Chun Qiu Gu Liang Chuan (春秋穀梁傳)

雖無事，必舉正月，謹始也。公何以不言即位？成公志也。焉成之？言君之不取為公也。君之不取為公，何也？將以讓桓也。讓桓正乎？曰：不正。《春秋》成人之美，不成人之惡。隱不正而成之，何也？將以惡桓也。其惡桓，何也？隱將讓而桓弒之，則桓惡矣；桓弒而隱讓，則隱善矣。善則其不正焉，何也？《春秋》貴義而不貴惠，信道而不信邪。孝子揚父之美，不揚父之惡。先君之慾與桓，非正也，邪也；雖然，既勝其邪心以與隱矣。己探先君之邪志，而遂以與桓，則是成父之惡也。兄弟，天倫也。為子受之父，為諸侯受之君。己廢天倫，而忘君父，以行小惠，曰小道也。若隱者，可謂輕千乘之國。蹈道，則未也。

(This passage explains the Annals entry “First year, spring, the king’s first month.”) Even though nothing is recorded for this year, “first month” must still be written, because a beginning is treated with solemnity. Why is Yin’s “accession” not recorded? To fulfill Yin’s intention. What does it mean to fulfill his intention? It shows that Yin himself did not intend to be the ruler. He was unwilling to take the ruler’s seat; why? He intended to yield it to Huan. Was yielding to Huan in accord with the proper way? The answer: it was not. The Annals fulfills others’ good deeds and does not fulfill others’ bad deeds. Yin’s yielding was not in accord with the proper way, yet the Annals fulfills it; why? In order to use it to show Huan’s evil. Why does this show Huan’s evil? Yin intended to yield, but Huan killed him, so Huan is evil; Huan committed regicide though Yin intended to yield, so Yin appears good. Since he appears good, why is it said that he was not in accord with the proper way? Because the Annals values righteousness and not private kindness; it trusts the proper way and does not trust crooked paths. A filial son spreads his father’s virtues and does not spread his father’s faults. The former ruler’s wish to give the ruler’s seat to Huan was itself not in accord with the proper way and was a crooked thought; even so, the former ruler later overcame that crooked thought and gave the seat to Yin. Yin, however, speculated about the former ruler’s earlier crooked thought and in the end meant to hand the seat to Huan, and this fulfills his father’s fault. The order among brothers is a constant relation fixed by Heaven. A son receives it from his father, and a feudal lord receives it from the Son of Heaven. Yin abandoned the heavenly relation and set aside the command of his ruler and father to do this small kindness, which can only be called a petty way. Someone like Yin may be said to have made light of a state of a thousand chariots; as for treading the proper path, that cannot yet be spoken of.

及者何？內為志焉爾。儀，字也。父，猶傅也，男子之美稱也。其不言邾子，何也？邾之上古微，未爵命於周也。不日，其盟渝也。眛，地名也。

(This passage explains the Annals entry “Third month, the duke and Yi Fu of Zhu made a covenant at Mei.”) What does “ji” (and) mean? It shows that this affair was one Lu itself took the initiative to do. “Yi” was his courtesy name. “Fu” is the same as “fu,” a term of honor for a man. Why is he not called “Viscount of Zhu”? Because in remote antiquity Zhu was a lowly state and had not yet received a rank from the Zhou Son of Heaven. The day is not recorded because this covenant was later broken. Mei is a place name.

克者何？能也。何能也？能殺也。何以不言殺？見段之有徒眾也。段，鄭伯弟也。何以知其為弟也？殺世子母弟目君，以其目君，知其為弟也。段，弟也，而弗謂弟；公子也，而弗謂公子

(This passage explains the Annals entry “Summer, fifth month, the Earl of Zheng overcame Duan at Yan.”) What does “ke” (overcame) mean? It means “was able.” Able to do what? Able to kill him. Why is it not written plainly as “killed”? To show that Duan had a group of partisans and killing him was not easy. Duan was the younger brother of the Earl of Zheng. How does one know he was a younger brother? Whenever a crown prince or a younger brother by the same mother is killed, the text names the ruler’s status when recording it; here the status of “Earl of Zheng” is named, so one knows Duan was his younger brother. Though Duan was obviously a younger brother, the text does not call him “brother”; though obviously a duke’s son, the text does not call him “duke’s son”—

貶之也。段失子弟之道矣，賤段而甚鄭伯也。何甚乎鄭伯？甚鄭伯之處心積慮，成於殺也。於鄢，遠也，猶曰取之其母之懷中而殺之云爾，甚之也。然則為鄭伯者宜奈何？緩追逸賊，親親之道也。

—this is to demean him. Duan had already lost the duty of a son and a younger brother, so the text looks down on Duan, and blames the Earl of Zheng even more. Why does it blame the Earl of Zheng more? Because the Earl of Zheng nursed his plan for a long time, waiting until he could kill his younger brother. Writing “at Yan” means that he chased him to a distant place, which is as if he had snatched his brother from his mother’s arms to kill him, and this states the matter more heavily. Then what should the Earl of Zheng have done to be right? When pursuing, slow down and let the fugitive escape; that would be the principle of loving one’s kin.

秋，七月，天王使宰咺來歸惠公、仲子之賵。

In autumn, the seventh month, the Son of Heaven sent Zai Xuan to present carriages and horses for the funerals of Duke Hui and Zhongzi.

母以子氏，仲子者何？惠公之母、孝公之妾也。禮，賵人之母則可，賵人之妾則不可。君子以其可辭受之，其志，不及事也。賵者，何也？乘馬曰賵，衣衾曰襚，貝玉曰含，錢財曰賻。

A mother is called by the clan title of her son. Who was Zhongzi? She was the mother of Duke Hui and a concubine of Duke Xiao. According to ritual, sending carriages and horses to assist another’s mother’s funeral is permissible, but sending carriages and horses to assist the funeral of another’s concubine is not. The superior person takes the side of it that can be justified, and accepted the goods. The text records this entry because the goods arrived after the funeral was already over. What is “feng”? Giving carriages and horses is called feng, giving clothing and bedding is called sui, giving pearls and jade is called han, and giving money and goods is called fu.

及者何？內卑者也。宋人，外卑者也。卑者之盟不日。宿，邑名也。

(This passage explains the Annals entry “Ninth month, made a covenant with the men of Song at Su.”) Whom does “ji” refer to? A person of low standing on the Lu side. “The men of Song” are the persons of low standing on the Song side. When persons of low standing make a covenant, the text does not record the day. Su is a place name.

來者，來朝也，其弗謂朝，何也？寰內諸侯，非有天子之命，不得出會諸侯，不正其外交，故弗與朝也。聘弓鍭矢，不出竟埸。束脩之肉，不行竟中。有至尊者，不貳之也。

(This passage explains the Annals entry “Winter, twelfth month, Earl Ji came.”) “Came” means he came to pay court. Why is it not simply said “court”? Because a feudal lord within the royal domain, without the Son of Heaven’s command, may not leave the borders to meet feudal lords outside; the text does not recognize this private diplomacy of his, and so does not grant him the term “court.” The bows and arrows used as ceremonial gifts for diplomatic visits may not be sent out of the borders; even a thin gift like a bundle of dried meat may not be exchanged privately within the domain. With the supreme Son of Heaven above, ministers below should not have a divided heart.

會者，外為主焉爾。知者慮，義者行，仁者守。有此三者，然後可以出會。會戎，危公也。

(This passage explains the Annals entry “Second year, spring, the duke met the Rong at Qian.”) Using the word “hui” (meet) shows that this meeting was initiated by the other side. The wise can plan, the righteous can carry out, and the benevolent can hold fast. When all three are present, only then can one leave the borders to meet others. When Duke Yin went to meet the Rong, the text is written this way out of concern for him.

入者，內弗受也。極，國也。茍焉以入人為志者，人亦入之矣。不稱氏者，滅同姓，貶也。

(This passage explains the Annals entry “Wu Hai led troops into Ji.”) Using the word “ru” (enter) shows that the other side did not accept him. Ji was a state. If a person is wholly bent on invading others’ territory, others will also invade his territory. The text does not write Wu Hai’s clan name because the state he destroyed was one of the same surname, so he is demeaned.

逆女，親者也。使大夫，非正也。以國氏者，為其來交接於我，故君子進之也。

(This passage explains the Annals entry “Ninth month, Lie Xu of Ji came to meet the bride.”) To welcome a new bride, the bridegroom himself should go. To send a grandee is not in accord with the proper way. The text puts the state’s name before his name and calls him “Lie Xu of Ji,” because he came to deal with our state of Lu, and so the superior person raises him by one rank.

禮：婦人謂嫁曰歸，反曰來歸。從人者也。婦人在家，制於父；既嫁，制於夫；夫死，從長子。婦人不專行，必有從也。「伯姬歸於紀」，此其如專行之辭，何也？曰：非專行也。吾伯姬歸於紀，故志之也。其不言使，何也？逆之道微，無足道焉爾。

According to ritual, a woman’s marrying out is called “gui,” and her being sent back to her natal family is called “lai gui,” because she follows others. An unmarried woman obeys her father, after marriage obeys her husband, and when her husband dies follows her eldest son. A woman does not decide for herself; she always has someone to follow. The text writes “Bo Ji married into Ji,” which sounds as if she herself decided; why? The answer: it was not she who decided. It is because Bo Ji of our state of Lu married into the state of Ji that this entry is recorded. Why is it not written that Ji sent someone to meet her? Because the rank of this welcoming was too low to be worth mentioning.

或曰紀子伯，莒子而與之盟，或曰年同爵同，故紀子以伯先也。

(This passage explains the Annals entry “Zi Bo of Ji and the Viscount of Ju made a covenant at Mi.”) One explanation is: the Viscount of Ji had become chief of the feudal lords, and so the Viscount of Ju made a covenant with him; another explanation is: the two were of the same age and the same rank, and so the Viscount of Ji, by the status of “bo” (elder), was placed first.

夫人薨，不地。夫人者，隱之妻也。卒而不書葬，夫人之義，從君者也。

(This passage explains the Annals entry “Twelfth month, yimao day, the Lady Zishi died.”) When the lady died, the text does not record the place. This lady was Duke Yin’s wife. Her death is recorded but not her burial, because a lady’s status follows the ruler’s (Duke Yin himself never became a formal ruler, so she never became a formal lady).

言日不言朔。食，晦日也。其「日有食之」，何也？吐者外壤，食者內壤；闕然不見其壤，「有食之」者也。「有」，內辭也，或外辭也。「有食之」者，內於日也。其不言食之者，何也？知其不可知，知也。

(This passage explains the Annals entry “Third year, spring, second month of the king, jisi day, there was an eclipse of the sun.”) The text records the day but not “shuo” (the new moon). This eclipse occurred on the last day of the month. Why is it written “the sun was eaten”? An analogy: what is spat out has its crumbs fall outside; what is eaten has its crumbs stay inside. A piece is missing from the sun’s face, but one cannot see where the missing part fell, so it is said “something ate it.” The word “you” (there was) is sometimes said from the inside and sometimes from the outside. Saying “there was something eating it” is said from within the sun’s face. Why is it not stated what thing ate it? To know that this matter cannot be known is itself a kind of wisdom.

高曰崩，厚曰崩，尊曰崩。天子之崩，以尊也。其崩之，何也？以其在民上，故崩之。其不名，何也？大上，故不名也。

(This passage explains the Annals entry “Third month, gengxu day, the Heavenly King died.”) When something high collapses it is called “beng,” when something thick falls down it is called “beng,” and the death of a noble person is also called “beng.” For the Son of Heaven’s death, “beng” is used, taking the sense of nobility. Why is the word “beng” used? Because he dwells high above the myriad people, so the collapse of a mountain is used to speak of him. Why is his name not written? Because he is utterly honored and great, so honored and great that he need not be named.

尹氏者，何也？天子之大夫也。外大夫不卒，此何以卒之也？於天子之崩為魯主，故隱而卒之。

(This passage explains the Annals entry “Summer, fourth month, xinmao day, Yin Shi died.”) Who was Yin Shi? He was a grandee of the Zhou Son of Heaven. When a grandee of a foreign state dies, the Annals ordinarily does not record it. Why is his death recorded here? Because when the Son of Heaven died, it was he who presided over the condolence affairs on behalf of Lu, and Lu grieved for him, so his death is recorded.

武氏子者，何也？天子之大夫也。天子之大夫，其稱武氏子，何也？未畢喪，孤未爵；未爵使之，非正也。其不言使，何也？無君也。歸死者曰賵，歸生者曰賻。曰歸之者，正也；求之者，非正也。周雖不求，魯不可以不歸；魯雖不歸，周不可以求之。求之為言，得不得，未可知之辭也。交譏之。

(This passage explains the Annals entry “Autumn, the son of the Wu clan came to ask for funeral gifts.”) Who was the son of the Wu clan? He was a grandee of the Zhou Son of Heaven. Since he was the Son of Heaven’s grandee, why is he called only “son of the Wu clan”? Because the mourning period for the former king was not over, the successor king was still in mourning and had not yet had time to confer rank on his subordinates; to send him on a mission without conferring rank is not in accord with the proper way. Why is it not written “the Heavenly King sent”? Because during mourning there was not yet a formal ruler. What is sent to the dead is called “feng,” and what is sent to the living is called “fu.” For others to send it of their own accord is in accord with the proper way, and to come and ask for it is not. Even if the Zhou house had not come to ask, Lu should not have failed to send; and even if Lu had not sent, the Zhou house should not have come to ask. The word “ask” itself carries the sense that whether the request will be granted is uncertain. The text criticizes both sides together.

冬，十有二月，齊侯、鄭伯盟於石門。癸未，葬宋繆公。

In winter, the twelfth month, the Marquis of Qi and the Earl of Zheng made a covenant at Shimen. On the guiwei day, Duke Miao of Song was buried.

四年春，王二月，莒人伐杞，取牟婁。傳曰：言伐言取，所惡也。諸侯相伐、取地於是始。故謹而志之也。

In the fourth year, spring, the second month of the Zhou calendar, the men of Ju attacked Qi and seized Mulou. The commentary says: writing both “attack” and “seize” expresses loathing. Feudal lords attacking one another and seizing land begins with this one affair. So the text records it solemnly.

戊申，衛祝籲弒其君完。大夫弒其君，以國氏者，嫌也。弒而代之也。

On the wushen day, Zhu Xu of Wei killed his ruler Wan. A grandee killed his own ruler, yet the text puts the state name “Wei” before his name, because there is a suspicion that has to be pointed out here: after killing the ruler he took his place himself.

夏，公及宋公遇於清。及者，內為志焉爾。遇者，志相得也。

In summer, Duke Yin and the Duke of Song met at Qing. The word “ji” shows that Lu took the initiative. The word “yu” (meet) shows that the intentions of both sides agreed.

秋，翬帥師會宋公、陳侯、蔡人、衛人伐鄭。翬者，何也？公子翬也。其不稱公子，何也？貶之也。何為貶之也？與於弒公，故貶也。

In autumn, Hui led an army to join the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the men of Cai, and the men of Wei in attacking Zheng. Who was Hui? He was Prince Hui. Why is he not called “prince”? To demean him. Why demean him? Because he took part in the killing of Duke Yin, and so he is demeaned.

九月，衛人殺祝籲於濮。稱人以殺，殺有罪也。祝籲之挈，失嫌也。其月，謹之也。於濮者，譏失賊也。

In the ninth month, the men of Wei killed Zhu Xu at Pu. Writing “the men of such-and-such state killed” indicates that the one killed was a guilty person. Here “Zhu Xu” is singled out and called by his bare name because the suspicion of usurpation no longer needs to be pointed out. The month is recorded to show solemnity. Naming the place Pu criticizes Wei for letting this rebel run outside before he was caught.

冬，十有二月，衛人立晉。衛人者，眾辭也。立者不宜立也。晉之名惡也，其稱人以立之，何也？得眾也，得眾則是賢也。賢則其曰不宜立，何也？《春秋》之義：諸侯與正而不與賢也。

In winter, the twelfth month, the men of Wei installed Prince Jin as ruler. “The men of Wei” is a way of speaking that indicates the multitude. The word “install” indicates that this person should not have been installed. The bare name “Jin” indicates disapproval. If so, why is it also said that the multitude installed him? Because he had the multitude’s support; having the multitude’s support shows he was worthy. Since he was worthy, why is it said that he should not have been installed? Because the Annals’ rule of interpretation is that a feudal lord’s succession recognizes only rightful status and not worthiness.

五年春，公觀魚於棠。傳曰：常事曰事，非常曰觀。禮：尊不親小事，卑不屍大功。魚，卑者之事也，公觀之，非正也。

In the fifth year, spring, Duke Yin went to Tang to watch fishing. The commentary says: routine matters are written as “affair,” and matters out of the ordinary are written as “watch.” According to ritual, the honored do not personally handle small matters, and the lowly do not take on great deeds. Fishing is what the lowly do, and for Duke Yin to go personally to watch it was not in accord with the proper way.

秋，衛師入郕。入者，內弗受也。郕，國也。將卑師眾曰師。

In autumn, the army of Wei entered Cheng. The word “enter” shows that the other side did not accept them. Cheng was a state. When the commander leading troops is of low rank but has many men, it is called “shi” (army).

九月，考仲子之宮。考者，何也？考者，成之也，成之為夫人也。禮：庶子為君。為其母築宮，使公子主其祭也。於子祭，於孫止。仲子者，惠公之母，隱孫而修之，非隱也。

In the ninth month, the temple of Zhongzi was completed. What does “kao” mean? “Kao” means completion, here making Zhongzi’s status that of a lady. According to ritual: when a son of a concubine becomes ruler, he may set up a separate temple for his own mother, and have a duke’s son preside over the sacrifice, which goes on until the generation of the son and stops at the generation of the grandson. Zhongzi was the mother of Duke Hui, and Duke Yin was already of the grandson generation, yet he built a temple for her, which was not what Duke Yin should have done.

初獻六羽。初，始也。穀梁子曰：「舞《夏》，天子八佾，諸公六佾，諸侯四佾。初獻六羽，始僭樂矣。」屍子曰：「舞《夏》，自天子至諸侯，皆用八佾。初獻六羽，始厲樂矣。」

For the first time the six-row feather dance was used. “Chu” means beginning. Guliangzi said: “In the dance of the Xia music, the Son of Heaven uses eight rows, a duke uses six rows, and feudal lords use four rows. Lu using six rows of feathers for the first time was the beginning of overstepping the music regulations.” Shizi said: “In the dance of the Xia music, from the Son of Heaven to the feudal lords all use eight rows. Lu using six rows of feathers for the first time was the beginning of reducing the music regulations.”

冬，十有二月辛巳，公子彄卒。隱不爵命大夫，其曰公子彄，何也？先君之大夫也。

In winter, the twelfth month, xinsi day, Prince Hui died. Duke Yin did not confer rank on grandees, yet here he is called “Prince Hui”; why? Because he was a grandee who had already received his appointment while the former ruler was alive.

宋人伐鄭，圍長葛。伐國不言圍邑，此其言圍，何也？久之也。伐不逾時，戰不逐奔，誅不填服。苞人民、毆牛馬，曰侵；斬樹木、壞宮室，曰伐。

The men of Song attacked Zheng and besieged Changge. When attacking a state, the text does not ordinarily write that its walled towns were besieged; here “besieged” is written; why? To show that the siege lasted too long. According to the rules, an army does not take the field beyond one season, does not pursue fleeing troops in battle, and does not extend punitive attack to those who have already submitted. To seize the people and drive off oxen and horses is called “qin” (invade); to cut down trees and destroy houses is called “fa” (strike).

六年春，鄭人來輸平。輸者，墮也。平之為言，以道成也。來輸平者，不果成也。

In the sixth year, spring, the men of Zheng came to break the old agreement. “Shu” means to destroy. The word “ping” (peace) means both sides make peace according to the proper way. To say “came to break the peace” means that this peace was in the end not made.

冬，宋人取長葛。外取邑不志，此其志，何也？久之也。

In winter, the men of Song seized Changge. When foreign states seize one another’s towns, the Annals ordinarily does not record it; here it records it; why? Because the siege lasted too long.

七年春，王三月，叔姬歸於紀。其不言逆，何也？逆之道微，無足道焉爾。

In the seventh year, spring, third month of the Zhou calendar, Shu Ji married into Ji. Why is it not written that Ji came to meet her? Because the rank of this welcoming was too low to be worth mentioning.

夏，城中丘。城，為保民為之也。民眾城小，則益城。益城無極。凡城之志，皆譏也。

In summer, a city wall was built at Zhongqiu. City walls are built to protect the people. If the people are many and the city is too small, it should be enlarged; but enlargement has no limit. Whenever the Annals records the building of a city wall, it is a criticism.

齊侯使其弟年來聘。諸侯之尊，弟兄不得以屬通。其弟雲者，以其來接於我，舉其貴者也。

The Marquis of Qi sent his younger brother Nian to Lu on a diplomatic visit. Feudal lords are of honored rank, and among brothers one cannot address by kinship terms. Here “his younger brother” is written because he came to deal with our state of Lu, and so the most honored of his statuses is cited.

冬，天王使凡伯來聘，戎伐凡伯於楚丘以歸。凡伯者，何也？天子之大夫也。國而曰伐，此一人而曰伐，何也？大天子之命也。戎者，衛也；戎衛者，為其伐天子之使，貶而戎之也。楚丘，衛之邑也。以歸，猶愈乎執也。

In winter, the Son of Heaven sent Fan Bo to Lu on a diplomatic visit, and the Rong attacked Fan Bo at Chuqiu and took him back as captive. Who was Fan Bo? He was a grandee of the Son of Heaven. The word “fa” (strike) is ordinarily used for a state, and here it is also used for a person; why? To magnify the Son of Heaven’s mission. The “Rong” spoken of here is in fact Wei; calling Wei “Rong” is because it attacked the Son of Heaven’s envoy, and so it is demeaned and treated as a barbarian. Chuqiu was a walled town of Wei. Writing “took back” is slightly better than writing “seized.”

八年春，宋公、衛侯遇於垂。不期而會曰遇。遇者，志相得也。

In the eighth year, spring, the Duke of Song and the Marquis of Wei met at Chui. Meeting without a prior appointment is called “yu” (meet). The word “yu” shows that the intentions of both sides agreed.

