逝我梁、不入唁我。
始者不如今、云不我可。
Those two follow each other in their goings; -
Which of them wrought me this calamity?
Why came he to my dam,
Without entering to condole with me?
Our former relations were different from the present,
When he will have nothing to do with me.
彼何人斯、胡逝我陈。
我闻其声、不见其身。
不愧于人、不畏于天。
What man was it?
Why came he to the path inside my gate?
I heard his voice,
But did not see his person.
He is not ashamed before men;
He does not stand in awe of Heaven.
彼何人斯、其为飘风。
胡不自北、胡不自南。
胡逝我梁、祇搅我心。
He Ren Si:
What man was it?
He is like a violent wind.
Why came he not from the north?
Or why not from the south?
Why did he approach my dam,
Doing nothing but perturb my mind?
尔之安行、亦不遑舍。
尔之亟行、遑脂尔车。
壹者之来、云何其盱。
You go along slowly,
And yet you have not leisure to stop!
You go along rapidly,
And yet you have leisure to grease your wheels!
If you would come to me but once! -
Why am I kept in a state of expectation?
尔还而入、我心易也。
还而不入、否难知也。
壹者之来、俾我祇也。
If on your return you entered my house,
My heart would be relieved.
When on your return you do not enter it,
It is hard to understand your denial.
If you would come to me but once,
It would set me at rest.
伯氏吹埙、仲氏吹篪。
及尔如贯、谅不我知。
出此三物、以诅尔斯。
The elder of us blew the porcelain whistle,
And the younger blew the bamboo flute;
I was as if strung on the same string with you.
If indeed you do not understand me,
Here are the three creatures [for sacrifice],
And I will take an oath to you.
为鬼为蜮、则不可得。
有靦面目、视人罔极。
作此好歌、以极反侧。
If you were an imp or a water-bow,
You could not be got at.
But when one with face and eyes stands opposite to another,
The man can be seen through and through.
I have made this good song,
To probe to the utmost your veerings and turnings.
More information:
* * * * * * * * *
《诗经·国风·王风·君子阳阳》
(Junzi Yangyang)
from the "Guo Feng" (国风, Airs of the States): "Wang Feng" (王风, Airs of Wang) section of the Shi Jing (Classic of Poetry) (Zhou Dynasty, c. 8th-7th century BC)
translated by James Legge (1815-1897)
君子阳阳、左执簧、右招我由房。
其乐只且。
My husband looks full of satisfaction.
In his left hand he holds his reed-organ,
And with his right he calls me to the room.
Oh the joy!
君子陶陶、左执翿、右招我由敖。
其乐只且。
My husband looks delighted.
In his left hand he holds his screen of feathers,
And with his right he calls me to the stage.
Oh the joy!
More information:
* * * * * * * * *
《诗经·小雅·鹿鸣》
(Lu Ming)
from the "Xiao Ya" (小雅, Lesser Court Hymns) section of the Shi Jing (Classic of Poetry)
(Zhou Dynasty, c. 9th-8th century BC)
The deer one to another bleat;
In the fields, wormwood they eat.
我有嘉宾,鼓瑟吹笙。
I have fine guests today;
Se and sheng for them are played.
吹笙鼓簧,承筐是将。
Sheng and [mouth harp] reed vibrate;
While I put gifts into the crate.
人之好我,示我周行。
They are indeed good friends,
Showing me ideal means and ends.
呦呦鹿鸣,食野之蒿。
The deer one to another bleat;
In the fields, mugwort they eat.
我有嘉宾,德音孔昭。
I have fine guests today;
Good virtues they display.
视民不恌,君子是则是效。
They teach folks not to steal,
The junzi [man of virtue] is their ideal.
我有旨酒,嘉宾式燕以敖。
I have both good food and wine;
Merrily, merrily my guests dine.
呦呦鹿鸣,食野之芩。
The deer one to another bleat;
In the fields, scullcaps they eat.
我有嘉宾,鼓瑟鼓琴。
I have fine guests today;
Se and qin for them are played.
鼓瑟鼓琴,和乐且湛。
Se and qin for them are played;
We are so happy and so gay.
我有旨酒,以燕乐嘉宾之心。
I have good food and wine.