三月，鄭伯使宛來歸邴。名宛，所以貶鄭伯，惡與地也。

In the third month, the Earl of Zheng sent Wan to return Bing. Calling Wan by his bare name is used to demean the Earl of Zheng, and shows loathing at his privately giving land away.

庚寅，我入邴。入者，內弗受也。日入，惡入者也。邴者，鄭伯所受命於天子，而祭泰山之邑也。

On the gengyin day, our state of Lu entered Bing. The word “enter” shows that the other side did not accept it. The day is recorded because of loathing for the one who entered. Bing was originally a walled town that the Earl of Zheng had received from the Son of Heaven to supply the expenses for sacrifices at Mount Tai.

夏，六月己亥，蔡侯考父卒。諸侯日卒，正也。

In summer, sixth month, jihai day, Kao Fu, Marquis of Cai, died. When a feudal lord dies, recording the day is in accord with the norm.

辛亥，宿男卒。宿，微國也。未能同盟，故男卒也。

On the xinhai day, the Baron of Su died. Su was a small state. It had never been in a covenant with anyone, so his death is recorded only by the rank of “baron.”

秋，七月庚午，宋公、齊侯、衛侯盟於瓦屋。外盟不日，此其日，何也？諸侯之參盟於是始，故謹而日之也。誥誓不及五帝，盟詛不及三王，交質子不及二伯。

In autumn, seventh month, gengwu day, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Qi, and the Marquis of Wei made a covenant at Wuwu. When foreign states hold a covenant among themselves, the text does not record the day; here the day is recorded; why? A covenant among three states begins with this one, so the day is solemnly recorded. To bind people by proclamations and oaths was not done in the age of the Five Emperors; to bind people by covenant oaths and curses was not done in the age of the Three Kings; to exchange hostages was not done before the two hegemons Duke Huan of Qi and Duke Wen of Jin.

九月辛卯，公及莒人盟於包來。可言公及人，不可言公及大夫。

In the ninth month, xinmao day, Duke Yin made a covenant with the men of Ju at Baolai. The text may write “the duke and the men of such-and-such state” but cannot write “the duke and a grandee of such-and-such state”; a ruler cannot be ranked alongside a foreign grandee.

冬，十有二月，無侅卒。無侅之名，未有聞焉。或曰隱不爵大夫也，或說曰故貶之也。

In winter, the twelfth month, Wu Hai died. Why Wu Hai is written with his bare name has no firm explanation that was heard. One view is that Duke Yin did not confer rank on grandees, and another view is that it is a deliberate demeaning.

九年春，天王使南季來聘。南，氏姓也。季，字也。聘，問也。聘諸侯，非正也。

In the ninth year, spring, the Son of Heaven sent Nan Ji to Lu on a diplomatic visit. “Nan” was his clan name and “Ji” his courtesy name. “Pin” (diplomatic visit) means to inquire. For the Son of Heaven to send people to visit the feudal lords is not in accord with the proper way.

三月癸酉，大雨，震電。震，雷也。電，霆也。

On the guiyou day of the third month, there was heavy rain, and also thunder and lightning. “Zhen” means thunder, and “dian” means a thunderbolt.

庚辰，大雨雪。志疏數也。八日之間，再有大變，陰陽錯行，故謹而日之也。雨月，志正也。

On the gengchen day, there was a great snowfall. This is recorded to show the closeness or distance of two heavenly changes. Two great anomalies in succession within eight days means the movement of yin and yang was disordered, and so the day is solemnly recorded. As for rain recorded only by month, that is the ordinary way of writing it.

俠卒。俠者，所俠也。弗大夫者，隱不爵大夫也。隱之不爵大夫，何也？曰：不成為君也。

Xia died. This “Xia” is the person named Xia. He is not called a grandee because Duke Yin did not confer rank on grandees. Why did Duke Yin not confer rank on grandees? The answer: because he did not regard himself as a formal ruler.

六月壬戌，公敗宋師於菅。內不言戰，舉其大者也。

On the renxu day of the sixth month, Duke Yin defeated the army of Song at Guan. For Lu’s own battles, the text does not write “fight,” but cites the weightier side instead.

辛未取郜，辛巳取防。取邑不日，此其日，何也？不正其乘敗人而深為利，取二邑，故謹而日之也。

On the day xinwei the city of Gao was seized, and on the day xinsi the city of Fang was seized. The seizing of a city is normally not recorded by day, but here it is recorded; why? Because the text disapproves of his taking great profit by exploiting a victory over others, seizing two cities one after another, and so it records the days with emphasis.

宋人、蔡人、衛人伐載，鄭伯伐取之。不正其因人之力而易取之，故主其事也。

The men of Song, the men of Cai and the men of Wei attacked the state of Zai, and the Earl of Zheng also sent troops and took it. The text disapproves of his getting it easily by borrowing others' strength, and so it places the main blame for the matter on him.

冬，十月壬午，齊人、鄭人入郕。入者，內弗受也。日入，惡入者也。郕，國也。

In winter, in the tenth month, on the day renwu, the men of Qi and the men of Zheng entered Cheng. The use of the word "entered" shows that the other side did not accept them. The date is recorded because the text hates those who went in. Cheng was a state.

十有一年春，滕侯、薛侯來朝。天子無事，諸侯相朝，正也。考禮修德，所以尊天子也。諸侯來朝，時正也。特言，同時也。累數，皆至也。

In the eleventh year, in spring, the Marquis of Teng and the Marquis of Xue came to court in Lu. When the Son of Heaven has no campaigns to undertake, for the feudal lords to visit one another at court is in accord with the right way. They compare ritual and whet virtue against each other, which is exactly how the Son of Heaven is honored. The feudal lords' coming to court is recorded by season, which is the regular practice. Mentioning them one by one shows that they arrived at the same time; counting them in sequence shows that they had all arrived.

冬，十有一月壬辰，公薨。公薨不地，故也。隱之，不忍地也。其不言葬，何也？君弒賊不討，不書葬，以罪下也。隱十年無正，隱不自正也；元年有正，所以正隱也。

In winter, in the eleventh month, on the day renchen, Duke Yin died. When a lord dies the place should be recorded, but here it is not, because his death involved a calamity. The text pities him and cannot bear to write where he died. Why is the burial not recorded? Because the lord was murdered and the killer was not punished, so the text does not record the funeral, in order to place the blame on the ministers. Throughout his ten years in office the text does not write "first month," because Duke Yin himself never settled his own position; only in the first year was "first month" written, and that was to settle Duke Yin's position for him.

桓無王，其曰王，何也？謹始也。其曰無王，何也？桓弟弒兄、臣弒君，天子不能定，諸侯不能救，百姓不能去，以為無王之道，遂可以至焉爾。元年有王，所以治桓也。

(This passage explains the Spring and Autumn entry "first year, spring, the king's first month.") In the years of Duke Huan the text normally does not write "king," but here it does write "king"; why? To treat a beginning with solemnity. Why is it said that he had "no king"? Duke Huan, as a younger brother, killed his elder brother, and as a subject killed his ruler, and the Son of Heaven could not settle the situation, the feudal lords could not rescue him, and the common people could not remove him, and so people thought it was because there was no law of a Son of Heaven that it could come to this. Writing "king" in the first year is exactly in order to hold Duke Huan to account for his crime.

繼故不言即位，正也。繼故不言即位之為正，何也？曰：先君不以其道終，則子弟不忍即位也。繼故而言即位，則是與聞乎弒也。繼故而言即位，是為與聞乎弒，何也？曰：先君不以其道終，己正即位之道而即位，是無恩於先君也。

(This passage still explains why "accession" is not recorded.) When a former lord has died in calamity and the successor takes his place, the text does not write "acceded to the throne"; this is the regular rule. Why is it said that this is the regular rule? The answer: the former lord did not die a good death, and so his son or younger brother cannot bear to perform the rite of accession. When a former lord has died in calamity and the text nonetheless writes "acceded," it means that the new lord took part in the murder of the lord. Why does writing "acceded" amount to taking part in the murder? The answer: the former lord did not meet a good end, yet he took the seat according to the ordinary rite of succession, and this means he had no kindness or duty toward the former lord.

假不言以，言以非假也。非假而曰假，諱易地也。禮，天子在上，諸侯不得以地相與也。無田則無許可知矣。不言許，不與許也。許田者，魯朝宿之邑也。邴者，鄭伯之所受命而祭泰山之邑也。用見魯之不朝於周，而鄭之不祭泰山也。

(This passage explains the Spring and Autumn entry "the Earl of Zheng used a jade disk to borrow the fields of Xu.") If it were truly a loan, the text would not write "used"; writing "used" shows that this was not a loan. It was originally not a loan, but is written as "borrowed," which is to conceal that the two sides were exchanging land. By ritual, with the Son of Heaven above, the feudal lords may not give and receive land to one another privately. Without the fields there would also be no "Xu"; this can be known. The text does not write "Xu" because it does not approve of giving the fields of Xu away. The fields of Xu were the city where Lu lodged when it came to court the Son of Heaven. Bing was the city that the Earl of Zheng had been commissioned to use for offering sacrifice to Mount Tai. Writing it this way is to show that Lu no longer went to court the Zhou Son of Heaven, and that Zheng no longer sacrificed to Mount Tai.

無事焉，何以書？不遺時也。《春秋》編年，四時具而後為年。

(This passage explains the Spring and Autumn entry "summer, fourth month.") There is nothing at all to record for this season, so why is it written? To avoid omitting a season. The Spring and Autumn is arranged by year, and only when all four seasons are written is it a complete year.

二年春，王正月戊申，宋督弒其君與夷。桓無王，其曰王，何也？正與夷之卒也。及其大夫孔父。孔父先死，其曰及，何也？書尊及卑，《春秋》之義也。孔父之先死，何也？督欲弒君而恐不立，於是乎先殺孔父，孔父閒也。何以知其先殺孔父也？曰：子既死，父不忍稱其名；臣既死，君不忍稱其名，以是知君之累之也。孔氏父字，諡也。或曰：其不稱名，蓋為祖諱也。孔子故宋也。

In the second year, in spring, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, on the day wushen, Du of Song killed his lord Yuyi. In the years of Duke Huan the text normally does not write "king," but here it writes "king"; why? To write Yuyi's death as proper and solemn. The text then writes "and his grand master Kong Fu." Kong Fu died before the lord, so why is the word "and" used? Writing the honored one first and then using "and" to connect the lowly one is the Spring and Autumn's rule of usage. Why did Kong Fu die first? Du wanted to murder the lord but feared the matter would not be established, so he first killed Kong Fu, because Kong Fu was the one who stood in between and protected the lord. How do we know he killed Kong Fu first? The answer: when the son is already dead, the father cannot bear to call the son by name; when the minister is already dead, the lord cannot bear to call the minister by name. From this we know that the lord was implicated and killed along with him. "The Kong clan" is called "Fu"; "Fu" is his courtesy name, which is also his posthumous title. Another view: the text does not use his name in order to avoid the name of an ancestor. Confucius's ancestors were men of Song.

三月，公會齊侯、陳侯、鄭伯於稷，以成宋亂。以者，內為志焉爾。公為志乎成是亂也，此成矣，取不成事之辭而加之焉。於內之惡，而君子無遺焉爾。

In the third month, Duke Huan met with the Marquis of Qi, the Marquis of Chen and the Earl of Zheng at Ji, to bring about the disorder in Song. The use of "in order to" shows that this was something Lu itself wanted to do. Duke Huan was set on bringing about this disorder; the disorder had in fact been accomplished, yet the text attaches to him wording like "bringing the matter about," which should not be used here. As for Lu's own evil, the gentleman lets nothing of it pass.

夏，四月，取郜大鼎於宋。戊申，納於太廟。桓內弒其君，外成人之亂，受賂而退，以事其祖，非禮也。其道以周公為弗受也。郜鼎者，郜之所為也。曰宋，取之宋也，以是為討之鼎也。孔子曰：「名從主人，物從中國。」故曰郜大鼎也。

In summer, in the fourth month, the great tripod of Gao was taken from Song. On the day wushen it was installed in the Grand Temple. Duke Huan had killed his own lord at home, and abroad had brought about another's disorder, and withdrew his troops after receiving a bribe, and used it to sacrifice to his own ancestors; this is not in accord with ritual. By the right way, the Duke of Zhou would not have accepted this thing. The tripod of Gao was originally cast by the state of Gao; the text says "Song" because it was taken from Song, treating the tripod as booty taken by attack. Confucius said: "Names follow the original owner, and objects follow the usage of the Central Plain." So it is called "the great tripod of Gao."

秋，七月，紀侯來朝。朝時，此其月，何也？桓內弒其君，外成人之亂，於是為齊侯、陳侯、鄭伯討。數日以賂，己即是事而朝之。惡之，故謹而月之也。

In autumn, in the seventh month, the Marquis of Ji came to court in Lu. Coming to court is normally recorded by season, but here the month is recorded; why? Duke Huan had killed his own lord at home, and abroad had brought about another's disorder, and so the Marquis of Qi, the Marquis of Chen and the Earl of Zheng were coming to attack him. The Marquis of Ji reckoned the days and came to court, taking advantage of the bribery affair. The text hates him, and so records the month with emphasis.

公及戎盟於唐。冬，公至自唐。桓無會而其致，何也？遠之也。

Duke Huan made a covenant with the Rong at Tang. In winter, Duke Huan returned from Tang. Duke Huan had no covenant worth recording, yet here his return to the state is written; why? Because he had gone too far, and people were anxious on his behalf.

夏，齊侯、衛侯胥命於蒲。胥之為言猶相也。相命而信諭，謹言而退，以是為近古也。是必一人先，其以相言之，何也？不以齊侯命衛侯也。

In summer, the Marquis of Qi and the Marquis of Wei swore to each other at Pu. "Xu" means "mutually." When the two sides had agreed and their good faith was clear, they made their words careful and withdrew, which was seen as close to the practice of high antiquity. One of them must have spoken first, yet the text uses "mutually" to say it; why? It does not want to write it as the Marquis of Qi commanding the Marquis of Wei.

秋，七月壬辰朔，日有食之，既。言日言朔，食正朔也。既者，盡也，有繼之辭也。

In autumn, in the seventh month, on the first day renchen, there was a solar eclipse, and the face of the sun was completely invisible. Recording both the day and "the first day" shows that the eclipse took place exactly on the first day. "Complete" means exhausted, which says that after the eclipse ended there was a continuation: the sun would come out again.

公子翬如齊逆女。逆女，親者也。使大夫，非正也。

Gongzi Hui went to Qi to fetch the new bride. When fetching a new bride, the bridegroom himself should go. Sending a grand master is not in accord with the right way.

九月，齊侯送姜氏於讙。禮送女，父不下堂，母不出祭門，諸母兄弟不出闕門。父戒之曰：「謹慎從爾舅之言。」母戒之曰：「謹慎從爾姑之言。」諸母般申之曰：「謹慎從爾父母之言。」送女逾竟，非禮也。

In the ninth month, the Marquis of Qi escorted Lady Jiang to Huan. By ritual, in sending off a daughter in marriage: the father does not go down from the hall, the mother does not go out past the sacrificial gate, and the concubine mothers and brothers do not go out past the palace gate. The father warns her: "Be careful to obey your father-in-law's words." The mother warns her: "Be careful to obey your mother-in-law's words." The concubine mothers add: "Be careful to obey your parents' words." To escort the daughter right out beyond the border is not in accord with ritual.

公會齊侯於讙。無譏乎，曰：為禮也。齊侯來也，公之逆而會之可也。

Duke Huan met the Marquis of Qi at Huan. Is there nothing here to criticize? The answer: this was in order to complete the ritual. Since the Marquis of Qi had already come, it was acceptable for Duke Huan to go out to greet him and meet him.

夫人姜氏至自齊。其不言翬之以來，何也？公親受之於齊侯也。子貢曰：「冕而親迎，不已重乎？」孔子曰：「合二姓之好，以繼萬世之後，何謂已重乎！」

The wife, Lady Jiang, came from Qi to Lu. Why is it not written that Hui brought her? Because Duke Huan personally received her from the Marquis of Qi. Zigong said: "To wear the ceremonial cap and fetch the bride in person, is this not too grand?" Confucius said: "To join the good bond of two surnames in order to continue the sacrifices for ten thousand generations, how can one say it is too grand!"

四年春，正月，公狩於郎。四時之田，皆為宗廟之事也。春曰田，夏曰苗，秋曰搜，冬曰狩。四時之田用三焉，唯其所先得，一為幹豆，二為賓客，三為充君之庖。

In the fourth year, in spring, in the first month, Duke Huan went on a winter hunt at Lang. The hunts of the four seasons are all for the sake of the ancestral temple sacrifices. The spring hunt is called "tian," the summer hunt "miao," the autumn hunt "sou," and the winter hunt "shou." The catch of the four seasons' hunts is divided into three uses, arranged in the order of what is taken first: the first use is to make dried sacrificial meat, to be placed in bean vessels for offering; the second is to entertain guests; the third is to stock the ruler's kitchen.

五年春，正月甲戌、己丑，陳侯鮑卒。鮑卒何為以二日卒之？《春秋》之義：信以傳信，疑以傳疑。陳侯以甲戌之日出，己丑之日得，不知死之日，故舉二日以包也。

In the fifth year, in spring, in the first month, on the days jiaxu and jichou, Bao, Marquis of Chen, died. Why is Bao's death recorded with two days? The Spring and Autumn's rule is: what is certain is passed down as certain, and what is doubtful is passed down as doubtful. The Marquis of Chen went out on the day jiaxu and his body was found only on jichou, so it is not known on which day he actually died, and so both days are raised to include that period.

天王使任叔之子來聘。任叔之子者，錄父以使子也。故微其君臣而著其父子，不正父在子代仕之辭也。

The Son of Heaven sent the son of Ren Shu to Lu on a mission of inquiry. To call him "the son of Ren Shu" records the father's name, though the son was sent to do the business. So it writes the lord-minister relationship low and brings out the father-son relationship, which is a way of writing that disapproves of a father still living while his son takes over his office.

秋，蔡人、衛人、陳人從王伐鄭。舉從者之辭也。其舉從者之辭，何也？為天王諱伐鄭也。鄭，同姓之國也，在乎冀州，於是不服，為天子病矣。

In autumn, the men of Cai, the men of Wei and the men of Chen followed the Son of Heaven in attacking Zheng. This is wording that picks out those who followed. Why is it written this way? To conceal on the Son of Heaven's behalf that he himself went to attack Zheng. Zheng was a state of the same surname and was in the Jizhou region, and its still not submitting at this time was precisely the Son of Heaven's heart's trouble.

冬，州公如曹。外相如不書，此其書，何也？過我也。

In winter, the Duke of Zhou went to Cao. When feudal lords of other states visit one another, the text does not normally record it; here it is recorded; why? Because he passed through our Lu.

六年春，正月，寔來。寔來者，是來也。何謂是來？謂州公也。其謂之是來，何也？以其畫我，故簡言之也，諸侯不以過相朝也。

In the sixth year, in spring, in the first month, the text only writes "shi lai." "Shi lai" means "this person came." Who came? The Duke of Zhou. Why is it only said "this person came"? Because he merely passed through our Lu, so it is written briefly. A feudal lord cannot treat passing through as paying a court visit.

秋，八月壬午，大閱。大閱者何？閱兵車也。修教明諭，國道也。平而修戎事，非正也。其日以為崇武，故謹而日之，蓋以觀婦人也。

In autumn, in the eighth month, on the day renwu, the Great Review was held. What is the "Great Review"? It is the inspection of the war chariots. To cultivate instruction and make orders clear is the right way of governing a state. To drill the armaments when the world is at peace is not in accord with the right way. The date is recorded because it was regarded as exalting military force, and so the day is noted with emphasis; it is also said to have been for the women to see.

蔡人殺陳佗。陳佗者，陳君也，其曰陳佗，何也？匹夫行，故匹夫稱之也。其匹夫行奈何？陳侯喜獵，淫獵於蔡，與蔡人爭禽。蔡人不知其是陳君也而殺之。何以知其是陳君也？兩下相殺不道；其不地，於蔡也。

The men of Cai killed Chen Tuo. Chen Tuo was in fact the ruler of Chen, yet the text calls him "Chen Tuo"; why? Because he behaved like a commoner, so he is called as a commoner. How did he behave like a commoner? The Marquis of Chen liked hunting, and hunted wildly within the borders of Cai, competing with the men of Cai for game. The men of Cai did not know he was the ruler of Chen, and killed him. How do we know he was the ruler of Chen? When persons of equal rank kill each other, the text does not normally record it; the place is not recorded here because the event took place in Cai.

九月丁卯，子同生。疑故志之，時曰同乎人也。

In the ninth month, on the day dingmao, Gongzi Tong was born. Because there was doubt at the time, it was recorded; people of that time said: this child is the same as ordinary people (it seemed he was Duke Huan's son).

七年春，二月己亥，焚鹹丘。其不言邾鹹丘，何也？疾其以火攻也。

In the seventh year, in spring, in the second month, on the day jihai, Xianqiu was set on fire. Why is it not written "Xianqiu of Zhu"? Because they hated that fire was used in the attack.

夏，谷伯綏來朝。鄧侯吾離來朝。其名，何也？失國也。失國則其以朝言之，何也？嘗以諸侯與之接矣。雖失國，弗損吾異日也。

In summer, Sui, Earl of Gu, came to court, and Wuli, Marquis of Deng, came to court. Why are they called directly by their names? Because they had already lost their own states. Since they had lost their states, why is the word "court" still used? Because in the past they had been dealt with as feudal lords. Even though they have now lost their states, it does not diminish the ritual that our Lu extended to them in the past.

八年春，正月己卯，烝。烝，冬事也，春興之，志不時也。

In the eighth year, in spring, in the first month, on the day jimao, the zheng sacrifice was held. The zheng is originally a winter sacrifice, and holding it in spring is recorded to note that it was out of season.

夏，五月丁丑，烝。烝，冬事也，春、夏興之，黷祀也。志不敬也。

In summer, in the fifth month, on the day dingchou, the zheng sacrifice was held again. The zheng is originally a winter sacrifice, and to hold it in spring and again in summer in a row is to use sacrifice excessively. Recording this is to record his irreverence.

祭公來，遂逆王后於紀。其不言使焉，何也？不正。其以宗廟之大事，即謀於我，故弗與使也。遂，繼事之辭也。其曰「遂逆王后」，故略之也。或曰天子無外，王命之則成矣。

The Duke of Zhai came to Lu and thereupon went to Ji to fetch the queen. Why is it not written "the Heavenly King sent"? Because this was not in accord with the right way. He brought a great matter of the ancestral temple to our Lu to plan, and so the word "sent" is not granted him. "Sui" is wording for taking up another matter next. Writing "thereupon fetched the queen" is to write this matter briefly. Another view: the Son of Heaven has no outside, and once the Son of Heaven gives an order the matter is established.

九年春，紀季姜歸於京師。為之中者歸之也。

In the ninth year, in spring, Jijiang of Ji was married off to the capital. Lu acted as the intermediary and escorted her out.

冬，曹伯使其世子射姑來朝。朝不言使，言使非正也。使世子伉諸侯之禮而來朝，曹伯失正矣！諸侯相見曰朝，以待人父之道待人之子，以內為失正矣！內失正，曹伯失正，世子可以已矣！則是故命也。屍子曰：「夫已，多乎道。」

In winter, the Earl of Cao sent his crown prince Shegu to court in Lu. Coming to court is not normally written with "sent"; writing "sent" is not in accord with the right way. To send the crown prince to court with the ritual of an equal feudal lord, the Earl of Cao had already lost the right way! Only when feudal lords meet each other is it called "court"; to treat another's son with the ritual for another's father, our Lu had also lost the right way! Lu lost the right way, the Earl of Cao lost the right way, and the crown prince could have stopped and not come! That he came means he accepted that disorderly command from his father. Master Shi said: "One who can stop is even closer to the Way."

十年春，王正月庚申，曹伯終生卒。桓無王，其曰王，何也？正終生之卒也。

In the tenth year, in spring, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, on the day gengshen, Zhongsheng, Earl of Cao, died. In the years of Duke Huan the text normally does not write "king," but here it writes "king"; why? To write Zhongsheng's death as proper and solemn.

秋，公會衛侯於桃丘。弗遇。弗遇者，志不相得也。弗，內辭也。

In autumn, Duke Huan was to meet the Marquis of Wei at Taoqiu. They did not meet. "Did not meet" means the intentions of the two sides did not fit. "Fu" is wording said from Lu's side.

冬，十有二月丙午，齊侯、衛侯、鄭伯來戰於郎。來戰者，前定之戰也。內不言戰，言戰則敗也。不言其人，以吾敗也。不言及者，為內諱也。

In winter, in the twelfth month, on the day bingwu, the Marquis of Qi, the Marquis of Wei and the Earl of Zheng came and fought at Lang. To say "came to fight" is a battle agreed beforehand. For Lu's own battles, the text does not write "fought"; if it writes "fought," it means that Lu was defeated. The names of the other side's commanders are not written, because our Lu lost the battle. The word "and" is not used, to conceal on Lu's behalf.

十有一年春，正月，齊人、衛人、鄭人盟於惡曹。

In the eleventh year, in spring, in the first month, the men of Qi, the men of Wei and the men of Zheng made a covenant at Ecao.

九月，宋人執鄭祭仲。宋人者，宋公也，其曰人，何也？貶之也。

In the ninth month, the men of Song seized Zhai Zhong of Zheng. "The men of Song" was in fact the Duke of Song, but the text says "men"; why? To demean him.

突歸於鄭。曰突，賤之也。曰歸，易辭也。祭仲易其事，權在祭仲也。死君難，臣道也，今立惡而黜正，惡祭仲也。

Tu returned to Zheng. To call him "Tu" is to look down on him. The use of "returned" says that the affair came about easily. Zhai Zhong overturned the matter lightly, and the power was in Zhai Zhong's hands. To die for the lord's peril is a minister's duty; now he set up a wicked man and deposed the legitimate heir, and the text hates Zhai Zhong.

鄭忽出奔衛。鄭忽者，世子忽也。其名，失國也。

Hu of Zheng fled to Wei. Hu of Zheng was Crown Prince Hu. He is called directly by name because he had lost his own state.

柔會宋公、陳侯、蔡叔盟於折。柔者何？吾大夫之未命者也。

Rou made a covenant with the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen and Shu of Cai at Zhe. Who was Rou? He was a grand master of our Lu who had not yet received his rank by command.

十有二月，及鄭師伐宋；丁未，戰於宋。非與所與伐戰也。不言與鄭戰，恥不和也。於伐與戰，敗也。內諱敗，舉其可道者也。

In the twelfth month, Lu joined the Zheng army in attacking Song; on the day dingwei they fought within Song's borders. One should not fight with those who have joined one's expedition. It does not write "fought with Zheng" because it was ashamed of its own side's disharmony. That they fought while attacking Song shows that Lu was defeated. Lu conceals its own defeat and writes only the side that can still be spoken of.

己巳，及齊侯、宋公、衛侯、燕人。戰齊師、宋師、衛師、燕師。敗績。其言及者，由內及之也。其曰戰者，由外言之也。戰稱人，敗稱師，重眾也。其不地，於紀也。

On the day jisi, Duke Huan fought the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei and the men of Yan. The armies of Qi, Song, Wei and Yan were greatly defeated. The use of "and" is said from Lu's side. The use of "fought" is said from the other side's view. At the fight they are called "men" and when the defeat is written they are called "armies," which shows weight given to the multitude of soldiers. The place is not recorded because the battle took place in Ji.

夏五。鄭伯使其弟御來盟。諸侯之尊，弟兄不得以屬通。其弟雲者，以其來我舉其貴者也。來盟，前定也。不日，前定之盟不日。孔子曰：「聽遠音者，聞其疾而不聞其舒；望遠者，察其貌而不察其形。立乎定、哀，以指隱、桓，隱、桓之日遠矣。『夏五』傳疑也。」

In summer, the text only writes "Five." The Earl of Zheng sent his younger brother Yu to Lu to make a covenant. A feudal lord's rank is honored, and between brothers one cannot use the kin terms. Here it says "his younger brother" because he came to deal with our Lu, so his most honored identity is raised in the telling. To say "came to covenant" means it had been agreed beforehand. The day is not recorded, since a covenant agreed beforehand is not recorded by day. Confucius said: "When one listens to a voice from afar, one hears the urgent but cannot hear the slow; when one looks at a person from afar, one sees the outline but not the shape. Standing in the time of Duke Ding and Duke Ai to point out the affairs of Duke Yin and Duke Huan, the days of Duke Yin and Duke Huan are already far away. The two words 'summer five' pass down the doubtful point as it was."

秋，八月壬申，御廩災。乙亥，嘗。御廩之災不志，此其志何也？以為唯未易災之餘，而嘗可也，志不敬也。天子親耕，以共粢盛；王后親蠶，以共祭服。國非無良農工女也，以為人之所盡，事其祖禰，不若以己所自親者也。何用見其未易災之餘而嘗也？曰甸粟，而內之三宮；三宮米，而藏之御廩。夫嘗必有兼甸之事焉。壬申，御廩災；乙亥，嘗。以為未易災之餘而嘗也。

In autumn, in the eighth month, on the day renshen, the royal granary where sacrificial grain is kept caught fire. On the day yihai the changshi sacrifice was held. The burning of the granary is normally not recorded; here it is recorded; why? Because in their view, even if they had not yet replaced the grain left after the fire, holding the tasting sacrifice would be acceptable. Recording it is to record his irreverence. The Son of Heaven plows in person to supply the sacrificial grain; the queen raises silkworms in person to supply the sacrificial garments. It is not that the state lacks good farmers and good weaving women, but they held that to take what others have produced with their strength and offer it to one's ancestors is never as good as using what one has made with one's own hands. How can one tell that they used grain not yet replaced, left over after the fire? The answer: the millet collected from the Dian region is sent into the Three Palaces; the Three Palaces mill it to rice and store it in the royal granary. For the tasting sacrifice, the whole procedure of preparing grain in the Dian region must still be gone through. The granary caught fire on renshen and the tasting sacrifice was held on yihai, so it is judged that they used grain not yet replaced, left over after the fire.

宋人以齊人、蔡人、衛人、陳人伐鄭。以者，不以者也。民者，君之本也。使人以其死，非正也。

The men of Song led the men of Qi, the men of Cai, the men of Wei and the men of Chen to attack Zheng. The use of "led" shows precisely that they should not have been used in this way. The common people are the root of a ruler. To make others fight desperately for oneself is not in accord with the right way.

十有五年春，二月，天王使家父來求車。古者諸侯時獻於天子，以其國之所有，故有辭讓，而無徵求。求車，非禮也；求金，甚矣！

In the fifteenth year, in spring, in the second month, the Son of Heaven sent Jiafu to demand carriages. In ancient times the feudal lords presented to the Son of Heaven, at the proper times, what their states had, so there was only declining, and no demanding. To come to ask for carriages was already against ritual; to come to ask for money was all the more excessive!

許叔入於許。許叔，許之貴者也，莫宜乎許叔。其曰入，何也？其歸之道，非所以歸也。

Xu Shu entered Xu. Xu Shu was a person of rank in Xu, and no one was more entitled to return than Xu Shu. Yet the text uses the word "entered"; why? Because the way he came back was not the way by which one should return to one's state.

冬，十有一月，公會宋公、衛侯、陳侯、於袲伐鄭。地而後伐，疑辭也，非其疑也。

In winter, in the eleventh month, Duke Huan joined the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei and the Marquis of Chen at Yi, and then attacked Zheng. To write the place first and then the attack is wording that shows hesitation; the text holds that they should not have hesitated.

十有六年春，正月，公會宋公、蔡侯、衛侯於曹。

In the sixteenth year, in spring, in the first month, Duke Huan met the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Cai and the Marquis of Wei at Cao.

夏，四月，公會宋公、衛侯、陳侯、蔡侯伐鄭。

In summer, in the fourth month, Duke Huan joined the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Marquis of Chen and the Marquis of Cai in attacking Zheng.

秋，七月，公至自伐鄭。桓無會，其致何也？危之也。

In autumn, in the seventh month, Duke Huan returned from the army attacking Zheng. Duke Huan had no covenant worth recording, yet his return to the state is written here; why? Out of anxiety on his behalf.

十有一月，衛侯朔出奔齊。朔之名，惡也，天子召而不往也。

In the eleventh month, Shuo, Marquis of Wei, fled to Qi. Writing Shuo's name directly shows disapproval, because he was summoned by the Son of Heaven and did not go.

十有七年春，正月丙辰，公會齊侯、紀侯盟於黃。

In the seventeenth year, in spring, in the first month, on the day bingchen, Duke Huan made a covenant with the Marquis of Qi and the Marquis of Ji at Huang.

夏，五月丙午，及齊師戰於郎。內諱敗，舉其可道者也。不言其人，以吾敗也。不言及之者，為內諱也。

In summer, in the fifth month, on the day bingwu, Lu fought the Qi army at Lang. Lu conceals its own defeat and writes only the side that can still be spoken of. The names of the other side's commanders are not written, because our Lu lost the battle. It does not say "and the Marquis of Qi," to conceal on Lu's behalf.

秋，八月，蔡季自陳歸於蔡。蔡季，蔡之貴者也。自陳，陳有奉焉爾。

In autumn, in the eighth month, Ji of Cai returned to Cai from Chen. Ji of Cai was a person of rank in Cai. Writing "from Chen" shows that Chen escorted and helped him.

冬，十月朔，日有食之。言朔不言日，食既朔也。

In winter, in the tenth month, on the first day, there was a solar eclipse. Only "first day" is written, without the day cycle name, because the eclipse occurred after the first day had already passed.

十有八年春，王正月，公會齊侯於濼。公與夫人姜氏遂如齊。濼之會，不言及夫人，何也？以夫人之伉，弗稱數也。

In the eighteenth year, in spring, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, Duke Huan met the Marquis of Qi at Luo. Duke Huan and his wife, Lady Jiang, then went to Qi. Why is "and his wife" not written for the meeting at Luo? Because the wife took on the airs of an equal to the ruler, and so she is not counted in.

夏，四月丙子，公薨於齊。其地，於外也。薨稱公，舉上也。

In summer, in the fourth month, on the day bingzi, Duke Huan died in Qi. The place is recorded because he died abroad. Calling him "Duke" at his death raises his rank in the telling.

冬，十有二月，己丑，葬我君桓公。葬我君，接上下也。君弒，賊不討不書葬，此其言葬，何也？不責逾國而討於是也。桓公葬而後舉諡，諡所以成德也，於卒事乎加之矣。知者慮，義者行，仁者守。有此三者備，然後可以會矣。

In winter, in the twelfth month, on the day jichou, our lord Duke Huan was buried. Writing "buried our lord" connects the above and below. When a lord was murdered and the killer was not punished, the text normally does not record the funeral; here the funeral is recorded; why? It does not blame the ministers for going across the border to Qi to punish the criminal. The posthumous name is marked after Duke Huan was buried, because a posthumous name completes his life's name and virtue, and is added only after the funeral is done. One who is wise can plan, one who is righteous can carry out, and one who is benevolent can hold fast. Only when all three are present may he go beyond the borders to meet others.

元年春，王正月。繼弒君不言即位，正也。繼弒君不言即位之為正，何也？曰：先君不以其道終，則子不忍即位也。

First year, spring, the first month of the Zhou calendar. Following a murdered lord, the text does not write "acceded to the throne"; this is the regular rule. Why is it said that this is the regular rule? The answer: the former lord did not meet a good end, and so the son cannot bear to perform the rite of accession.

三月，夫人孫於齊。孫之為言猶孫也。諱奔也。接練時，錄母之變，始人之也。不言氏姓，貶之也。人之於天也，以道受命；於人也，以言受命。不若於道者，天絕之也；不若於言者，人絕之也。臣子大受命。

In the third month, the wife fled to Qi. "Sun" means the same as "xun," to withdraw, concealing that she in fact absconded. At the time of the lian sacrifice, the change in her status as mother is recorded, and she begins to be treated as an ordinary person. Her surname and clan are not written, to demean her. A person toward Heaven receives Heaven's mandate by the right way; toward other people, receives their mission by words. Heaven abandons one who does not follow the Way; people abandon one who does not follow words. A minister receives his commission greatly from his ruler and father.

夏，單伯逆王姬。單伯者何？吾大夫之命乎天子者也。命大夫，故不名也。其不言如，何也？其義不可受於京師也。其義不可受於京師，何也？曰：躬君弒於齊，使之主婚姻，與齊為禮，其義固不可受也。

In summer, Shan Bo went to fetch the royal daughter. Who was Shan Bo? He was a grand master of our Lu appointed by the Son of Heaven. Because he was a grand master appointed by the Son of Heaven, he is not called by name. Why is it not written "went to the capital"? Because by principle this matter should not be received at the capital. Why should it not be received at the capital? The answer: the ruler himself had just been murdered in Qi, yet Lu was made to preside over this marriage and perform ritual with Qi, and by principle it should not have been accepted at all.

秋，築王姬之館於外。築，禮也。於外，非禮也。築之為禮，何也？主王姬者，必自公門出。於廟則已尊，於寢則已卑。為之築，節矣。築之外，變之正也。築之外，變之為正，何也？仇讎之人非所以接婚姻也，衰麻非所以接弁冕也。其不言齊侯之來逆，何也？不使齊侯得與吾為禮也。

In autumn, a lodging for the royal daughter was built outside the city. To build a lodging is in accord with ritual; to build it outside the city is not in accord with ritual. Why is it said that building is in accord with ritual? In presiding over a royal daughter's marriage, one must send her out through the gate of the ducal palace. To put her in the grand temple would be too honored, and to put her in the main hall would be too lowly, and building a separate lodging for her is appropriate. Building it outside the city is the right way within an expedient. Why is it said that this expedient is still the right way? A person who is an enemy is not one with whom to join a marriage; and wearing mourning clothes is not for dealing with people in ceremonial caps. Why is it not written that the Marquis of Qi came to fetch her? So that the Marquis of Qi would not be able to perform ritual with our Lu.

冬，十月乙亥，陳侯林卒。諸侯日卒，正也。

In winter, in the tenth month, on the day yihai, Lin, Marquis of Chen, died. When a feudal lord dies, the day is recorded, which is the regular practice.

王使榮叔來錫桓公命。禮有受命，無來錫命；錫命非正也。生服之，死行之，禮也。生不服，死追錫之，不正甚矣。

The Son of Heaven sent Rong Shu to bestow Duke Huan's ceremonial regalia posthumously. By ritual, one goes in person to receive the appointment, and the Son of Heaven does not come to the door to bestow it; the bestowing itself is not in accord with the right way. To put it on while living and to conduct the mourning according to it after death is in accord with ritual. Not having put it on while living and bestowing it only after death is all the more contrary to the right way.

齊師遷紀，郱、鄑、郚。紀，國也。郱、鄑、郚，國也。或曰遷紀於郱、鄑、郚。

The Qi army moved away Ji and Ping, Zi and Wu. Ji was a state. Ping, Zi and Wu were also states. Another view: Ji was moved to Ping, Zi and Wu.

夏，公子慶父帥師，伐於餘丘。國而曰伐。於餘丘，邾之邑也。其曰伐何也？公子貴矣，師重矣。而敵人之邑，公子病矣。病公子，所以譏乎公也。其一曰君在而重之也。

In summer, Gongzi Qingfu led the army and attacked Yuqiu. "Attack" is used only for a state. Yuqiu was a city of Zhu. Why is "attack" used here? The prince was already of high rank and the army was large enough, yet they were set against a single city of another, and the prince seems embarrassed. To embarrass the prince is precisely to satirize Duke Zhuang. Another view: because the other side's ruler was there, the matter is written more heavily.

冬，十有二月，夫人姜氏會齊侯於禚。婦人既嫁不逾竟，逾竟非正也。婦人不言會，言會非正也。饗甚矣。

In winter, in the twelfth month, the wife Lady Jiang met the Marquis of Qi at Zhuo. A woman who has married should no longer go beyond the borders, and to go beyond them is not in accord with the right way. A woman is normally not written as "meeting"; if written "met," it is not in accord with the right way. To entertain at a banquet again would be all the more excessive.

三年春，王正月。溺會齊侯伐衛。溺者何也？公子溺也。其不稱公子，何也？惡其會仇讎而伐同姓，故貶而名之也。

In the third year, in spring, the first month of the Zhou calendar. Ni joined the Marquis of Qi in attacking Wei. Who was Ni? He was Gongzi Ni. Why is he not called "Gongzi"? The text hates that he joined an enemy to attack a state of the same surname, so it demeans him and calls him only by name.

五月，葬桓王。傳曰：改葬也。改葬之禮緦，舉下，緬也。或曰卻屍以求諸侯。天子志崩不志葬，必其時也。何必焉？舉天下而葬一人，其義不疑也。志葬，故也，危不得葬也。曰：近不失崩。不志崩，失天下也。獨陰不生，獨陽不生，獨天不生，三合然後生。故曰：母之子也可，天之子也可。尊者取尊稱焉，卑者取卑稱焉。其曰王者，民之所歸往也。

In the fifth month, King Huan was buried. The commentary says: this was a reburial. The mourning dress for a reburial is only of fine hemp, taking the lightest grade, as a distant remembrance. Another view: the body was left lying in state, waiting for all the feudal lords to gather. For the Son of Heaven the text records "died" but not the burial, because the date of the burial is fixed. Why is it fixed? The whole world buries only this one person, with no doubtful point. The burial is recorded here because there was calamity, and there was worry that the burial could not be announced in time. It may also be said: from recent times, "died" is never left out; if "died" is not recorded, it is the same as losing the world. Yin alone cannot give birth, yang alone cannot give birth, Heaven alone cannot give birth, and only when the three are joined can there be birth. So it is said: to be called "the mother's son" is acceptable, and to be called "Heaven's son" is also acceptable. The honored takes an honored title and the lowly takes a lowly title. To be called "king" is because the common people turn to him.

秋，紀季以酅入於齊。酅，紀之邑也。入於齊者，以酅事齊也。入者，內弗受也。

In autumn, Ji Ji entered Qi with the city of Xi. Xi was a city of Ji. To say "entered Qi" is to serve Qi with the city of Xi. The use of "entered" shows that the other side did not accept him.

冬，公次於郎。次，止也，有畏也。欲救紀而不能也。

In winter, Duke Zhuang encamped at Lang. "Ci" means to halt, because of fear. He wanted to rescue Ji but could not do it.

四年春，王二月，夫人姜氏饗齊侯於祝丘。饗，甚矣。饗齊侯，所以病齊侯也。

In the fourth year, in spring, in the second month of the Zhou calendar, the wife Lady Jiang feasted the Marquis of Qi at Zhuqiu. To feast him was already excessive. Writing "feasted the Marquis of Qi" is precisely to embarrass the Marquis of Qi.

三月，紀伯姬卒。外夫人不卒，此其言卒，何也？吾女也。適諸侯則尊同，以吾為之變，卒之也。

In the third month, Boji of Ji died. When the wife of a feudal lord of another state dies, the text does not normally record it; here it is recorded; why? Because she was a daughter of our Lu. Married to a feudal lord, her rank is the same as a feudal lord's, and Lu changed its mourning for her, so her death is recorded.

紀侯大去其國。大去者，不遺一人之辭也，言民之從者四年而後畢也。紀侯賢而齊侯滅之。不言滅，而曰大去其國者，不使小人加乎君子。

The Marquis of Ji left his state en masse. "Great departure" is wording meaning not one person was left behind; it says that the common people who followed him took four years to finish leaving. The Marquis of Ji was worthy, yet the Marquis of Qi destroyed his state. The text does not write "destroyed" but "greatly left his state," so that a petty person is not put above a gentleman.

六月乙丑，齊侯葬紀伯姬。外夫人不書葬，此其書葬，何也？吾女也。失國，故隱而葬之。

In the sixth month, on the day yichou, the Marquis of Qi buried Boji of Ji. For the wife of another state, the text does not normally record the funeral; here it is recorded; why? Because she was a daughter of our Lu. Her state was already gone, so she is pitied and her burial is recorded.