Merrily, merrily my guests dine.
https://ctext.org/book-of-poetry/lu-ming
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《诗经·商颂·那》
(Na)
from the "Shang Song" (商颂, Eulogies of Shang) section of the Shi Jing (Classic of Poetry)
猗与那与,置我鼗鼓。
有瞽有瞽,在周之庭。
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《诗经·商颂·那》
(Na)
from the "Shang Song" (商颂, Eulogies of Shang) section of the Shi Jing (Classic of Poetry)
(Zhou Dynasty, c. 7th century BC)
translated by James Legge (1815-1897)
猗与那与,置我鼗鼓。
How admirable! how complete!
Here are set our hand-drums and drums.
奏鼓简简,衎我烈祖。
The drums resound harmonious and loud,
To delight our meritorious ancestor.
汤孙奏假,绥我思成。
The descendant of Tang invites him with this music,
That he may soothe us with the realization of our thoughts.
鼗鼓渊渊,嘒嘒管声。
Deep is the sound of the hand-drums and drums;
Shrilly sound the flutes;
既和且平,依我磬声。
All harmonious and blending together,
According to the notes of the sonorous gem.
于赫汤孙,穆穆厥声。
Oh! majestic is the descendant of Tang;
Very admirable is his music.
庸鼓有斁,万舞有奕。
The large bells and drums fill the ear;
The various dances are grandly performed.
我有嘉客,亦不夷怿。
We have admirable visitors,
Who are pleased and delighted.
自古在昔,先民有作。
From of old, before our time,
The former men set us the example; -
温恭朝夕,执事有恪。
How to be mild and humble from morning to night,
And to be reverent in discharging the service.
顾予烝尝,汤孙之将。
May he regard our sacrifices in summer and autumn,
[Thus] offered by the descendant of Tang!
https://ctext.org/book-of-poetry/sacrificial-odes-of-shang
More information:
https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%95%86%E9%A2%82%C2%B7%E9%82%A3
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More information:
https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%95%86%E9%A2%82%C2%B7%E9%82%A3
* * * * * * * * *
《诗经·国风·郑风·女曰鸡鸣》
(Nü Yue Ji Ming)
from the "Guo Feng" (国风, Airs of the States): "Zheng Feng" (郑风, Airs of Zheng) section of the Shi Jing (Classic of Poetry) (Zhou Dynasty, c. 8th-7th century BC)
translated by James Legge (1815-1897)
女曰鸡鸣,士曰昧旦。子兴视夜,明星有烂。将翱将翔,弋凫与雁。
Says the wife, 'It is cock-crow;'
Says the husband, 'It is grey dawn.'
'Rise, Sir, and look at the night,—'
If the morning star be not shining.
Bestir yourself, and move about,
To shoot the wild ducks and geese.
弋言加之,与子宜之。宜言饮酒,与子偕老。琴瑟在御,莫不静好。
'When your arrows and line have found them,
I will dress them fitly for you.
When they are dressed, we will drink [together over them],
And I will hope to grow old with you.
Will emit its quiet pleasant tones.
知子之来之,杂佩以赠之。知子之顺之,杂佩以问之。知子之好之,杂佩以报之。
'When I know those whose acquaintance you wish,
I will give them of the ornaments of my girdle.
When I know those with whom you are cordial,
I will send to them of the ornaments of my girdle.
When I know those whom you love,
I will repay their friendship from the ornaments of my girdle.'
More information:
https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E9%83%91%E9%A3%8E%C2%B7%E5%A5%B3%E6%9B%B0%E9%B8%A1%E9%B8%A3/4866126
https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E9%83%91%E9%A3%8E%C2%B7%E5%A5%B3%E6%9B%B0%E9%B8%A1%E9%B8%A3/4866126
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《诗经·小雅·巧言》
(Qiao Yan)
(Qiao Yan)
from the "Xiao Ya" (小雅, Lesser Court Hymns) section of the Shi Jing (Classic of Poetry) (Zhou Dynasty, c. 9th-8th century BC)
translated by James Legge (1815-1897)
悠悠昊天、曰父母且。
无罪无辜、乱如此怃。
昊天已威、予慎无罪。
昊天泰怃、予慎无辜。
O vast and distant Heaven,
Who art called our parent,
That without crime or offence,
I should suffer from disorders thus great!
The terrors of great Heaven are excessive,
But indeed I have committed no crime.
[The terrors of] great Heaven are very excessive,
But indeed I have committed no offence.
乱之初生、僭始既涵。
乱之又生、君子信谗。
君子如怒、乱庶遄沮。
君子如祉、乱庶遄已。
Disorder then comes to the birth,
When the first untruth is received.