冬，公及齊人狩於郜。齊人者，齊侯也，其曰人何也？卑公之敵，所以卑公也。何為卑公也？不復讎，而怨不釋，刺釋怨也。

In winter, Duke Zhuang and the men of Qi hunted at Gao. "The men of Qi" was in fact the Marquis of Qi, but the text says "men"; why? To write Duke Zhuang's counterpart as lowly is also to write Duke Zhuang as lowly. Why write Duke Zhuang as lowly? The revenge had not yet been taken, and the grudge had not yet been loosened, yet he went hunting together with his enemy, which satirizes his loosening of a grudge that should not be loosened.

夏，夫人姜氏如齊師。師而曰如，眾也。婦人既嫁不逾竟，逾竟非禮也。

In summer, the wife Lady Jiang went to the Qi army. Even for an army the word "went" is used, because of the number of people. A woman who has married should no longer go beyond the borders, and to go beyond them is not in accord with ritual.

秋，郳黎來來朝。郳，國也。黎來，微國之君，未爵命者也。

In autumn, Lilai of Ni came to court. Ni was a state. Lilai was the lord of a small state who had not yet received a rank by command from the Zhou Son of Heaven.

冬，公會齊人、宋人、陳人、蔡人伐衛。是齊侯、宋公也，其曰人何也？人諸侯，所以人公也。其人公何也？逆天王之命也。

In winter, Duke Zhuang joined the men of Qi, the men of Song, the men of Chen and the men of Cai in attacking Wei. Here "the men of Qi" and "the men of Song" were in fact the Marquis of Qi and the Duke of Song, but the text says "men"; why? Writing the feudal lords as "men" also writes Duke Zhuang as one of the "men." Why write Duke Zhuang as one of the "men"? Because he went against the Zhou Son of Heaven's command.

六年春，王二月，王人子突救衛。王人，卑者也。稱名，貴之也。善救衛也。救者善，則伐者不正矣。

In the sixth year, in spring, in the second month of the Zhou calendar, Zi Tu, a man of the Zhou royal house, went to rescue Wei. A "man of the king" is a person of low rank. His name is given, to raise him up. The text approves of the rescue of Wei. Since the rescuer was right, those who went to attack were not in accord with the right way.

夏，六月，衛侯朔，入於衛。其不言伐衛納朔，何也？不逆天王之命也。入者，內弗受也。何用弗受也？為以王命絕之也。朔之名惡也，朔入逆，則出順矣；朔出入名，以王命絕之也。

In summer, in the sixth month, Shuo, Marquis of Wei, entered Wei. Why is it not written "attacked Wei and sent Shuo in"? It does not wish to write that Lu was defying the Son of Heaven's command. The use of "entered" shows that Wei did not accept him. On what grounds did they not accept him? Because the Son of Heaven had cut him off by royal order. Writing Shuo's name directly shows disapproval. If Shuo's entering this time was contrary, then his going out earlier was proper; Shuo is called by name both when he went out and when he came in, because the Son of Heaven had cut him off by royal order.

秋，公至自伐衛。惡事不致，此其致，何也？不致，則無用見公之惡、事之成也。

In autumn, Duke Zhuang returned from the army attacking Wei. For evil deeds, the return to the state is normally not written; here it is written; why? If the return were not written, there would be no way to see Duke Zhuang's evil, nor to see that the matter had been done.

冬，齊人來歸衛寶。以齊首之分惡於齊也。使之如下齊而來我然，惡戰則殺矣。

In winter, the men of Qi came to return the treasures of Wei. Putting Qi at the head shares some of the evil with Qi, making the matter look as if Qi had taken the initiative to bring them down to our Lu, so that the hatred for that war is lightened.

七年春，夫人姜氏會齊侯於防。婦人不會，會非正也。

In the seventh year, in spring, the wife Lady Jiang met the Marquis of Qi at Fang. Women are normally not written as meeting, and meeting is not in accord with the right way.

夏，四月辛卯，昔，恆星不見。恆星者，經星也。日入至於星出謂之昔。不見者，可以見也。

In summer, in the fourth month, on the day xinmao, at dusk, the fixed stars were not seen. The fixed stars are the regular stars, that is, those visible all year round. The time from sunset to the appearance of the stars is called "xi." "Not seen" is said because they should have been seen.

夜中星隕如雨。其隕也如雨，是夜中與？《春秋》著以傳著，疑以傳疑。中之，幾也；而曰夜中，著焉爾。何用見其中也？失變而錄其時，則夜中矣！其不曰恆星之隕何也？我知恆星之不見，而不知其隕也。我見其隕而接於地者，則是雨說也。著於上，見於下，謂之雨；著於下，不見於上，謂之隕。豈雨說哉！

In the middle of the night, stars fell like rain. Falling like rain; was it truly the middle of the night? The Spring and Autumn passes down what is certain as certain and what is doubtful as doubtful. To say "right middle" is a rough saying; writing it as "middle of the night" fixes it as definite. How can one tell it was the exact middle? The strange event had ended, and recording the hour at that time means it was midnight. Why is it not said that "the fixed stars fell"? I only know that the fixed stars were not seen, and do not know that they fell. What I saw falling and reaching the ground is what is meant by "rain." What first appears in the sky and is then seen to land on the ground is called "rain"; what is only seen on the ground and not seen falling from the sky is called "fell." How could this be the saying of "rain"!

冬，夫人姜氏會齊侯於谷。婦人不會，會非正也。

In winter, the wife Lady Jiang met the Marquis of Qi at Gu. Women are normally not written as meeting, and meeting is not in accord with the right way.

八年春，王正月，師次於郎，以俟陳人、蔡人。次，止也。俟，待也。

In the eighth year, in spring, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, the army encamped at Lang, waiting for the men of Chen and the men of Cai. "Ci" means to halt. "Si" means to wait.

甲午，治兵。出曰治兵，習戰也。入曰振旅，習戰也。治兵而陳、蔡不至矣。兵事以嚴終，故曰善陳者不戰，此之謂也。善為國者不師，善師者不陳，善陳者不戰，善戰者不死，善死者不亡。

On the day jiawu, the army drill was held. When setting out it is called "zhi bing," a drill for fighting; when returning it is called "zhen lü," also a drill for fighting. After the drill, Chen and Cai did not come. A military affair should end in good order, so it is said: one who is good at deploying formations does not need to fight; this is what it means. One who is good at governing a state does not raise armies, one who is good at using soldiers does not need to deploy formations, one who is good at deploying formations does not need to fight, one who is good at fighting does not lightly send men to die, and one who is good at facing death does not lose his state.

夏，師及齊師圍郕。郕降於齊師。其曰降於齊師何？不使齊師加威於郕也。

In summer, the army of Lu and the army of Qi besieged Cheng. Cheng surrendered to the Qi army. Why is it written "surrendered to the Qi army"? So as not to make the Qi army appear to have imposed its might on Cheng.

冬，十有一月癸未，齊無知弒其君諸兒。大夫弒其君，以國氏者，嫌也。弒而代之也。

In winter, in the eleventh month, on the day guiwei, Wuzhi of Qi killed his lord Zhu'er. A grand master killed his own lord, yet the text puts the state name "Qi" before his name, because there is a suspicion to be pointed out here: after killing the lord he took his place himself.

九年春，齊人殺無知。無知之挈，失嫌也。稱人以殺大夫，殺有罪也。

In the ninth year, in spring, the men of Qi killed Wuzhi. Here "Wuzhi" is singled out and called directly by name, because the suspicion of his usurping need no longer be pointed out. Writing "the men of a state killed a grand master" shows that the one killed was guilty.

公及齊大夫盟於暨。公不及大夫，大夫不名，無君也。盟納子糾也。不日，其盟渝也。當齊無君，制在公矣。當可納而不納，故惡內也。

Duke Zhuang made a covenant with a grand master of Qi at Ji. A lord cannot be listed with the grand master of another state with "and"; the grand master is not called by name because Qi had no lord at that time. This covenant was to send Zijiu into Qi. The day is not recorded, because the covenant was later broken. Just when Qi had no lord, the power to decide lay in Duke Zhuang's hands. At the time when he could have sent him in, he did not, so the text hates Lu's side.

夏，公伐齊，納糾。當可納而不納，齊變而後伐，故干時之戰不諱敗，惡內也。

In summer, Duke Zhuang attacked Qi to send Jiu in. At the time when he could have sent him in he did not, and only sent out troops after the situation in Qi had changed, so in the battle at Gansi Lu's defeat is not concealed, and the text hates Lu's side.

齊小白入於齊。大夫出奔反，以好曰歸，以惡曰入。齊公孫無知弒襄公，公子糾、公子小白不能存，出亡。齊人殺無知，而迎公子糾於魯，公子小白不讓公子糾，先入，又殺之於魯。故曰齊小白入於齊，惡之也。

Xiaobai of Qi entered Qi. When a grand master flees and later returns, a return with good intent is called "gui" and a return with bad intent is called "ru." Gongsun Wuzhi of Qi killed Duke Xiang, and Gongzi Jiu and Gongzi Xiaobai could not survive and fled abroad. The men of Qi killed Wuzhi and came to Lu to fetch Gongzi Jiu, but Gongzi Xiaobai did not yield to Gongzi Jiu and went in ahead of him, and later killed Gongzi Jiu in Lu. So it is written "Xiaobai of Qi entered Qi," out of hatred for him.

九月，齊人取子糾殺之。外不言取，言取，病內也。取，易辭也，猶曰取其子糾而殺之云爾。十室之邑，可以逃難；百室之邑，可以隱死。以千乘之魯，而不能存子糾，以公為病矣。

In the ninth month, the men of Qi took Zijiu and killed him. For another state's affairs the text does not normally write "took"; writing "took" blames Lu's side. "Took" says the matter came easily, which is like saying that they simply took Zijiu and killed him. In a city of ten households, one can still flee from calamity; in a city of a hundred households, one can still hide a man about to die. With Lu a state of a thousand chariots yet unable to protect Zijiu, the text takes Duke Zhuang as sick.

十年春，王正月，公敗齊師於長勺。不日，疑戰也。疑戰而曰敗，勝內也。

In the tenth year, in spring, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, Duke Zhuang defeated the Qi army at Changshao. The day is not recorded, because this was a chance encounter without prior agreement. That it was written as "defeated" though it was not agreed shows that victory lay on Lu's side.

二月，公侵宋。侵時，此其月何也？乃深其怨於齊，又退侵宋以眾其敵，惡之。故謹而月之。

In the second month, Duke Zhuang invaded Song. An invasion is normally recorded by season, but here the month is recorded; why? He had just formed a deep grudge with Qi, and then turned back to invade Song, making more enemies for himself; the text hates him, and so records the month with emphasis.

三月，宋人遷宿。遷，亡辭也。其不地，宿不復見也。遷者，猶未失其國家以往者也。

In the third month, the men of Song moved away Su. "Moved" is wording for the destruction of a state. It is not recorded where it was moved to, because Su did not appear again. Saying "moved" describes the case of one who left before fully losing his state.

夏，六月，齊師、宋師次於郎。次，止也。畏我也。

In summer, in the sixth month, the Qi army and the Song army encamped at Lang. "Ci" means to halt, because of fear of our Lu.

公敗宋師於乘丘。不日，疑戰也。疑戰而曰敗，勝內也。

Duke Zhuang defeated the Song army at Chengqiu. The day is not recorded, because this was a chance encounter without prior agreement. That it was written as "defeated" though it was not agreed shows that victory lay on Lu's side.

秋，九月，荊敗蔡師於莘，以蔡侯獻武歸。荊者，楚也。何為謂之荊？狄之也。何為狄之？聖人立，必後至；天子弱，必先叛。故曰荊，狄之也。蔡侯何以名也？絕之也。何為絕之？獲也。中國不言敗，此其言敗何也？中國不言敗，蔡侯其見獲乎！其言敗何也？釋蔡侯之獲也。以歸，猶愈乎執也。

In autumn, in the ninth month, Jing defeated the Cai army at Shen and took the Marquis of Cai, Xianwu, back with them. "Jing" is Chu. Why is it called "Jing"? It is treated as a Di barbarian. Why treat it as a Di? When a sage is on the throne, they must arrive last; when the Son of Heaven is weak, they must rebel first. So it is called "Jing," treating it as a Di. Why is the Marquis of Cai called by name? To cut him off. Why cut him off? Because he was captured. When states of the Central Plain fight, the text does not normally write "defeated"; here "defeated" is written; why? If "defeated" were not written for a Central Plain state, how would the capture of the Marquis of Cai be accounted for? What does writing "defeated" mean? It explains the capture of the Marquis of Cai. Writing "took back with them" is a little better than writing "seized."

夏，五月戊寅，公敗宋師於鄑。內事不言戰，舉其大者，其日，成敗之也。宋萬之獲也。

In summer, in the fifth month, on the day wuyin, Duke Zhuang defeated the Song army at Zi. For Lu's own battles, the text does not write "fought" but picks out the heavier side to write; recording the day makes the victory definite. In this battle, Song Wan was also captured.

秋，宋大水。外災不書，此何以書？王者之後也。高下有水災曰大水。

In autumn, Song had a great flood. For another state's disasters, the text does not normally record them; here it is recorded; why? Because Song was a descendant of the former kings. Only when high and low places are both flooded is it called a "great flood."

十有二年春，王三月，紀叔姬歸於酅。國而曰歸，此邑也，其曰歸何也？吾女也，失國喜得其所，故言歸焉爾。

In the twelfth year, in spring, in the third month of the Zhou calendar, Shu Ji of Ji returned to the city of Xi. "Return" is used for a state; here it is a city, so why is "return" also used? Because she was a daughter of our Lu, and her state was already gone, and it is fortunate that she still got a place to settle, so "return" is used to say it.

秋，八月甲午，宋萬弒其君捷。宋萬，宋之卑者也。卑者以國氏，及其大夫仇牧以尊及卑也。仇牧，閒也。

In autumn, the eighth month, jiawu day, Song Wan killed his ruler Jie. Song Wan was a person of low standing in Song. A person of low standing has the state name placed before his name; and when it writes "and his grand master Chou Mu", it writes the honored one first and then links the lowly one with "and". Chou Mu was one who stood in the middle to shield the ruler.

十有三年春，齊人、宋人、陳人、蔡人、邾人會於北杏。是齊侯、宋公也，其曰人何也？始疑之。何疑焉？桓非受命之伯也，將以事授之者也。曰：可矣乎？未乎？舉人，眾之辭也。

In spring of the thirteenth year, men of Qi, men of Song, men of Chen, men of Cai and men of Zhu met at Beixing. The "men of Qi" and "men of Song" here were in fact the Marquis of Qi and the Duke of Song, but the text calls them "men"; why? It is the beginning of doubt about him. Doubt about what? Duke Huan of Qi was not a hegemon appointed by the Son of Heaven, yet the matter of the meeting was entrusted to him. It is asking: is this acceptable? Is it not yet acceptable? Calling them "men" expresses the wording of the multitude.

夏，六月，齊人滅遂。遂，國也。其不日，微國也。

In summer, the sixth month, the men of Qi destroyed the state of Sui. Sui was a state. The day is not recorded because it was a small state.

冬，公會齊侯盟於柯。曹劌之盟也，信齊侯也。桓盟雖內與，不日，信也。

In winter, Duke Zhuang and the Marquis of Qi made a covenant at Ke. This is the covenant of Cao Gui, and it was trust in the Marquis of Qi. When Duke Huan of Qi presided over a covenant, even with Lu taking part, the day was not recorded, because he was trusted.

秋，七月，荊入蔡。荊者，楚也，其曰荊何也？州舉之也。州不如國，國不如名，名不如字。

In autumn, the seventh month, Jing entered Cai. "Jing" is Chu; why is it called "Jing"? It is calling it by the name of its province. Calling it by the province is less than calling it by the state name; the state name is less than the personal name; the personal name is less than the courtesy name.

冬，單伯會齊侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯於鄄。復同會也。

In winter, Shan Bo convened with the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei and the Earl of Zheng at Juan. This was once more a joint assembly.

十有五年春，齊侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、鄭伯會於鄄。復同會也。

In spring of the fifteenth year, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wei and the Earl of Zheng met at Juan. This was once more a joint assembly.

夏，夫人姜氏如齊。婦人既嫁不逾竟，逾竟非禮也。

In summer, the lady Jiang went to Qi. A woman after marriage should not leave the borders again, and leaving the borders is not in accord with ritual.

冬，十有二月，會齊侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、鄭伯、許男、曹伯、滑伯、滕子，同盟於幽。同者，有同也，同尊周也。不言公，外內寮一，疑之也。

In winter, the twelfth month, he convened with the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Baron of Xu, the Earl of Cao, the Earl of Hua and the Viscount of Teng, and they made a covenant together at You. "Together" means having a common goal, which is jointly honoring the Zhou house. The word "Duke" is not written, which places the outside lords and the inside ruler of Lu on the same level, expressing doubt about him.

十有七年春，齊人執鄭詹。入者，眾辭也。以人執，與之辭也。鄭詹，鄭之卑者。卑者不志，此其志何也？以其逃來志之也。逃來則何志焉？將有其末，不得不錄其本也。鄭詹，鄭之佞人也。

In spring of the seventeenth year, the men of Qi seized Zheng Zhan. Calling them "men" expresses the wording of the multitude. Using "men" to record seizing someone is wording that acknowledges the other side's right to do so. Zheng Zhan was a person of low standing in Zheng. For persons of low standing the text normally does not record; here it records, why? Because he later fled to Lu, so it must be noted. Why record even his fleeing here? When there is a result later, the earlier cause cannot go unrecorded. Zheng Zhan was the man of Zheng who could talk and curry favor.

夏，齊人殲於遂。殲者，盡也。然則何為不言遂人？盡齊人也，無遂之辭也。無遂則何為言遂？其猶存遂也。存遂奈何？曰：齊人滅遂，使人戍之，遂之因氏飲戍者酒而殺之，齊人殲焉。此謂狎敵也。

In summer, the men of Qi were wiped out at Sui. "Wiped out" means entirely. Then why is it not written "men of Sui"? Because those wiped out were men of Qi, and this is wording that treats Sui as no longer existing. If Sui no longer existed, why still say "Sui"? Because there was still a wish to keep Sui in existence. How is Sui kept in existence? The answer is: the men of Qi destroyed Sui and sent people to garrison it; the Yin family of Sui invited the garrison to drink and killed them, and so the men of Qi were wiped out there. This is what is called taking one's enemy too lightly.

十有八年春，王三月，日有食之。不言日，不言朔，夜食也。何以知其夜食也？曰：王者朝日，故雖為天子，必有尊也；貴為諸侯，必有長也。故天子朝日，諸侯朝朔。

In spring of the eighteenth year, in the third month of the Zhou calendar, there was an eclipse of the sun. The ganzhi day is not recorded and neither is "the first day", because the eclipse occurred at night. How do we know it was an eclipse at night? The answer is: the Son of Heaven pays homage to the sun every morning, so even one who has become Son of Heaven surely still has someone above to be honored; even one who has become a lord surely still has someone above to be revered. Therefore the Son of Heaven pays homage to the sun, and the lords pay homage to the new moon.

夏，公追戎於濟西。其不言戎之伐我，何也？以公之追之，不使戎邇於我也。於濟西者，大之也。何大焉？為公之追之也。

In summer, Duke Zhuang pursued the Rong, pursuing them as far as the west of the Ji River. Why is it not written that the Rong came to attack our state of Lu? Because the text writes it from the angle of Duke Zhuang pursuing them, so as not to make the Rong appear to have already pressed close on our state of Lu. Writing "west of the Ji" makes this affair appear large. Why make it large? Precisely because Duke Zhuang went in person to pursue them.

秋，公子結媵陳人之婦於鄄，遂及齊侯、宋公盟。媵，淺事也，不志；此其志何也？闢要盟也。何以見其闢要盟也？媵，禮之輕者也；盟，國之重也。以輕事遂乎國重無說，其曰陳人之婦，略之也。其不日，數渝，惡之也。

In autumn, Gongzi Jie escorted the bride's attendants to Juan to serve as secondary wives for the new bride of the men of Chen, and then made a covenant with the Marquis of Qi and the Duke of Song. Escorting secondary wives was a trivial matter, which the text normally does not record; here it records, why? To avoid the matter of being coerced into the covenant. How can we see that it avoids the matter of being coerced into the covenant? Escorting secondary wives is the lightest matter in ritual, and making a covenant is the weightiest matter of a state. To accomplish a heavy state matter "thereupon" through a light matter does not make sense. Calling her "the wife of a man of Chen" writes her in a brief way. The day is not recorded because this covenant was broken many times, so it is loathed.

夫人姜氏如莒。婦人既嫁不逾竟，逾竟非正也。

The lady Jiang went to Ju. A woman after marriage should not leave the borders again, and leaving the borders is not in accord with the right way.

冬，齊人、宋人、陳人伐我西鄙。其曰鄙，遠之也。其遠之何也？不以難邇我國也。

In winter, the men of Qi, the men of Song and the men of Chen attacked the western border town of our state of Lu. Calling it "border" makes the war seem far from the capital. Why say it is far? So as not to make the calamity appear to have already pressed close to the heart of our state of Lu.

二十年春，王二月，夫人姜氏如莒。婦人既嫁不逾竟，逾竟非正也。

In spring of the twentieth year, in the second month of the Zhou calendar, the lady Jiang went to Ju. A woman after marriage should not leave the borders again, and leaving the borders is not in accord with the right way.

二十有二年春，王正月，肆大眚。肆，失也。眚，災也。災紀也，失故也，為嫌天子之葬也。

In spring of the twenty-second year, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, there was a great amnesty. "Si" means to pardon, and "sheng" means calamity. Recording the calamity is recording the matter; pardoning old wrongs is to avoid the suspicion of "as if conducting the Son of Heaven's burial".

癸丑，葬我小君文姜。小君非君也，其曰君何也？以其為公配，可以言小君也。

On guichou, our state's lesser sovereign Wen Jiang was buried. A lesser sovereign is not the ruler; why is she also called "sovereign"? Because she is the ruler's consort, and may be called lesser sovereign.

陳人殺其公子禦寇。言公子而不言大夫，公子未命為大夫也；其曰公子，何也？公子之重視大夫，命以執公子。

The men of Chen killed their prince Yukou. He is called "prince" and not "grand master" because this prince had not yet received a commission as grand master. Why is he still called "prince"? A prince's rank is as honored as a grand master's, and when someone is commissioned to execute him, he is still written as a prince.

秋，七月丙申，及齊高傒盟於防。不言公，高傒伉也。

In autumn, the seventh month, bingshen day, he made a covenant at Fang with Gao Xi of Qi. The word "Duke" is not written because Gao Xi put on the airs of an equal to a ruler.

冬，公如齊納幣。納幣，大夫之事也。禮有納采，有問名，有納徵，有告期，四者備而後娶，禮也。公之親納幣，非禮也，故譏之。

In winter, Duke Zhuang went to Qi to deliver the betrothal gifts. Delivering betrothal gifts was properly the business of a grand master. Ritual has the presenting of the proposal, the asking of the name, the sending of the betrothal gifts and the announcing of the date; only when all four are complete and then the bride is fetched is it in accord with ritual. For Duke Zhuang to deliver the gifts in person was not in accord with ritual, and so he is criticized.

祭叔來聘。其不言使，何也？天子之內臣也。不正其外交，故不與使也。

Ji Shu came on a mission to Lu. Why is it not written "sent by the Heavenly King"? Because he was a minister of the Son of Heaven's royal domain. The text does not acknowledge his private diplomacy, and so does not give him the word "sent".

夏，公如齊觀社。常事曰視，非常曰觀。觀，無事之辭也，以是為屍女也，無事不出竟。公至自齊。公如，往時，正也。致月，故也。如往月致，月有懼焉爾。

In summer, Duke Zhuang went to Qi to watch the sacrifice at the altar of the soil. Ordinary matters are written as "see", and those not in accord with the norm are written as "watch". "Watch" means there was no public business to do, and this trip is viewed as him having gone to look at a woman. Without public business one should not leave the borders. Duke Zhuang returned from Qi. If going abroad is recorded by season for the going and by season for the return, that is the regular form; returning with the month recorded is because there was an incident. If the going is recorded by month and the return also by month, there was something to fear in that month.

荊人來聘。善累而後進之。其曰人何也？舉道不待再。

A man of Jing came on a mission. Good deeds accumulate one by one, and only then is he raised one step. Why call him "man"? Once the path of his advancement is set out, there is no need to wait for the next occasion.

公及齊侯遇於谷。及者，內為志焉爾。遇者，志相得也。

Duke Zhuang and the Marquis of Qi met at Gu. Using the word "and" shows that Lu took the initiative. Using the word "meet" shows that the two sides' minds were in accord.

蕭叔朝公。微國之君，未爵命者，其不言來，於外也。朝於廟，正也；於外，非正也。

Xiao Shu paid court to Duke Zhuang. He was the ruler of a small state and had not yet received his rank commission. "Came" is not written because the audience took place outside the state. An audience in the grand temple accords with the right way; an audience outside does not.

秋，丹桓宮楹。禮：天子、諸侯黝堊，大夫倉，士黈。丹楹，非禮也。

In autumn, the pillars of Duke Huan's temple were painted red. By ritual: for the Son of Heaven and lords, pillars are black and white; for grand masters, blue; for scholars, yellow. Painting the pillars red was not in accord with ritual.

二十有四年春，王三月，刻桓宮桷。禮：天子之桷，斲之礱之，加密石焉；諸侯之桷，斲之礱之。大夫斲之，士斲木刻桷，非正也。夫人，所以崇宗廟也。取非禮與非正，而加之於宗廟，以飾夫人，非正也。刻桓宮桷，丹桓宮楹，斥言桓宮，以惡莊也。

In spring of the twenty-fourth year, in the third month of the Zhou calendar, carved decoration was put on the rafters of Duke Huan's temple. By ritual: the Son of Heaven's rafters are cut and ground, then polished with fine stone; the lords' rafters are cut and ground. Grand masters' are only cut, and scholars' are only wood. To carve the rafters was not in accord with the right way. The lady is properly one who honors the ancestral temple. To impose on the ancestral temple practices that are not in accord with ritual or the right way in order to adorn the lady is not in accord with the right way. In carving the rafters of Duke Huan's temple and painting its pillars, the text specially names "Huan's temple", out of loathing for Duke Zhuang.

夏，公如齊逆女。親迎，恆事也，不志，此其志何也？不正其親迎於齊也。

In summer, Duke Zhuang went to Qi to meet his new bride. Meeting the bride in person is the normal thing, and the text normally does not record it; here it records, why? It expresses dissatisfaction with his going to Qi to meet her in person.

秋，公至自齊。迎者，行見諸，舍見諸。先至，非正也。

In autumn, Duke Zhuang returned from Qi. One who goes to meet a bride should see her on the road and see her when stopping for the night. For him to return ahead of her was not in accord with the right way.

八月丁丑，夫人姜氏入。入者，內弗受也。日入，惡入者也。何用不受也？以宗廟弗受也。其以宗廟弗受，何也？娶仇人子弟，以薦舍於前，其義不可受也。

On dingchou of the eighth month, the lady Jiang entered. Using the word "enter" shows that Lu did not receive her. Recording the day is out of loathing for the one who entered. On what ground is it said she was not received? Because the ancestral temple did not receive her. Why did the ancestral temple not receive her? To marry the daughter of an enemy and present and place her before the former ruler cannot be accepted in principle.

戊寅，大夫宗婦，覿用幣。覿，見也。禮：大夫不見夫人，不言及不正，其行婦道，故列數之也。男子之贄，羔雁雉腒；婦人之贄，棗栗鍛修。用幣，非禮也。用者，不宜用者也。大夫，國體也，而行婦道，惡之，故謹而日之也。

On wuyin, the grand masters and the wives of the same clan came to see her, using silks as meeting gifts. "Di" means to have an audience. By ritual, grand masters do not see the lady; "and" is not written here because what they did was not in accord with the right way to begin with, yet they carried out the ritual duties of women, and so they are listed one by one. The meeting gifts of men are lambs, geese, pheasants and dried meat; the meeting gifts of women are jujubes, chestnuts and pounded dried meat strips. Using silks is not in accord with ritual. Using the word "use" precisely shows that they should not have used them. Grand masters are the trunk of the state, yet they carried out women's ritual duties, which the text loathes, so it solemnly records the day.

赤歸於曹郭公。赤蓋，郭公也，何為名也？禮：諸侯無外歸之義。外歸，非正也。

Chi returned to Cao: Guo Gong. Chi is probably Guo Gong; why is he called by name? By ritual, a lord has no principle of fleeing abroad and making another state his refuge. To flee abroad is not in accord with the right way.

二十有五年春，陳侯使女叔來聘。其不名，何也？天子之命大夫也。

In spring of the twenty-fifth year, the Marquis of Chen sent Nü Shu on a mission to Lu. Why is he not called by name? Because he was a grand master appointed by the Son of Heaven.

六月辛未朔，日有食之。言日言朔，食正朔也。

In the sixth month, xinwei, the first day, there was an eclipse of the sun. That both the day and "the first day" are recorded shows that the eclipse happened precisely on the first day.

鼓用牲於社。鼓，禮也；用牲，非禮也。天子救日，置五麾，陳五兵、五鼓；諸侯置三麾，陳三鼓、三兵；大夫擊門，士擊柝，言充其陽也。

Drums were beaten and animals were used to sacrifice at the altar of the soil. Beating drums is in accord with ritual; using animals is not. When rescuing from an eclipse, the Son of Heaven sets up five banners and arrays five weapons and five drums; the lords set up three banners and array three drums and three weapons; grand masters beat on the great gate and scholars beat the wooden clapper, all meaning to fill up the yang qi.

伯姬歸於杞。其不言逆，何也？逆之道微，無足道焉爾。

Boji was married to Qi. Why is it not written that the other side came to fetch her? Because the grade of this fetching was too low to be worth mentioning.

秋，大水，鼓用牲於社於門。高下有水災曰大水。既戒鼓而駭眾，用牲可以已矣。救日以鼓兵，救水以鼓眾。

In autumn, there was a great flood; drums were beaten and animals were used for sacrifice at the altar of the soil and at the city gates. Only when both high and low places have flooding is it called a "great flood". Once the drums have sounded the alarm and roused the people, using animals can stop. In rescuing from an eclipse, drums and weapons are used; in rescuing from a flood, drums are used to gather the multitude.

曹殺其大夫。言大夫而不稱名姓，無命大夫也。無命大夫而曰大夫，賢也。為曹羈崇也。

The men of Cao killed their grand master. He is called "grand master" without his name and surname because Cao had no grand masters commissioned by the Zhou Son of Heaven. Without commissioned grand masters, he is called "grand master" because he was worthy. This is to honor Cao Ji.

夏，六月，公會齊侯、宋公、陳侯、鄭伯，同盟於幽。同者，有同也，同尊周也，於是而後授之諸侯也。其授之諸侯何也？齊侯得眾也。桓會不致，安之也。桓盟不日，信之也。信其信，仁其仁。衣裳之會十有一，未嘗有歃血之盟也

In summer, the sixth month, Duke Zhuang convened with the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen and the Earl of Zheng and made a covenant together at You. "Together" means having a common goal, which is jointly honoring the Zhou house. After this, the affairs of the lords were entrusted to him. Why were they entrusted to him? Because the Marquis of Qi had won the support of the multitude. At meetings presided over by Duke Huan of Qi, the return of the ruler of Lu is not written, because it was thought safe. The covenants he presided over do not record the day, because he was trusted. Trust his trustworthiness and credit his benevolence. There were eleven meetings in ceremonial robes, and not one involved smearing blood in a covenant.

秋，公子友如陳，葬原仲。言葬不言卒，不葬者也。不葬而曰葬，諱出奔也。

In autumn, Gongzi You went to Chen and attended the burial of Yuan Zhong. Only the burial is written and not the death, showing that his burial should not have been recorded. Though it should not have been recorded, it is written as "buried", to conceal that Gongzi You was in fact fleeing.

莒慶來逆叔姬。諸侯之嫁子於大夫，主大夫以與之。來者接內也，不正其接內，故不與夫婦之稱也。

Ju Qing came to fetch Shu Ji. When a lord marries a daughter to a grand master, the grand master takes charge of the exchange. That the other side came in person was a direct dealing with the ducal house of Lu; the text is dissatisfied with this kind of dealing and so does not give them the title of husband and wife.

二十有八年春，王三月甲寅，齊人伐衛，衛人及齊人戰。衛人敗績。於伐與戰，安戰也。戰衛，戰則是師也，其曰人，何也？微之也。何為微之也？今授之諸侯，而後有侵伐之事，故微之也。其人衛，何也？以其人齊，不可不人衛也。衛小齊大，其以衛及之，何也？以其微之，可以言及也。其稱人以敗，何也？不以師敗於人也。

In spring of the twenty-eighth year, on jiayin of the third month of the Zhou calendar, the men of Qi attacked Wei, the men of Wei fought with the men of Qi, and the men of Wei were greatly defeated. To write a battle in the middle of an attack is to ask where the battle was fought. Since Wei was fighting, it should have been an army, yet the text calls them "men"; why? It writes them as lowly. Why write them lowly? Just after the affairs of the lords had been entrusted to the Marquis of Qi, an invasion followed, and so he is written lowly. Why call Wei too "men"? Because Qi has already been written as "men", Wei cannot but also be written as "men". Wei was small and Qi large, yet Wei is used to "reach" Qi; why? Because Qi has already been written lowly, "reach" can be used. Writing "men" in recording a defeat: why? Because it is unwilling to write that an army was defeated by "men".

秋，荊伐鄭。荊者，楚也。其曰荊，州舉之也。

In autumn, Jing attacked Zheng. "Jing" is Chu. Calling it "Jing" is calling it by its province name.

冬，築微。山林藪澤之利，所以與民共也。虞之，非正也。

In winter, a city wall was built at Wei. The produce of mountains, forests, lakes and marshes was originally to be shared with the people. To send people to guard and monopolize it is not in accord with the right way.

大無麥禾。大者，有顧之辭也，於無禾及無麥也。

The wheat and the millet both failed badly. Using "great" is wording that shows consideration, speaking from no millet to no wheat.

臧孫辰告糴於齊。國無三年之畜，曰國非其國也。一年不升，告糴諸侯。告，請也。糴，糴也。不正，故舉臧孫辰以為私行也。國無九年之畜，曰不足；無六年之畜，曰急；無三年之畜，曰國非其國也。諸侯無粟，諸侯相歸粟，正也。臧孫辰告糴於齊，告，然後與之，言內之無外交也。古者稅什一，豐年補敗，不外求而上下皆足也，雖累凶年民弗病也。一年不艾而百姓飢，君子非之。不言如，為內諱也。

Zang Sunchen asked Qi to sell grain. A state without three years of reserves is said to be hardly a state. After one bad year, to ask the lords to sell grain: "gao" means to ask, and "di" means to buy in grain. This was not in accord with the right way, so Zang Sunchen's name is brought out and it is written as a private act. A state without nine years of reserves is called "insufficient", without six years is called "urgent", and without three years is said to be hardly a state. When lords have no grain, lords sending grain to each other is in accord with the right way. Zang Sunchen asked Qi to sell grain, and only after he asked was it given, showing that Lu had no diplomatic relations abroad. In ancient times taxes were one-tenth, and good years made up for bad ones, with no need to seek help abroad, so that high and low had enough, and even with successive disaster years the people did not suffer. If there was no harvest for a year, the people starved, and the gentleman reproached this. "Went to Qi" is not written, to conceal this for Lu.

二十有九年春，新延廄。延廄者，法廄也。其言新有故也。有故則何為書也？古之君人者，必時視民之所勤。民勤於力，則功築罕；民勤於財，則貢賦少；民勤於食，則百事廢矣。冬築微，春新延廄，以其用民力為已悉矣！

In spring of the twenty-ninth year, the Yan stable was renewed. The Yan stable was a stable set up according to the system. It says "new" because there had been an old one. If there was an old one, why record it? In ancient times, a ruler would surely go in the proper season to see what the people were laboring over. When the people's labor was insufficient, he would build little; when the people's means were insufficient, he would levy few tributes; when the people's grain was insufficient, all works stopped. In winter a wall had just been built at Wei, and in spring the Yan stable was renewed, because the people's strength was being used up too far!

夏，師次於成。次，止也，有畏也。欲救鄣而不能也。不言公恥，不能救鄣也。

In summer, the army was stationed at Cheng. "Ci" means to halt, because of some fear. He wished to rescue Zhang but could not. "Duke" is not written because of shame at not being able to rescue Zhang.

秋，七月，齊人降鄣。降，猶下也。鄣，紀之遺邑也。

In autumn, the seventh month, the men of Qi subdued Zhang. "Subdued" is like "took". Zhang was the remaining city of Ji.

八月癸亥，葬紀叔姬。不日卒而日葬，閔紀之亡也。

On guihai of the eighth month, Shu Ji of Ji was buried. Her death is not dated but her burial is dated, out of pity for the fall of Ji.

冬，公及齊侯遇於魯濟。及者，內為志焉爾。遇者，志相得也。

In winter, Duke Zhuang and the Marquis of Qi met at Luji. Using the word "and" shows that Lu took the initiative. Using the word "meet" shows that the two sides' minds were in accord.

齊人伐山戎。齊人者，齊侯也，其曰人，何也？愛齊侯乎！山戎也，其愛之何也？桓內無因國，外無從諸侯，而越千里之險，北伐山戎，危之也，則非之乎，善之也。何善乎爾？燕，周之分子也；貢職不至，山戎為之伐矣。

The men of Qi attacked the Shan Rong. The "men of Qi" were in fact the Marquis of Qi, but the text calls him "men"; why? It is cherishing the Marquis of Qi! In writing the Marquis of Qi as "men" against the Shan Rong, why say it is cherishing him? Duke Huan had no dependent states inside to lean on and no lords following outside, yet he crossed a thousand miles of obstacles to attack the Shan Rong in the north, and the text worries for him; so is it reproaching him? It approves of him. Approves of what? Yan was a descendant branch of the Zhou house; its tribute and services could not get through, the Shan Rong blocked them, and so he went to attack.

六月，齊侯來獻戎捷。齊侯來獻捷者，內齊侯也。不言使，內與同，不言使也。獻戎捷，軍得曰捷，戎菽也。

In the sixth month, the Marquis of Qi came to present the captives from the attack on the Shan Rong. The Marquis of Qi came in person to present the victory, treating the Marquis of Qi as one of our own. "Sent" is not written, because when treating someone as one of one's own and doing things together, "sent" is not written. In presenting the Rong captives, what is obtained in the army is called "victory"; here it refers to the beans of the Rong land.

秋，築臺於秦。不正罷民三時，虞山林藪澤之利。且財盡則怨，力盡則懟，君子危之，故謹而志之也。或曰倚諸桓也。桓外無諸侯之變，內無國事，越千里之險，北伐山戎，為燕闢地。魯外無諸侯之變，內無國事，一年罷民三時，虞山林藪澤之利，惡內也。

In autumn, a terrace was built at Qin. What was not in accord with the right way was making the people have no rest in all three seasons, in order to monopolize the produce of mountains, forests, lakes and marshes. Moreover when resources are exhausted people resent, and when strength is exhausted people hate, and the gentleman worries for him, so it is solemnly recorded. Another view: it is using Duke Huan of Qi as a foil. Duke Huan had no incidents among the lords outside and no affairs of state binding him inside, yet crossed a thousand miles of obstacles to attack the Shan Rong in the north and open up land for Yan. Lu also had no incidents among the lords outside and no affairs of state inside, yet in a single year made the people have no rest for three seasons, in order to monopolize the produce of mountains, forests, lakes and marshes, and the text loathes Lu on this side.

夏，宋公、齊侯遇於梁丘。遇者，志相得也。梁丘在曹、邾之間，去齊八百里，非不能從諸侯而往也。辭所遇，遇所不遇，大齊桓也。

In summer, the Duke of Song and the Marquis of Qi met at Liangqiu. Using the word "meet" shows that the two sides' minds were in accord. Liangqiu lies between Cao and Zhu, eight hundred li from Qi, and it was not that the Marquis of Qi could not have summoned the lords to go together. He declined what he could have met and went to meet what was not easy to meet, and this makes Duke Huan of Qi appear great.

八月癸亥，公薨於路寢。路寢，正寢也。寢疾居正寢，正也。男子不絕於婦人之手，以齊終也。

On guihai of the eighth month, Duke Zhuang died in the main hall. The main hall is the proper chamber. Living in the proper chamber during grave illness is the regular form. A man should not breathe his last in a woman's hands, in order to end his life with dignity.

冬，十月乙未，子般卒。子卒日，正也；不日，故也。有所見則日。

In winter, the tenth month, yiwei day, Zi Ban died. When a son dies, recording the day is the regular form; not recording the day is because there was an incident. When there is something to be shown to people, the day is recorded.

公子慶父如齊。此奔也，其曰如，何也？諱莫如深，深則隱。茍有所見，莫如深也。

Gongzi Qingfu went to Qi. This was in fact fleeing; why is it written as "went to"? In concealment, nothing is more thorough than deep hiding, for deep hiding covers the matter. If there were something to be shown to people, concealment would not be deeper than here.

元年春，王正月。繼弒君不言即位，正也。親之非父也，尊之非君也，繼之如君父也者，受國焉爾。

In spring of the first year, in the first month of the Zhou calendar. Following a ruler who was assassinated, the text does not write "took the throne"; this is the regular form. In terms of kinship, that man was not his father; in terms of honor, that man was not yet his ruler; yet he continued him as one would a ruler and father, because the state was received from him.

夏，六月辛酉，葬我君莊公。莊公葬而後舉諡，諡所以成德也，於卒事乎加之矣。

In summer, the sixth month, xinyou day, our ruler Duke Zhuang was buried. Only after Duke Zhuang was buried was the posthumous title indicated; the posthumous title is used to complete the name and virtue of a whole life, and is added only after the funeral affairs are done.

秋，八月，公及齊侯盟於洛姑。盟納季子也。

In autumn, the eighth month, Duke Min and the Marquis of Qi made a covenant at Luogu. This covenant was to bring Jizi back.

季子來歸。其曰季子，貴之也。其曰來歸，喜之也。

Jizi returned to the state. Calling him "Jizi" exalts him. Writing "came back" is rejoicing for him.

冬，齊仲孫來。其曰齊仲孫，外之也。其不目而曰仲孫，疏之也。其言齊，以累桓也。

In winter, Zhongsun of Qi came. Writing "Zhongsun of Qi" treats him as an outsider. Not specifying which one and calling him only "Zhongsun" keeps him at a distance. Naming "Qi" burdens Duke Huan of Qi with this matter.

夏，五月乙酉，吉禘於莊公。吉禘者，不吉者也。喪事未畢而舉吉祭，故非之也。

In summer, the fifth month, yiyou day, the auspicious di sacrifice was performed for Duke Zhuang. It says "auspicious di", but in fact it was not auspicious. Performing an auspicious sacrifice before the funeral matters were over is why this is censured.

秋，八月辛丑，公薨。不地，故也。其不書葬，不以討母葬子也。

In autumn, the eighth month, xinchou day, Duke Min died. The place is not recorded because his death involved an incident. The burial is not recorded because a burial is not conducted for the son on the ground of 'the mother has already been punished'; while the mother's guilt has not been settled, the burial of the son cannot be written.

九月，夫人姜氏孫於邾。孫之為言猶孫也。諱奔也。

In the ninth month, the lady Jiang fled to Zhu. "Sun" is like "xun" (to yield), concealing that she was in fact fleeing.

公子慶父出奔莒。其曰出，絕之也，慶父不復見矣。

Gongzi Qingfu fled to Ju. Writing "went out" cuts him off; Qingfu no longer appears from here on.

冬，齊高子來盟。其曰來，喜之也。其曰高子，貴之也。盟立僖公也，不言使，何也？不以齊侯使高子也。

In winter, Gao Zi of Qi came to make a covenant. Writing "came" rejoices for him. Calling him "Gao Zi" exalts him. This covenant was to establish Duke Xi. Why is it not written "sent by the Marquis of Qi"? It is unwilling to write that the Marquis of Qi was commanding Gao Zi.

鄭棄其師。惡其長也，兼不反其眾，則是棄其師也。

Zheng abandoned its own army. Loathing its commander, and moreover not letting the subordinates return, is abandoning its own army.