Its further increase,
Is from our sovereign's believing the slanderers.
If he were to be angry [with them],
The disorder would probably quickly be abated;
If he were to show his joy [in the good],
The disorder would probably quickly cease.
君子屡盟、乱是用长。
君子信盗、乱是用暴。
盗言孔甘、乱是用餤。
匪其止共、维王之邛。
Our sovereign makes frequent covenants,
And the disorders are thereby increased.
He believes the scoundrels,
And the disorders thereby grow into oppression.
Their words are very sweet,
And the disorders thereby advance.
They do not discharge their duties,
But only create distress to the king.
奕奕寝庙、君子作之。
秩秩大猷、圣人莫之。
他人有心、予忖度之。
跃跃毚兔、遇犬获之。
Very grand is the ancestral temple; -
A true sovereign made it.
Wisely arranged are the great plans; -
Sages determined them.
What other men have in their minds,
I can measure by reflection.
Swiftly runs the crafty hare,
But it is caught by the hound.
荏染柔木、君子树之。
往来行言、心焉数之。
蛇蛇硕言、出自口矣。
巧言如簧、颜之厚矣。
Trees of soft wood, easily wrought,
Are planted by wise men.
The words of way-farers that come and go,
Can be discriminated by the mind.
Their easy and grand words,
[Only] issue from their mouths.
Their artful words, like organ-tongues,
Show how unblushing are their faces.
彼何人斯、居河之麋。
无拳无勇、职为乱阶。
既微且尰、尔勇伊何。
为犹将多、尔居徒几何。
Who are they?
They [are like men who] dwell on the banks of the river;
And they have neither strenghth nor courage,
While yet they rear the steps of disorder!
With legs ulcerated and swollen,
What courage can you have?
You form plans great and many,
But your followers about you are few.
More information:
* * * * * * * * *
《诗经·周颂·臣工之什·有瞽》
(You Gu)
from the "Zhou Song" (周颂, Eulogies of Zhou) section of the Shi Jing (Classic of Poetry)
《诗经·周颂·臣工之什·有瞽》
(You Gu)
from the "Zhou Song" (周颂, Eulogies of Zhou) section of the Shi Jing (Classic of Poetry)
(Zhou Dynasty, c. 11th-10th century BC)
translated by James Legge (1815-1897)
有瞽有瞽,在周之庭。
There are the blind musicians; there are the blind musicians;
In the court of [the temple of] Zhou.
设业设虡,崇牙树羽。
There are [the music frames] with their face-boards and posts,
The high toothed-edge [of the former], and the feathers stuck [in the latter];
应田县鼓,鼗磬柷圉。
With the drums, large and small, suspended from them;
And the hand-drums and sounding-stones, the instrument to give the signal for commencing, and the stopper.
既备乃奏,箫管备举。
These being all complete, the music is struck up.
The pan-pipe and the double-flute begin at the same time.
喤喤厥声,肃雍和鸣,先祖是听。
Harmoniously blend their sounds;
In solemn unison they give forth their notes.
Our ancestors will give ear;
我客戾止,永观厥成。
Our visitors will be there; -
Long to witness the complete performance.
https://ctext.org/book-of-poetry/you-gu
More information:
https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E6%9C%89%E7%9E%BD
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《诗经·周颂·执竞》
(Zhi Jing)
执竞武王,无竞维烈。
More information:
https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E6%9C%89%E7%9E%BD
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《诗经·周颂·执竞》
(Zhi Jing)
from the "Zhou Song" (周颂, Eulogies of Zhou) section of the Shi Jing (Classic of Poetry)
(Zhou Dynasty, c. 11th-10th century BC)
translated by James Legge (1815-1897)
执竞武王,无竞维烈。
The arm of king Wu was full of strength;
Irresistable was his ardour.
不显成康,上帝是皇。
Greatly illustrious were Cheng and Kang,
Kinged by God.
自彼成康,奄有四方,斤斤其明。
When we consider how Cheng and Kang,
Grandly held all within the four quarters [of the kingdom],
How penetrating was their intelligence!
钟鼓喤喤,磬筦将将,降福穰穰。降福简简,威仪反反。
The bells and drums sound in harmony;
The sounding stones and flutes blend their notes;
Abundant blessing is sent down.
Blessing is sent down in large measure;
Careful and exact is all our deportment;
既醉既饱,福禄来反。
We have drunk, and we have eaten, to the full;
Our happiness and dignity will be prolonged.
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