齊師、宋師、曹師次於聶北，救邢。救不言次，言次非救也，非救而曰救，何也？遂齊侯之意也。是齊侯與？齊侯也。何用見其是齊侯也？曹無師。曹師者，曹伯也，其不言曹伯，何也？以其不言齊侯，不可言曹伯也。其不言齊侯，何也？以其不足乎揚，不言齊侯也。

The armies of Qi, Song and Cao were stationed at Nieber to rescue Xing. Rescuing is normally not written with "halted"; once "halted" is written it is not a true rescue. Not a true rescue yet written as "rescue"; why? It is to fulfill the Marquis of Qi's intention. Does what is said here mean the Marquis of Qi? It is the Marquis of Qi. On what ground can we tell it is the Marquis of Qi? Cao had no army that could be called a "shi". "Cao shi" in fact means the Earl of Cao; why is the Earl of Cao not written? Because the Marquis of Qi is not written, the Earl of Cao cannot be written either. Why is the Marquis of Qi not written? Because his merit is not yet enough to be praised, so the Marquis of Qi is not written.

夏，六月，邢遷於夷儀。遷者，猶得其國家以往者也。其地，邢復見也。

In summer, the sixth month, Xing moved to Yiyi. Saying "moved" is the sort of case where one leaves while still keeping one's own state. The place is recorded because Xing would appear again later.

齊師、宋師、曹師城邢。是向之師也，使之如改事然，美齊侯之功也。

The armies of Qi, Song and Cao built a wall for Xing. This was still the same army as before, yet the text writes it as if another thing were done, in order to praise the Marquis of Qi's merit.

秋，七月戊辰，夫人姜氏薨於夷。夫人薨不地。地，故也。

In autumn, the seventh month, wuchen day, the lady Jiang died at Yi. When a lady dies, the place is normally not recorded. Here the place is recorded because her death involved an incident.

齊人以歸。不言以喪歸，非以喪歸也。加喪焉，諱以夫人歸也。其以歸，薨之也。

The men of Qi took her back. It is not written "brought the funeral back", because she was not sent back according to funeral rites. The text adds the word "died" to conceal that Qi took the lady away. Writing "took her back" in fact means that she died because of it.

八月，公會齊侯、宋公、鄭伯、曹伯、邾人於檉。

In the eighth month, Duke Xi met the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao and the men of Zhu at Cheng.

九月，公敗邾師於偃。不日，疑戰也。疑戰而曰敗，勝內也。

In the ninth month, Duke Xi defeated the army of Zhu at Yan. The day is not recorded because it was a chance encounter without an agreement. Without an agreement yet written as "defeated", it shows that the victory lay on Lu's side.

冬，十月壬午，公子友帥師，敗莒師於麗。獲莒挐。莒無大夫，其曰莒挐，何也？以吾獲之目之也。內不言獲，此其言獲，何也？惡公子之紿。紿者奈何？公子友謂莒挐曰：「吾二人不相說，士卒何罪？」屏左右而相搏。公子友處下。左右曰：「孟勞。」孟勞者，魯之寶刀也。公子友以殺之。然則何以惡乎紿也？曰：棄師之道也。

In winter, the tenth month, renwu day, Gongzi You led an army and defeated the army of Ju at Li, capturing Ju Na. Ju had no commissioned grand masters; why is he called "Ju Na" here? Because our state of Lu captured him, he is brought out by name. For Lu's own wars the text normally does not write "captured"; here it writes it, why? It loathes Gongzi You's use of deception. How was it deception? Gongzi You said to Ju Na: "The two of us do not get along; what fault do the soldiers have?" He had his attendants withdraw, and the two wrestled. Gongzi You fell into the weaker position. His attendants shouted: "Menglao!" Menglao was a precious knife of Lu. Gongzi You used it to kill Ju Na. Then why loathe this deception? The answer is: this is the conduct of abandoning one's own army.

十有二月丁巳，夫人氏之喪至自齊。其不言姜，以其殺二子，貶之也。或曰為齊桓諱殺同姓也。

In the twelfth month, dingsi day, the coffin of the lady Shi arrived from Qi. "Jiang" is not written because she had killed two sons, so she is demoted. Another view: it conceals for Duke Huan of Qi that he killed someone of the same surname.

二年春，王正月，城楚丘。楚丘者何？衛邑也。國而曰城；此邑也，其曰城，何也？封衛也。則其不言城衛，何也？衛未遷也。其不言衛之遷焉，何也？不與齊侯專封也。其言城之者，專辭也。故非天子不得專封諸侯，諸侯不得專封諸侯。雖通其仁，以義而不與也。故曰：仁不勝道。

In spring of the second year, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, Chuqiu was fortified. What is Chuqiu? It is a city of Wei. "Walling" is used for a state; here it was a city, so why is "walling" used too? It is re-enfeoffing Wei. Then why is it not written "walled Wei"? Because Wei had not yet moved there. Why is the moving of Wei's capital not written? It disapproves of the Marquis of Qi's enfeoffing lords on his own authority. Writing "walled so-and-so" is wording for acting alone. So: if one is not the Son of Heaven, one may not enfeoff lords on one's own authority; and lords may not enfeoff lords on their own authority. Even if one acknowledges his benevolent heart, by righteousness it is not approved. Hence it is said: benevolence cannot overcome the Way.

虞師、晉師滅夏陽。非國而曰滅，重夏陽也。虞無師，其曰師，何也？以其先晉，不可以不言師也。其先晉，何也？為主乎滅夏陽也。夏陽者，虞、虢之塞邑也，滅夏陽而虞、虢舉矣；虞之為主乎滅夏陽，何也？晉獻公欲伐虢。荀息曰：「君何不以屈產之乘，垂棘之璧，而借道乎虞也？」公曰：「此晉國之寶也。如受吾幣而不借吾道，則如之何？」荀息曰：「此小國之所以事大國也。彼不借吾道，必不敢受吾幣。如受吾幣而借吾道，則是我取之中府，而藏之外府；取之中廄，而置之外廄也。」公曰：「宮之奇存焉，必不使受之也。」荀息曰：「宮之奇之為人也，達心而懦，又少長於君。達心則其言略，懦則不能強諫，少長於君，則君輕之。且夫玩好在耳目之前，而患在一國之後，此中知以上，乃能慮之。臣料虞君，中知以下也。」公遂借道而伐虢。宮之奇諫曰：「晉國之使者，其辭卑而幣重，必不便於虞。」虞公弗聽，遂受其幣而借之道。宮之奇諫曰：「語曰：『唇亡則齒寒』，其斯之謂與！」挈其妻子以奔曹。獻公亡虢，五年而後舉虞，荀息牽馬操璧而前曰：「璧則猶是也，而馬齒加長矣。」

The armies of Yu and Jin destroyed Xiayang. It was not a state yet "destroyed" is used, treating Xiayang as very important. Yu had no army that could be called a "shi", yet the text calls it "shi"; why? Because it is written ahead of Jin, it cannot but be called "shi". Why is it written ahead of Jin? Because it was the instigator in destroying Xiayang. Xiayang was a stronghold of Yu and Guo; once Xiayang was destroyed, Yu and Guo were both in hand. Why is Yu said to be the instigator in destroying Xiayang? Duke Xian of Jin wished to attack Guo. Xun Xi said: "Why does Your Lordship not borrow passage through Yu with the horses produced at Qu and the jade of Chuiji?" Duke Xian said: "These are Jin's treasures. If they accept my gifts but do not lend passage, what then?" Xun Xi said: "A small state serves a large state by means of exactly these. If they do not lend passage, they surely will not dare accept our gifts; if they accept the gifts and also lend passage, it would be no more than my taking things out of the inner storehouse and putting them in the outer storehouse, or leading them out of the inner stable and putting them in the outer stable." Duke Xian said: "Gong Zhiqi is there, and he surely will not let the ruler accept them." Xun Xi said: "Gong Zhiqi as a person is clear in mind but weak in character, and has watched the ruler grow up from childhood. Being clear in mind, his words are brief; being weak, he cannot remonstrate forcefully; having watched the ruler since childhood, the ruler makes light of him. Moreover, playthings are set before the eyes and ears, while the calamity lies behind the state, which only someone of above-average insight can think of. I reckon that the lord of Yu is of below-average insight." Duke Xian then borrowed passage to attack Guo. Gong Zhiqi remonstrated: "The Jin envoy's words are humble and his gifts heavy, and it must be bad for Yu." The Duke of Yu did not listen, accepted the gifts and lent them passage. Gong Zhiqi remonstrated again: "The proverb says 'when the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold'; this is surely what it means!" Then he fled to Cao with his wife and children. Duke Xian destroyed Guo, and five years later took Yu. Xun Xi stepped forward leading the horses and holding the jade, saying: "The jade is still the same jade, but the horses' teeth have grown longer."

秋，九月，齊侯、宋公、江人、黃人盟於貫。貫之盟，不期而至者，江人、黃人也。江人、黃人者，遠國之辭也。中國稱齊、宋，遠國稱江、黃，以為諸侯皆來至也。

In autumn, the ninth month, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the men of Jiang and the men of Huang made a covenant at Guan. At the Guan covenant, those who arrived without prior agreement were the men of Jiang and the men of Huang. Calling them "men of Jiang" and "men of Huang" is wording for distant states. Within the central plain Qi and Song are named, and among the distant states Jiang and Huang, to show that the lords had all arrived at Qi.

夏，四月，不雨。一時言不雨者，閔雨也。閔雨者，有志乎民者也。

In summer, the fourth month, there was no rain. Writing only "no rain" in a season expresses pity at there being no rain. Pity at there being no rain is having the people in one's heart.

六月，雨。雨雲者，喜雨也。喜雨者，有志乎民者也。

In the sixth month, it rained. Writing "rain" in this way rejoices in the rain. Rejoicing in the rain is having the people in one's heart.

秋，齊侯、宋公、江人、黃人會於陽穀。陽穀之會，桓公委端搢笏而朝諸侯，諸侯皆諭乎桓公之志。

In autumn, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the men of Jiang and the men of Huang met at Yanggu. At the Yanggu meeting, Duke Huan, in dark ceremonial dress and with a tablet in his sash, received the lords in audience, and the lords all understood Duke Huan's intent.

冬，公子季友如齊蒞盟。蒞者位也。其不日，前定也。不言及者，以國與之也。不言其人，亦以國與之也。

In winter, Gongzi Jiyou went to Qi to attend the covenant. "Li" means to take one's place. The day is not recorded because it had been agreed beforehand. "And" is not used, because the state is entrusted to the other side. Not writing out the other side's people is likewise entrusting the state to the other side.

四年春，王正月，公會齊侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、鄭伯、許男、曹伯侵蔡。蔡潰。潰之為言，上下不相得也。侵，淺事也。侵蔡而蔡潰，以桓公為知所侵也。不土其地，不分其民，明正也。遂伐楚，次於陘。遂，繼事也。次，止也。

In spring of the fourth year, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, Duke Xi convened with the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Baron of Xu and the Earl of Cao and invaded Cai. Cai collapsed. "Collapsed" means that high and low could not agree. Invading is a shallow matter. That invading Cai made Cai collapse shows that Duke Huan knew where to invade. Not occupying its land and not dividing its people shows this was an upright way of doing it. Then he attacked Chu and was stationed at Xing. "Sui" means then carrying on with the business. "Ci" means halting.

夏，許男新臣卒。諸侯死於國，不地；死於外，地。死於師，何為不地？內桓師也。

In summer, Xin Chen, Baron of Xu, died. When a lord dies in his own state, the place is not recorded; if he dies abroad, the place is recorded. Dying in the army, why is the place not recorded? Because Duke Huan's army is treated as one's own.

楚屈完來盟於師，盟於召陵。楚無大夫，其曰屈完，何也？以其來會桓，成之為大夫也。其不言使，權在屈完也，則是正乎？曰：非正也。以其來會諸侯，重之也。來者何？內桓師也。於師，前定也。於召陵，得志乎桓公也。得志者，不得志也，以桓公得志為僅矣。屈完曰：「大國之以兵向楚，何也？」桓公曰：「昭王南征不反，菁茅之貢不至，故周室不祭。」屈完曰：「菁茅之貢不至，則諾，昭王南征不反，我將問諸江。」

Qu Wan of Chu came to the army to make a covenant, and the covenant was concluded at Shaoling. Chu had no commissioned grand masters; why is he called "Qu Wan" here? Because he came to meet with Duke Huan, he is treated as a grand master. "Sent" is not written, because the authority lay with Qu Wan. Was this in accord with the right way? The answer is: not in accord with the right way. Because he came to meet the lords, he is written heavily. What does "came" mean? It treats Duke Huan's army as one's own. Writing "at the army" shows that it was agreed beforehand. Writing "at Shaoling" says that Duke Huan attained his aim. In saying he attained his aim, it in fact says he did not truly attain it, and views Duke Huan's attainment as merely that. Qu Wan said: "What does the great state mean by pointing its army at Chu?" Duke Huan said: "King Zhao's southern campaign did not return, and the tribute of bundled sedge was not sent, so the Zhou house could not perform its sacrifices." Qu Wan said: "That the tribute of bundled sedge did not arrive, we accept; King Zhao's southern campaign did not return, I will go and ask the Jiang River."

齊人執陳袁濤塗。齊人者，齊侯也，其人之，何也？於是哆然外齊侯也。不正其逾國而執也。

The men of Qi seized Yuan Taotu of Chen. The "men of Qi" were in fact the Marquis of Qi, written as "men"; why? By this time people had openly begun to treat him as an outsider. It is dissatisfaction at his crossing another state to seize someone.

秋，及江人、黃人伐陳。不言其人及之者何？內師也。

In autumn, he attacked Chen together with the men of Jiang and the men of Huang. Why is the person not written out and only "and" used? Because it was Lu's own army.

八月，公至自伐楚。有二事偶，則以後事致。後事小，則以先事致。其以伐楚致，大伐楚也。

In the eighth month, Duke Xi returned from the army attacking Chu. When two matters are linked, the return is written according to the latter matter; when the latter matter is small, the return is written according to the former matter. Here the return is written according to "attacking Chu", viewing the attack on Chu as the greater.

冬，十有二月，公孫茲帥師，會齊人、宋人、衛人、鄭人、許人、曹人，侵陳。

In winter, the twelfth month, Gongsun Zi led an army and, together with the men of Qi, Song, Wei, Zheng, Xu and Cao, invaded Chen.

五年春，晉侯殺其世子申生。目晉侯斥殺，惡晉侯也。

In spring of the fifth year, the Marquis of Jin killed his crown prince Shensheng. Naming "the Marquis of Jin" and writing "killed" directly expresses loathing of the Marquis of Jin.

杞伯姬來朝其子。婦人既嫁，不逾竟；逾竟非正也。諸侯相見曰朝，伯姬為志乎朝其子也。伯姬為志乎朝其子，則是杞伯失夫之道矣！諸侯相見曰朝，以待人父之道待人之子，非正也。故曰「杞伯姬來朝其子」，參譏也。

Lady Ji of Qi came with her son to pay court. A woman after marriage should not leave the borders again, and leaving the borders is not in accord with the right way. Only when lords meet is it called "court", and Lady Ji set her mind on having her son come to court. Lady Ji setting her mind on having her son come to court means the Earl of Qi had lost the principle of a husband! Only when lords meet is it called "court", and to treat someone's son with the ritual for someone's father is not in accord with the right way. So it is written as "Lady Ji of Qi came to court with her son", criticizing all three parties together.

公及齊侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、鄭伯、許男、曹伯，會王世子於首戴。及以會，尊之也。何尊焉？王世子云者，唯王之貳也。雲可以重之存焉，尊之也。何重焉？天子世子世天下也。

Duke Xi, together with the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Baron of Xu and the Earl of Cao, met the crown prince of the Zhou Son of Heaven at Shoudai. Writing "and" first and then "met" honors him. Honors what? He is called "royal heir" because he is the Son of Heaven's only deputy. It is said he can bear a very heavy trust, so he is honored. Where lies the weight? The Son of Heaven's crown prince is one who will inherit the world through the generations.

秋，八月，諸侯盟於首戴。無中事而復舉諸侯，何也？尊王世子，而不敢與盟也。尊則其不敢與盟，何也？盟者，不相信也，故謹信也。不敢以所不信而加之尊者，桓諸侯也。不能朝天子，是不臣也。王世子，子也，塊然受諸侯之尊己，而立乎其位，是不子也。桓不臣，王世子不子，則其所善焉何也？是則變之正也。天子微，諸侯不享覲。桓控大國，扶小國；統諸侯不能以朝天子，亦不敢致天王。尊王世子於首戴，乃所以尊天王之命也。世子含王命會齊桓，亦所以尊天王之命也。世子受之可乎？是亦變之正也。天子微，諸侯不享覲。世子受諸侯之尊己，而天王尊矣，世子受之可也。

In autumn, the eighth month, the lords made a covenant at Shoudai. There was no separate item set up in between, yet "the lords" is raised again; why? It honors the Son of Heaven's crown prince and does not dare let him take part in the oath. Since it honors him, why does it not dare let him take part in the oath? A covenant is because of mutual distrust, and so solemnly seeks trust. One dare not put this distrust on someone honored. Duke Huan was a lord. For him to be unable to go and pay court to the Son of Heaven is not acting as a minister. The Son of Heaven's crown prince is a son, yet calmly accepts the lords' honoring of him and stands in that position, which is not acting as a son. Duke Huan not acting as a minister and the crown prince not acting as a son, then what does the text approve in them? This is the right way within expediency. The Son of Heaven had declined, and the lords did not go to bring tribute and pay court. Duke Huan controlled the great states and supported the small, led the lords yet could not lead them to pay court to the Son of Heaven, and also did not dare summon the Son of Heaven. Honoring the Son of Heaven's crown prince at Shoudai was precisely a way to honor the Son of Heaven's command. The crown prince coming with the king's command to meet Duke Huan of Qi was also a way to honor the Son of Heaven's command. Is it acceptable for the crown prince to receive this? This too is the right way within expediency. The Son of Heaven had declined, and the lords did not go to bring tribute and pay court. When the crown prince received the lords' honor, the Son of Heaven was instead more honored, and the crown prince's receiving it is acceptable.

楚人滅弦，弦子奔黃。弦，國也；其不日，微國也。

The men of Chu destroyed Xian, and the Viscount of Xian fled to Huang. Xian was a state. The day is not recorded because it was a small state.

冬，晉人執虞公。執不言所於地，縕於晉也。其曰公，何也？猶曰其下執之之辭也。其猶下執之之辭，何也？晉命行乎虞民矣。虞、虢之相救，非相為賜也。今日亡虢，而明日亡虞矣！

In winter, the men of Jin seized the Duke of Yu. In seizing someone the place is not written, because he was already within Jin. Why is he called "Duke"? It is like wording in which his own subordinates seized him. Why does it seem his subordinates seized him? Because Jin's command had already been carried out among the people of Yu. Yu and Guo rescued each other, and it was not that they were giving each other benefits. Having destroyed Guo today, tomorrow it would be Yu's turn!

夏，公會齊侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、曹伯伐鄭，圍新城。伐國不言圍邑，此其言圍，何也？病鄭也。著鄭伯之罪也。

In summer, Duke Xi convened with the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wei and the Earl of Cao and attacked Zheng, besieging Xincheng. In attacking a state, the text normally does not write the besieging of its city; here it writes "besiege", why? It reproaches Zheng and brings out the guilt of the Earl of Zheng.

冬，公至自伐鄭。其不以救許致，何也？大伐鄭也。

In winter, Duke Xi returned from the army attacking Zheng. Why is the return not written according to "rescuing Xu"? It views the attack on Zheng as the greater.

鄭，殺其大夫申侯。稱國以殺大夫，殺無罪也。

Zheng killed its grand master Shen Hou. Recording the killing of a grand master by the name of the state indicates that the one killed was without guilt.

秋，七月，公會齊侯、宋公、陳世子款、鄭世子華，盟於寧母。衣裳之會也。

In autumn, the seventh month, Duke Xi convened with the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, Kuan, the crown prince of Chen, and Hua, the crown prince of Zheng, and made a covenant at Ningmu. This was a meeting in ceremonial robes.

八年春，王正月，公會王人、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、許男、曹伯、陳世子款，盟於洮。王人之先諸侯，何也？貴王命也。朝服雖敝，必加於上；弁冕雖舊，必加於首；周室雖衰，必先諸侯。兵車之會也。

In spring of the eighth year, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, Duke Xi convened with the man of the Zhou royal house, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Baron of Xu, the Earl of Cao and Kuan, the crown prince of Chen, and made a covenant at Tao. The man of the royal house is written before the lords; why? It honors the Son of Heaven's command. Even a court robe that is worn out must still be put on the body; even a cap that is old must still be put on the head; even a Zhou house that is declining must still be written ahead of the lords. This was a meeting with war chariots.

鄭伯乞盟。以向之逃歸乞之也。乞者，重辭也，重是盟也。乞者，處其所而請與也。蓋汋之也。

The Earl of Zheng asked to take part in the covenant. This was asked on account of his earlier flight back. "Qi" (to beg) is a heavy word, which views this covenant as weighty. "Qi" means that the person is still with his own side and asks to be allowed to join. He was probably drawn in after being weighed up.

秋，七月，禘於太廟。用致夫人。用者，不宜用者也。致者，不宜致者也。言夫人必以其氏姓。言夫人而不以氏姓，非夫人也，立妾之辭也，非正也。夫人之，我可以不夫人之乎？夫人卒葬之，我可以不卒葬之乎？一則以宗廟臨之而後貶焉，一則以外之弗夫人而見正焉。

In autumn, the seventh month, the di sacrifice was held in the grand temple, and the lady was sent into the temple to receive sacrifice. Using the word "use" precisely shows that it should not have been used; using the word "send" precisely shows that she should not have been sent in. Calling someone a lady must be done with the clan name. Calling her a lady without the clan name means she is not a lady, but is wording for raising a concubine to be lady, which is not in accord with the right way. Since she has been treated as lady, can I not treat her as lady? When a lady dies the death and burial are recorded; can I not record her death and burial? On one hand she is made to face the ancestral temple and then she is demoted; on the other, by means of outsiders not acknowledging her as lady, the right way is shown.

夏，公會宰周公、齊侯、宋子、衛侯、鄭伯、許男、曹伯於葵丘。天子之宰，通於四海，宋其稱子，何也？未葬之辭也。禮：柩在堂上，孤無外事。今背殯而出會，以宋子為無哀矣！

In summer, Duke Xi convened with Zhai Zhou Gong, the Marquis of Qi, the Viscount of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Baron of Xu and the Earl of Cao at Kuiqiu. The Grand Chief Steward of the Son of Heaven had government orders that reached the four seas. The lord of Song is called "Viscount"; why? This is wording for before a burial. By ritual: while the coffin is still in the hall, the orphan son has no outside affairs. Now he left the funeral affairs to attend a meeting, and the text regards the Viscount of Song as having no grief!

秋，七月乙酉，伯姬卒。內女也，未適人不卒，此何以卒也？許嫁笄而字之，死則以成人之喪治之。

In autumn, the seventh month, yiyou day, Boji died. She was a daughter of Lu who had not yet married, and her death is normally not recorded; why is it recorded here? She had been betrothed, had had her coming-of-age hairpin ceremony and been given a courtesy name, and so on her death it was handled with adult funeral rites.

九月戊辰，諸侯盟於葵丘。桓盟不日，此何以日？美之也。為見天子之禁，故備之也。葵丘之會，陳牲而不殺，讀書加於牲上，壹明天子之禁，曰：毋雍泉，毋訖糴，毋易樹子，毋以妾為妻，毋使婦人與國事。

In the ninth month, wuchen day, the lords made a covenant at Kuiqiu. Covenants presided over by Duke Huan normally do not record the day; why is it recorded here? It praises him. Because the Son of Heaven's prohibitions are to be shown, it is written in full. At the Kuiqiu meeting, the sacrificial animals were displayed but not slaughtered, the covenant text was placed on the animals, and the Son of Heaven's prohibitions were declared with a single purpose: do not obstruct springs of water, do not forbid the purchase of grain, do not change an established crown prince, do not make a concubine into a wife, and do not let women interfere in affairs of state.

冬，晉裡克殺其君之子奚齊。其君之子云者，國人不子也。國人不子，何也？不正其殺世子申生而立之也。

In winter, Li Ke of Jin killed his ruler's son Xiqi. Writing "his ruler's son" is because the people of the state did not treat him as a son. Why did the people of the state not treat him as a son? They were dissatisfied that the Marquis of Jin had killed the crown prince Shensheng and set up this person.

晉裡克弒其君卓，及其大夫荀息。以尊及卑也，荀息閒也。

Li Ke of Jin killed his ruler Zhuo and his grand master Xun Xi. The honored one is written first and then the lowly one is linked with "and". Xun Xi was one who stood in the middle to shield the ruler.

晉殺其大夫裡克。稱國以殺，罪累上也。裡克弒二君與一大夫，其以累上之辭言之，何也？其殺之不以其罪也。其殺之不以其罪，奈何？裡克所為弒者，為重耳也。夷吾曰：「是又將殺我乎？」故殺之，不以其罪也。其為重耳弒，奈何？晉獻公伐虢，得麗姬，獻公私之。有二子，長曰奚齊，稚曰卓子。麗姬欲為亂，故謂君曰：「吾夜者夢夫人趨而來，曰：『吾苦畏。』胡不使大夫將衛士而衛冢乎？」公曰：「孰可使？」曰：「臣莫尊於世子，則世子可。」故君謂世子曰：「麗姬夢夫人趨而來曰『吾苦畏』，女其將衛士而往衛冢乎？」世子曰：「敬諾。」築宮。宮成，麗姬又曰：「吾夜者夢夫人趨而來，曰：『吾苦飢。』世子之宮已成，則何為不使祠也？」故獻公謂世子曰：「其祠。」世子祠。已祠，致福於君。君田而不在，麗姬以酖為酒，藥脯以毒。獻公田來，麗姬曰：「世子已祠。故致福於君。」君將食，麗姬跪曰：「食自外來者，不可不試也。」覆酒於地而地賁，以脯與犬，犬死。麗姬下堂而啼呼曰：「天乎！天乎！國子之國也，子何遲於為君？」君喟然嘆曰：「吾與女未有過切，是何與我之深也！」使人謂世子曰：「爾其圖之。」世子之傅裡克謂世子曰：「入自明。入自明，則可以生；不入自明，則不可以生。」世子曰：「吾君已老矣，已昏矣。吾若此而入自明，則麗姬必死。麗姬死，則吾君不安。所以使吾君不安者，吾不若自死。吾寧自殺以安吾君。」以重耳為寄矣，刎脰而死。故里克所為弒者，為重耳也。夷吾曰：「是又將殺我也。」

Jin killed its high official Li Ke. To record a killing by the name of the state means that the guilt extends to those above. Li Ke killed two rulers and one high official, yet it is phrased in the way that implicates those above; why? Because he was not killed according to his crime. In what sense was he not killed according to his crime? The reason Li Ke killed those people was for Chong'er. Yi Wu said: “Will this man kill me too?” So he was killed, and it was not according to his crime. How is it said that he killed for Chong'er? Duke Xian of Jin attacked Guo and obtained Lady Li, and the duke loved her. She bore two sons, the elder named Xiqi and the younger named Zhuozi. Lady Li wanted to cause disorder and said to the ruler: “Last night I dreamed that the late lady came hurrying and said: ‘I am very afraid.’ Why not send a high official with guards to protect the tomb?” Duke Xian said: “Whom can I send?” She said: “Among your ministers none is more honored than the crown prince; if the crown prince goes it will do.” So the ruler said to the crown prince: “Lady Li dreamed that the late lady came hurrying and said ‘I am very afraid’; take the guards and go protect the tomb.” The crown prince said: “I will follow your orders.” Then a palace was built. When the palace was finished, Lady Li said again: “Last night I dreamed that the late lady came hurrying and said: ‘I am very hungry.’ The crown prince's palace has already been finished; why not have him go and sacrifice?” Then Duke Xian said to the crown prince: “Go and sacrifice.” When the crown prince had finished sacrificing, he presented the sacrificial meat and wine to the ruler. The ruler was out hunting and not at home, and Lady Li put poison wine into the wine and smeared poison on the dried meat. When Duke Xian returned from hunting, Lady Li said: “The crown prince has already sacrificed, so he presents the blessed food to Your Majesty.” As the ruler was about to eat, Lady Li knelt and said: “Food brought from outside must be tried.” She poured the wine on the ground and the ground swelled; she gave the meat to a dog and the dog died. Lady Li went down from the hall, weeping and crying: “Heaven! Heaven! The state is the son's state; why is the son so slow to become ruler?” The ruler sighed long and said: “I have never been harsh to you; why have you tied such a deep knot with me!” He sent someone to say to the crown prince: “Plan for yourself.” The crown prince's tutor Li Ke said to the crown prince: “Go in and defend yourself. If you go in and defend yourself you can live; if you do not go in and defend yourself you cannot live.” The crown prince said: “My ruler is already old and already confused. If I go in and defend myself like this, Lady Li must die. If Lady Li dies, my ruler will have no peace. Rather than let my ruler have no peace, I would rather die myself. I would rather kill myself to give my ruler peace.” He entrusted his affairs to Chong'er and cut his own throat and died. So the reason Li Ke killed those people was for Chong'er. Yi Wu said: “Will this man kill me too?”

十有一年春，晉殺其大夫丕鄭父。稱國，以殺罪累上也。

In the spring of the eleventh year, Jin killed its high official Pi Zhengfu. To record a killing by the name of the state means that the guilt extends to those above.

秋，八月，大雩。雩，月正也。雩，得雨曰雩，不得雨曰旱。

In autumn, in the eighth month, the great rain sacrifice was held. The rain sacrifice is recorded by month, which is the regular form. Praying for rain and getting rain is called the “yu”; praying for rain and not getting it is called “drought.”

夏，楚人滅黃。貫之盟，管仲曰：「江、黃遠齊而近楚，楚為利之國也。若伐而不能救，則無以宗諸侯矣！」桓公不聽，遂與之盟。管仲死，楚伐江、滅黃，桓公不能救。故君子閔之也。

In summer, the people of Chu destroyed the state of Huang. At the meeting at Guan, Guan Zhong said: “Jiang and Huang are far from Qi and near to Chu, and Chu regards them as profitable states. If Chu attacks and Qi cannot rescue them, Qi will have no qualification to be the chief of the feudal lords!” Duke Huan did not listen and in the end allied with them. After Guan Zhong died, Chu attacked Jiang and destroyed Huang, and Duke Huan could not rescue them. So the gentleman pities this matter.

公會齊侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、鄭伯、許男、曹伯於鹹。兵車之會也。

Duke Xi met with the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Viscount of Xu, and the Earl of Cao at Xian. This was a meeting with war chariots.

十有四年春，諸侯城緣陵。其曰諸侯，散辭也。聚而曰散，何也？諸侯城，有散辭也。桓德衰矣。

In the spring of the fourteenth year, the feudal lords walled Yuanling. They are called “the feudal lords,” which is a scattered phrasing. The people were clearly gathered together; why use a scattered phrasing? The feudal lords walled a city and the text uses a scattered phrasing because Duke Huan's virtue had already declined.

夏，六月，季姬及繒子遇於防，使繒子來朝。遇者，同謀也。來朝者，來請己也。朝不言使，言使，非正也。以病繒子也。

In summer, in the sixth month, Ji Ji met the Viscount of Zeng at Fang and had the Viscount of Zeng come to court. “Met” means both sides planned it together. His coming to court was to ask to marry her himself. The text normally does not write “sent” for court visits; if “sent” is written, it is not in accordance with the right way. This is used to blame the Viscount of Zeng.

秋，八月辛卯，沙鹿崩。林屬於山為鹿。沙，山名也。無崩道而崩，故志之也。其日，重其變也。

In autumn, in the eighth month, on xinmao, Shalu collapsed. Forest connected to mountain is called “lu.” Sha is the name of the mountain. It collapsed though there was no reason for it to collapse, so it is recorded. The date is written to show that this anomaly was taken seriously.

三月，公會齊侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、鄭伯、許男、曹伯，盟於牡丘。兵車之會也。

In the third month, Duke Xi met with the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Viscount of Xu, and the Earl of Cao and made a covenant at Muqiu. This was a meeting with war chariots.

遂次於匡。遂，繼事也。次，止也，有畏也。

Then they camped at Kuang. “Then” means going on to do the next thing. “Camped” means stopping, because they had something to fear.

公孫敖帥師，及諸侯之大夫救徐。善救徐也。

Gongsun Ao led the army and, together with the high officials of the feudal lords, rescued Xu. The text approves of rescuing Xu.

八月，螽。螽，蟲災也。甚則月，不甚則時。

In the eighth month there was a plague of locusts. A locust plague is a plague of insects. If severe, the month is recorded; if not severe, the season is recorded.

己卯，晦，震夷伯之廟。晦，冥也。震，雷也。夷伯，魯大夫也。因此以見天子至於士，皆有廟。天子七廟，諸侯五，大夫三，士二。故德厚者流光，德薄者流卑。是以貴始德之本也。始封必為祖。

On jimao, the day was dark and thunder struck the temple of Yibo. “Dark” means gloomy, and “thunder” means thunderbolt. Yibo was a high official of Lu. From this we can see that from the Son of Heaven down to the scholar, all have temples. The Son of Heaven has seven temples, the feudal lords five, high officials three, and scholars two. So those of thick virtue have long-flowing blessings, and those of thin virtue have low-lying ones. For this reason the founding is valued, for it is the root of virtue. The one who is first enfeoffed is surely regarded as the first ancestor.

十有一月壬戌，晉侯及秦伯戰於韓。獲晉侯。韓之戰，晉侯失民矣。以其民未敗而君獲也。

In the eleventh month, on renxu, the Marquis of Jin fought with the Earl of Qin at Han, and the Marquis of Jin was captured. In the battle at Han, the Marquis of Jin had already lost his people, because the people had not yet been defeated but the ruler was captured.

十有六年春，王正月戊申朔，隕石於宋，五。先隕而後石，何也？隕而後石也。於宋，四竟之內曰宋。後數，散辭也，耳治也。

In the spring of the sixteenth year, on the first day, wushen, of the first month of the Zhou calendar, stones fell from the sky in Song, five in all. “Fell” is written first and then “stones”; why? Because the falling was seen first, and only then was it known they were stones. “In Song” is written because everything within the borders is called Song. The number is written afterward, which is a scattered phrasing, known by the ears.

是月，六鶂退飛，過宋都。是月者，決不日而月也。六鶂退飛過宋都，先數，聚辭也，目治也。子曰：「石，無知之物；鶂微，有知之物。石無知，故日之；鶂微，有知之物，故月之。君子之於物，無所茍而已。石、鶂且猶盡其辭，而況於人乎！故五石六鶂之辭不設，則王道不亢矣！」民所聚曰都。

In this month, six birds flew backward past the capital of Song. “This month” is written because the date was deliberately not recorded, only the month. Six birds flew backward past the capital of Song, with the number written first, which is a gathered phrasing, seen by the eyes. Confucius said: “Stones are things without awareness; the birds, though small, are things with awareness. Stones lack awareness, so the date is recorded; the birds, though small, have awareness, so only the month is recorded. The gentleman, in dealing with things, is only not careless in the slightest. Even for stones and birds the wording must be exhausted, how much more for people! If the wording of the five stones and six birds were not set up, the Way of the king could not be lifted high!” A place where the people dwell together is called a “du.”

三月壬申，公子季友卒。大夫日卒，正也。稱公弟叔仲，賢也。大夫不言公子公孫，疏之也。

In the third month, on renshen, Gongzi Jiyou died. When a high official dies the date is recorded, which is the regular form. He is called “Shuzhong, brother of the duke” because he was worthy. High officials who are not called Gongzi or Gongsun are distanced from the ruler.

秋，七月甲子，公孫茲卒。大夫日卒，正也。

In autumn, in the seventh month, on jiazi, Gongsun Zi died. When a high official dies the date is recorded, which is the regular form.

冬，十有二月，公會齊侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、鄭伯、許男、邢侯、曹伯於淮。兵車之會也。

In winter, in the twelfth month, Duke Xi met with the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Viscount of Xu, the Marquis of Xing, and the Earl of Cao at Huai. This was a meeting with war chariots.

夏，滅項。孰滅之？桓公也。何以不言桓公也？為賢者諱也。項，國也，不可滅而滅之乎，桓公知項之可滅也，而不知己之不可以滅也。既滅人之國矣，何賢乎？君子惡惡疾其始，善善樂其終。桓公嘗有存亡繼絕之功，故君子為之諱也。

In summer, the state of Xiang was destroyed. Who destroyed it? It was Duke Huan. Why is Duke Huan not named? To conceal it for the worthy. Xiang was a state; was it one that should not have been destroyed yet was? Duke Huan knew Xiang could be destroyed, but did not know that he himself should not destroy it. Having destroyed another's state, where is the worthiness left? The gentleman hates evil deeds and detests their beginnings; he praises good deeds and likes them to have a beginning and an end. Duke Huan once had the merit of preserving ruined states and continuing broken lines, so the gentleman conceals it for him.

秋，夫人姜氏會齊侯於卞。九月，公至自會。

In autumn, the Lady Jiang met the Marquis of Qi at Bian. In the ninth month, Duke Xi returned from the meeting.

冬，十有二月乙亥，齊侯小白卒。此不正，其日之，何也？其不正前見矣。其不正之前見，何也？以不正入虛國，故稱嫌焉爾。

In winter, in the twelfth month, on yihai, Xiaobai, Marquis of Qi, died. His succession was not originally in accordance with the right way, yet the date is recorded here; why? His lack of rightness had been shown before. How had it been shown before? He entered an empty state in an improper way, and so the suspicion had already been pointed out at that time.

十有八年春，王正月，宋公、曹伯、衛人、邾人伐齊。非伐喪也。

In the spring of the eighteenth year, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, the Duke of Song, the Earl of Cao, the people of Wei, and the people of Zhu attacked Qi. This was not an attack that should have been made while Qi was in mourning.

五月戊寅，宋師及齊師戰於甗。齊師敗績。戰不言伐，客不言及。言及，惡宋也。

In the fifth month, on wuyin, the Song army and the Qi army fought at Yan, and the Qi army was greatly defeated. Once battle is joined, an attack is not written separately; the one who is the guest does not normally use “and.” Here “and” is used, because Song is hated.

冬，邢人、狄人伐衛。狄其稱人，何也？善累而後進之。伐衛，所以救齊也。

In winter, the people of Xing and the Di attacked Wei. The Di are called “people”; why? Good deeds accumulated one by one, and only then were they raised one grade. They attacked Wei in order to rescue Qi.

己酉，邾人執繒子，用之。微國之君，因邾以求與之盟。人因己以求與之盟，己迎而執之

On jiyou, the people of Zhu seized the Viscount of Zeng and used him. He was the ruler of a small state who relied on Zhu and sought an alliance. When another relies on you and seeks an alliance, and you go out to meet him and seize him,

惡之，故謹而日之也。用之者，叩其鼻以衈社也。

(The commentary continues:) it is hated, and so the date is recorded with care. What is called “used” means breaking his nose and using the nose blood to smear the altar of the soil.

梁亡。自亡也。湎於酒，淫於色，心昏，耳目塞；上無正長之治，大臣背叛，民為寇盜。梁亡，自亡也。如加力役焉，湎不足道也。梁亡，鄭棄其師，我無加損焉，正名而已矣！梁亡，出惡正也。鄭棄其師，惡其長也。

Liang was lost. It destroyed itself. Sunk in wine and indulging in lust, its mind was dim and its ears and eyes were blocked; above there was no upright officer to govern, the high ministers rebelled, and the people became bandits. Liang was lost; it destroyed itself. If one added being used by others, then sinking in wine would hardly be worth mentioning. Liang was lost, and Zheng abandoned its army; I have not added or subtracted anything in the wording, only set the names straight! “Liang was lost” writes evil as a positive name; “Zheng abandoned its army” hates its general.

二十年春，新作南門。作，為也，有加其度也。言新，有故也，非作也。南門者，法門也。

In the spring of the twentieth year, the south gate was rebuilt. “Built” means made, and means that the scale was enlarged. “New” is said because there was an old one before; it was not made from nothing. The south gate is a gate set up according to the system.

五月乙巳，西宮災。謂之新宮，則近為禰宮；以諡言之，則如疏之然。以是為閔宮也。

In the fifth month, on yisi, the Western Palace caught fire. If one calls it the “new palace,” it comes close to being the father's temple; if one speaks by posthumous title, it seems distancing him. For this reason it is taken as the temple of Duke Min.

秋，齊人、狄人盟於邢。邢為主焉爾。邢小，其為主，何也？其為主乎救齊。

In autumn, the people of Qi and the Di made a covenant at Xing. Xing was the host of this meeting. Xing was small; why could it be the host? Because it was the host in rescuing Qi.

秋，宋公、楚子、陳侯、蔡侯、鄭伯、許男、曹伯會於雩，執宋公以伐宋。以，重辭也。

In autumn, the Duke of Song, the Viscount of Chu, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Cai, the Earl of Zheng, the Viscount of Xu, and the Earl of Cao met at Yu, seized the Duke of Song, and attacked Song. The use of “yi” (using) is a heavy phrasing.

楚人使宜申來獻捷。捷，軍得也。其不曰宋捷，何也？不與楚捷於宋也。

The people of Chu sent Yi Shen to present captives. “Jie” means what is obtained in the army. Why is it not written “Song captives”? Because it disapproves of Chu's obtaining captives in Song.

十有二月癸丑，公會諸侯盟於薄。會者，外為主焉爾。

In the twelfth month, on guichou, Duke Xi met the feudal lords and made a covenant at Bo. The use of “met” shows that the meeting was initiated by the other side.

釋宋公。外釋不志，此其志，何也？以公之與之盟目之也。不言楚，不與楚專釋也。

The Duke of Song was released. When a foreign state releases someone, the text normally does not record it; here it is recorded; why? Because Duke Xi took part in that covenant, so it is pointed out. Chu is not named because the text disapproves of Chu's releasing him by itself.

秋，八月丁未，及邾人戰於升陘。內諱敗，舉其可道者也。不言其人，以吾敗也。不言及之者，為內諱也。

In autumn, in the eighth month, on dingwei, battle was joined with the people of Zhu at Shengjing. Lu conceals its own defeat, writing only the side that can still be spoken of. The name of the other side's general is not written, because our state of Lu lost the battle. “Together with the Viscount of Zhu” is not said, to conceal it for Lu.

冬，十有一月己巳朔，宋公及楚人戰於泓。宋師敗績。日事遇朔曰朔。《春秋》三十有四戰，未有以尊敗乎卑、以師敗乎人者也。以尊敗乎卑、以師敗乎人，則驕其敵。襄公以師敗乎人，而不驕其敵，何也？責之也。泓之戰，以為復雩之恥也。雩之恥，宋襄公有以自取之。伐齊之喪，執滕子，圍曹，為雩之會，不顧其力之不足，而致楚成王。成王怒而執之，故曰：禮人而不答，則反其敬；愛人而不親，則反其仁；治人而不治，則反其知。過而不改，又之，是謂之過。襄公之謂也。古者被甲嬰胄，非以興國也，則以徵無道也。豈曰以報其恥哉！宋公與楚人戰於泓水之上，司馬子反曰：「楚眾我少，鼓險而擊之，勝無幸焉！」襄公曰：「君子不推人危，不攻人厄，須其出。」既出，旌亂於上，陳亂於下。子反曰：「楚眾我少，擊之，勝無幸焉！」襄公曰：「不鼓不成列，須其成列而後擊之。」則眾敗而身傷焉，七月而死。倍則攻，敵則戰，少則守。人之所以為人者，言也；人而不能言，何以為人？言之所以為言也，信也；言而不信，何以為言？信之所以為信者，道也；信而不道，何以為道？道之貴者時，其行勢也。

In winter, in the eleventh month, on the first day, jisi, the Duke of Song fought with the people of Chu at Hong, and the Song army was greatly defeated. The event happened to fall on the first day, so “first day” was written. The Spring and Autumn records thirty-four battles, and never has a noble been defeated by someone lowly, or an army been defeated by “people.” For a noble to be defeated by a lowly one, for an army to be defeated by “people,” is to treat one's enemy with too much arrogance. Duke Xiang of Song's army was defeated by “people,” but this was not treating the enemy arrogantly; why? It is to blame him. The battle at Hong was meant to avenge the shame of being seized at Yu. The shame at Yu was brought on by Duke Xiang of Song himself. He attacked while Qi was in mourning, seized the Viscount of Teng, besieged Cao, convened the meeting at Yu, and, unmindful that his strength was insufficient, summoned King Cheng of Chu. King Cheng became angry and seized him. Therefore it is said: if you are courteous to people and they do not respond, examine your own reverence; if you love people and they are not close, examine your own benevolence; if you govern people and they are not well governed, examine your own wisdom. To have a fault and not change it, and to commit it again, that is what is truly called a fault. This refers to Duke Xiang. In ancient times putting on armor and helmet was either to raise up one's own state or to punish the lawless. How could it be said to be used to avenge a private shame! When the Duke of Song fought the people of Chu on the bank of the Hong River, Sima Zifan said: “The Chu army is many and ours is few; while they are in a dangerous position, beat the drums and attack, and the victory will be no accident!” Duke Xiang said: “The gentleman does not push people when they are in danger and does not attack them when they are in distress; wait until they come out.” When they came out, their banners above were in disorder and their ranks below were in disorder. Zifan said: “The Chu army is many and ours is few; attack now, and the victory will be no accident!” Duke Xiang said: “One does not beat the drum at those who have not yet formed ranks; wait until they have formed ranks and then attack.” And so his troops were defeated and he himself was wounded, and he died after seven months. Attack when you have double the enemy, fight when you are evenly matched, and defend when your numbers are few. What makes a person a person is speech; if a person cannot speak, by what does he count as a person? What makes speech speech is trustworthiness; if one speaks without trust, by what is it called speech? What makes trustworthiness trustworthiness is the Way; if trustworthiness does not accord with the Way, by what is it called the Way? What the Way values is timeliness, and its practice depends on circumstances.

二十有三年春，齊侯伐宋，圍閔。伐國不言圍邑，此其言圍，何也？不正其以惡報惡也。

In the spring of the twenty-third year, the Marquis of Qi attacked Song and besieged Min. When attacking a state, the text normally does not write besieging its town; here “besieged” is written; why? It is dissatisfied that he repaid evil with evil.

夏，五月庚寅，宋公茲父卒。茲父之不葬，何也？失民也。其失民，何也？以其不教民戰，則是棄其師也。為人君而棄其師，其民孰以為君哉！

In summer, in the fifth month, on gengyin, Zifu, Duke of Song, died. Why is Zifu's burial not recorded? Because he lost his people. How did he lose his people? He did not train the people for battle, which means he abandoned his own army. If a ruler abandons his own army, who among the people would still regard him as ruler!

冬，天王出居於鄭。天子無出。出，失天下也。居者，居其所也。雖失天下，莫敢有也。

In winter, the Son of Heaven of Zhou went out and lived in Zheng. There is no such thing as the Son of Heaven “going out.” To write “went out” means he lost the world. “Lived” means he lived where he should live. Even if he lost the world, no one dared to claim it as his own.

二十有五年春，王正月丙午，衛侯毀滅邢。毀之名何也？不正其伐本而滅同姓也。

In the spring of the twenty-fifth year, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, on bingwu, the Marquis of Wei destroyed Xing. Why is the destroyer named? It is dissatisfied that he cut off his own root and destroyed a state of the same surname.

宋蕩伯姬來逆婦。婦人既嫁，不逾竟。宋蕩伯姬來逆婦，非正也。其曰婦，何也？緣姑言之之辭也。

Bo Ji of the Dang family of Song came to fetch a wife. After a woman has married she should not go outside the borders again. That Bo Ji of the Dang family of Song came to fetch a wife was not in accordance with the right way. Why is she called “woman”? It is a phrasing that follows the mother-in-law's side.

宋殺其大夫。其不稱名姓，以其在祖之位，尊之也。

Song killed its high official. His name and surname are not given because he occupied the position of an ancestor, so he is honored.

秋，楚人圍陳，納頓子於頓。納者，內弗受也。圍，一事也；納，一事也；而遂言之，蓋納頓子者，陳也。

In autumn, the people of Chu besieged Chen and brought the Viscount of Dun into Dun. “Brought in” shows the other side did not accept him. “Besieged” is one matter and “brought in” is another, yet they are written running together; probably it was in fact Chen that brought the Viscount of Dun in.

冬，十有二月癸亥，公會衛子、莒慶，盟於洮。莒無大夫，其曰莒慶，何也？以公之會目之也。

In winter, in the twelfth month, on guihai, Duke Xi met with the Viscount of Wei and Ju Qing and made a covenant at Tao. The state of Ju had not appointed high officials; why is “Ju Qing” written here? Because it was the ruler who met with him, so he is pointed out.

二十有六年春，王正月己未，公會莒子、衛寧速盟於向。公不會大夫，其曰寧速，何也？以其隨莒子可以言會也。

In the spring of the twenty-sixth year, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, on jiwei, Duke Xi met with the Viscount of Ju and Ning Su of Wei and made a covenant at Xiang. A ruler does not meet with a high official; why is “Ning Su” written here? Because he accompanied the Viscount of Ju, “met” may be written.

齊人侵我西鄙，公追齊師至巂，弗及。人，微者也。侵，淺事也。公之追之，非正也。至巂，急辭也。弗及者，弗與也，可以及而不敢及也。其侵也，曰人；其追也，曰師。以公之弗及，大之也。弗及，內辭也。

The people of Qi invaded the western border town of our state of Lu, and Duke Xi pursued the Qi army as far as Xi, but did not catch up with it. “People” is used for people of low rank. Invading is a minor matter. For the ruler to pursue in person is not in accordance with the right way. “Arrived at Xi” is an urgent phrasing. “Did not catch up with” means they did not fight, and could have caught up but dared not pursue. When they invaded they are written as “people,” and when pursued as “army,” because the ruler did not catch them, the other side is written large. “Did not catch up with” is a phrasing from the Lu side.

衛人伐齊。公子遂如楚乞師。乞，重辭也。何重焉？重人之死也，非所乞也。師出，不必反；戰，不必勝，故重之也。

The people of Wei attacked Qi. Gongzi Sui went to Chu to request troops. “Beg” is a heavy word. Where is the weight? The weight is in the death of others, which is not something one should go to beg for. When an army goes out, it does not necessarily come back; in battle, one does not necessarily win, so this matter is written heavily.

秋，楚人滅夔，以夔子歸。夔，國也。不日，微國也。以歸，猶愈乎執也。

In autumn, the people of Chu destroyed Kui and took the Viscount of Kui home. Kui was a state. The date is not recorded because it was a small state. “Took home” is slightly better than writing “seized.”

冬，楚人伐宋圍閔。伐國不言圍邑，此其言圍，何也？以吾用其師、目其事也，非道用師也。

In winter, the people of Chu attacked Song and besieged Min. When attacking a state, the text normally does not write besieging its town; here “besieged” is written; why? Because our state of Lu used their army, so this matter is pointed out. Using troops this way is not in accordance with the right way.

公以楚師伐齊，取谷。以者，不以者也。民者，君之本也。使民以其死，非其正也。

Duke Xi took the Chu army to attack Qi and seized Gu. The use of “yi” (using) precisely shows that they should not have been used in this way. The people are the root of the ruler. To make the people fight to the death for oneself is not in accordance with the right way.

公至自伐齊。惡事不致，此其致之，何也？危之也。

Duke Xi returned from the campaign against Qi. When something is evil the text normally does not record the return to the state; here it is recorded; why? It is to feel concern for him.

冬，楚人、陳侯、蔡侯、鄭伯、許男圍宋。楚人者，楚子也，其曰人，何也？人楚子，所以人諸侯也。其人諸侯，何也？不正其信夷狄而伐中國也。

In winter, the people of Chu, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Cai, the Earl of Zheng, and the Viscount of Xu besieged Song. “The people of Chu” were in fact the Viscount of Chu, but the text calls them “people”; why? To write the Viscount of Chu as “people” is also to write the feudal lords as “people.” Why write the feudal lords as “people”? It is dissatisfied that they listened to the barbarians and attacked the Central States.

公子買戍衛，不卒戍，刺之。先名後刺，殺有罪也。公子啟曰：「不卒戍者，可以卒也。」可以卒而不卒，譏在公子也，刺之可也。

Gongzi Mai went to garrison Wei but did not complete his tour of garrison duty and was killed. His name is written first and then “executed,” showing that the one killed was guilty. Gongzi Qi said: “What is called not completing the tour was one that could have been completed.” If it could have been completed and was not, the criticism lies on Gongzi Mai, and it is permissible to kill him.

三月丙午，晉侯入曹，執曹伯，畀宋人。入者，內弗受也。日入，惡入者也。以晉侯而斥執曹伯，惡晉侯也。畀，與也。其曰人，何也？不以晉侯畀宋公也。

In the third month, on bingwu, the Marquis of Jin entered Cao, seized the Earl of Cao, and handed him over to the people of Song. The use of “entered” shows the other side did not accept him. The date is recorded because the one entering is hated. The Marquis of Jin, a marquis, is written as directly seizing the Earl of Cao, which hates the Marquis of Jin. “Gave” means give. He is called “people”; why? It does not wish to write that the Marquis of Jin handed someone to the Duke of Song.

夏，四月己巳，晉侯、齊師、宋師、秦師，及楚人戰於城濮，楚師敗績。

In summer, in the fourth month, on jisi, the Marquis of Jin, the Qi army, the Song army, and the Qin army fought the people of Chu at Chengpu, and the Chu army was greatly defeated.

五月癸丑，公會晉侯、齊侯、宋公、蔡侯、鄭伯、衛子、莒子，盟於踐土。諱會天王也。

In the fifth month, on guichou, Duke Wen met the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Cai, the Earl of Zheng, the Viscount of Wei, and the Viscount of Ju, and made a covenant at Jiantu. This conceals the fact that they in fact had an audience with the Son of Heaven.

公朝於王所。朝不言所；言所者，非其所也。

Duke Xi went to where the Son of Heaven was to pay court. For court visits the text normally does not write the place; here the place is written because it was not a place where one should pay court.

六月，衛侯鄭自楚復歸於衛。自楚，楚有奉焉爾。復者，復中國也。歸者，歸其所也。鄭之名，失國也。

In the sixth month, Zheng, Marquis of Wei, returned to Wei from Chu. “From Chu” is written to show that Chu had escorted and helped him. “Returned” means returned to the Central States. “Came back” means returned to where he should return. Zheng is named directly because he lost his own state.

冬，公會晉侯、宋公、蔡侯、鄭伯、陳子、莒子、邾子、秦人於溫。諱會天王也。

In winter, Duke Xi met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Cai, the Earl of Zheng, the Viscount of Chen, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, and the people of Qin at Wen. This conceals the fact that they in fact had an audience with the Son of Heaven.

天王守於河陽。全天王之行也，為若將守而遇諸侯之朝也，為天王諱也。水北為陽，山南為陽。溫，河陽也。

The Son of Heaven made a tour of inspection at Heyang. This completes the dignity of the Son of Heaven's outing, writing it as though he were just about to tour and the feudal lords happened to come to court, concealing it for the Son of Heaven. North of water is called yang, and south of a mountain is called yang. Wen is Heyang.

壬申，公朝於王所。朝於廟，禮也；於外，非禮也。獨公朝，與諸侯盡朝也。其日，以其再致天子，故謹而日之。主善以內，目惡以外。言曰公朝，逆辭也，而尊天子。會於溫，言小諸侯。溫，河北地，以河陽言之，大天子也。日系於月，月繫於時，「壬申，公朝於王所」，其不月，失其所繫也。以為晉文公之行事，為已傎矣！

On renshen, Duke Xi went to where the Son of Heaven was to pay court. To pay court in the Grand Temple is in accordance with ritual; to pay court outside is not in accordance with ritual. It writes only that Duke Xi paid court, but in fact all the feudal lords paid court. The date is recorded because he summoned the Son of Heaven a second time, so the day is recorded with care. It assigns the good to the Lu side and points out the evil outside. Writing “the duke paid court” is originally an inverted phrasing, yet it also honors the Son of Heaven. Writing “met at Wen” makes the feudal lords small. Wen is north of the river, and to say “Heyang” instead makes the Son of Heaven large. The day is tied to the month, and the month tied to the season, but “on renshen, the duke paid court at the king's place” does not record the month, having lost what it is tied to. The text considers what Duke Wen of Jin did here to be already too inverted!

晉人執衛侯，歸之於京師。此入而執，其不言入，何也？不外王命於衛也。歸之於京師，緩辭也，斷在京師也。

The people of Jin seized the Marquis of Wei and sent him back to the capital. This was a seizure made after entering Wei; why is “entered” not written? So as not to make the king's order seem to be foreign in Wei. “Sent him back to the capital” is a relaxed phrasing, with the judgment made at the capital.

衛元咺自晉復歸於衛。自晉，晉有奉焉爾。復者，復中國也。歸者，歸其所也。

Yuan Xuan of Wei returned to Wei from Jin. “From Jin” is written to show that Jin escorted and helped him. “Returned” means returned to the Central States. “Came back” means returned to where he should return.

曹伯襄復歸於曹。復者，復中國也。天子免之，因與之會。其曰復，通王命也。

Xiang, Earl of Cao, returned to Cao. “Returned” means returned to the Central States. The Son of Heaven pardoned him, and so he took part in the covenant. “Returned” is written to carry through the Son of Heaven's command.

二十有九年春，介葛盧來。介，國也。葛盧，微國之君，未爵者也。其曰來，卑也。

In the spring of the twenty-ninth year, Ge Lu of Jie came. Jie was a state. Ge Lu was the ruler of a small state and did not yet have a rank by decree. “Came” is written because his standing was low.

夏，六月，公會王人、晉人、宋人、齊人、陳人、蔡人、秦人，盟於翟泉。

In summer, in the sixth month, Duke Xi met the people of the royal house, the people of Jin, the people of Song, the people of Qi, the people of Chen, the people of Cai, and the people of Qin, and made a covenant at Zhai Spring.

秋，衛殺其大夫元咺。稱國以殺，罪累上也，以是為訟君也。衛侯在外，其以累上之辭言之，何也？待其殺而後入也。

In autumn, Wei killed its high official Yuan Xuan. To record a killing by the name of the state means that the guilt extends to those above, and treats this as his litigating against the ruler. The Marquis of Wei was still outside, yet it is phrased as extending to those above; why? Because he did not enter until Yuan Xuan had been killed.

冬，天王使宰周公來聘。天子之宰，通於四海。

In winter, the Son of Heaven of Zhou sent the Duke of Zhou, chief steward, on a visit. The Son of Heaven's Grand Steward has orders that reach through the four seas.

公子遂如京師。遂如晉。以尊遂乎卑，此言不敢叛京師也。

Gongzi Sui went to the capital and then went on to Jin. To go on from the honored to the lowly is to say that he dared not betray the capital.

夏，四月，四卜郊。不從，乃免牲，猶三望。「夏，四月」，不時也。四卜，非禮也。免牲者，為之緇衣燻裳。有司玄端奉送，至於南郊。免牛亦然。乃者，亡乎人之辭也。猶者，可以已之辭也。

In summer, in the fourth month, divination was made four times for the suburban sacrifice. It did not accord, and so the sacrificial victim was exempted, but the three sacrifices of gazing from afar were still performed. “In summer, in the fourth month” is written because it was out of season. To divine four times is not in accordance with ritual. What is called exempting the victim is dressing it in a black upper garment and light red lower garment, and the officials in black court dress respectfully see it off all the way to the southern suburb. Exempting an ox is the same. “Nai” (then) is a phrasing indicating that it was not within people's wishes. “You” (still) is a phrasing indicating that it could have been stopped but was still done.

冬，杞伯姬來求婦。婦人既嫁，不逾竟。杞伯姬來求婦，非正也。

In winter, Bo Ji of Qi came to seek a wife for her son. After a woman has married she should not go outside the borders again. That Bo Ji of Qi came to seek a wife was not in accordance with the right way.

三十有三年春，王二月，秦人入滑。滑，國也。

In the spring of the thirty-third year, in the second month of the Zhou calendar, the people of Qin entered Hua. Hua was a state.

夏，四月辛巳，晉人及姜戎敗秦師於殽。不言戰而言敗，何也？狄秦也。其狄之，何也？秦越千里之險，入虛國，進不能守，退敗其師徒，亂人子女之教，無男女之別。秦之為狄，自殽之戰始也。秦伯將襲鄭，百里子與蹇叔子諫曰：「千里而襲人，未有不亡者也。」秦伯曰：「子之冢木已拱矣，何知！」師行。百里子與蹇叔子送其子而戒之曰：「女死，必於殽之巖唫之下。我將屍女於是。」師行，百里子與蹇叔子隨其子而哭之。秦伯怒曰：「何為哭吾師也？」二子曰：「非敢哭師也，哭吾子也。我老矣！彼不死，則我死矣！」晉人與姜戎要而擊之殽，匹馬倚輪無反者。晉人者，晉子也，其曰人，何也？微之也。何為微之？不正其釋殯，而主乎戰也。

In summer, in the fourth month, on xinsi, the people of Jin and the Jiang Rong defeated the Qin army at Xiao. “Fought” is not written but “defeated”; why? Because Qin was treated as Di barbarians. Why treat it as Di barbarians? Qin crossed a thousand li of difficult country and entered an empty state; advancing it could not hold, and retreating it let its troops be defeated, and it disturbed the upbringing of other people's sons and daughters and made no distinction between men and women. Qin was treated as Di starting from the battle of Xiao. The Earl of Qin was about to make a surprise attack on Zheng, and Baili Zi and Jian Shu Zi remonstrated, saying: “To march a thousand li to make a surprise attack on someone, there is none that does not end in destruction.” The Earl of Qin said: “The trees on your graves are already big enough to span with both arms; what do you know!” The army set out. Baili Zi and Jian Shu Zi saw their sons off and warned them: “If you die, you will surely die under the rocks of Mount Xiao. I will collect your corpses there.” When the army had gone, Baili Zi and Jian Shu Zi followed their sons weeping. The Earl of Qin was angry and said: “Why do you weep for my army?” They said: “We dare not weep for the army, we are weeping for our sons. We are old! If they do not die, we will have died!” The people of Jin and the Jiang Rong intercepted and attacked at Xiao, and not one horse or one wheel came back. The so-called “people of Jin” were in fact the Viscount of Jin, but the text calls them “people”; why? It is to make him low. Why make him low? It is dissatisfied that he set down the funeral rites and treated the battle as the chief matter.

隕霜不殺草。未可殺而殺，舉重也。可殺而不殺，舉輕也。

Frost fell but did not kill the grass. If it was not yet time for the grass to be killed but it was killed, the heavier case is cited; if it was time for the grass to be killed but it was not killed, the lighter case is cited.

元年春，王正月，公即位。繼正即位，正也。

In the spring of the first year, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, Duke Wen took the throne. Succeeding after a ruler who died in the normal way is the regular form.

天王使叔服來會葬。葬曰會，其志重天子之禮也。

The Son of Heaven of Zhou sent Shu Fu to attend the funeral. The funeral is written with “attend,” and recording this matter shows that the Son of Heaven's ritual was valued.

夏，四月丁巳，葬我君僖公。薨稱公，舉上也。葬我君，接上下也。僖公葬而後舉諡，諡所以成德也。於卒事乎加之矣！

In summer, in the fourth month, on dingsi, our ruler Duke Xi of Lu was buried. At death he is called “duke,” citing his position above. “Buried our ruler” is written so as to connect the top and the bottom. After Duke Xi was buried, the posthumous title was indicated; the posthumous title is used to complete the fame and virtue of a lifetime, and must be added only after the funeral is completed.

天王使毛伯來錫公命。禮，有受命，無來錫命。錫命，非正也。

The Son of Heaven of Zhou sent Earl Mao to bestow ceremonial robes on Duke Wen. By ritual there is only going in person to receive the appointment; there is no Son of Heaven delivering the appointment to one's door. Bestowing the appointment was not in accordance with the right way.

冬，十月丁未，楚世子商臣弒其君髡。日髡之卒，所以謹商臣之弒也。夷狄不言正不正。

In winter, in the tenth month, on dingwei, the crown prince Shangchen of Chu killed his ruler Kun. The date of Kun's death is recorded in order to treat Shangchen's regicide with care. With barbarians, rightness and wrongness are not discussed.

二年春，王二月甲子，晉侯及秦師戰於彭衙。秦師敗績。

In the spring of the second year, in the second month of the Zhou calendar, on jiazi, the Marquis of Jin and the Qin army fought at Pengya, and the Qin army was greatly defeated.

丁丑，作僖公主。作，為也，為僖公主也。立主，喪主於虞。吉主於練，作僖公主，譏其後也。作主壞廟，有時日於練焉！壞廟，壞廟之道，易簷可也，改塗可也。

On dingchou, the spirit tablet of Duke Xi was made. “Made” means created, that is, making the spirit tablet for Duke Xi. As for setting up spirit tablets: the tablet for the funeral is set up at the yu sacrifice, and the tablet for the auspicious sacrifice is set up at the lian sacrifice. Only now the spirit tablet of Duke Xi was made, which criticizes it as being made too late. There is a fixed time for making tablets and removing the old temple tablets at the lian sacrifice. In the method of removing the old temple, changing the eaves is permissible and changing the paint is also permissible.

三月乙巳，及晉處父盟。不言公，處父伉也，為公諱也。何以知其與公盟？以其日也。何以不言公之如晉？所恥也。出不書，反不致也。

In the third month, on yisi, Duke Wen made a covenant with Chufu of Jin. “Duke” is not written because Chufu put on the airs of an equal to the ruler, and it also conceals it for Duke Wen. How do we know it was a covenant with the ruler? Because the date is recorded. Why is it not written that Duke Wen went to Jin? Because it was shameful. When going out it is not recorded, and on returning it is not written that he returned to the state.

夏，六月，公孫敖會宋公、陳侯、鄭伯、晉士谷，盟於垂斂。內大夫可以會外諸侯。

In summer, in the sixth month, Gongsun Ao met the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Earl of Zheng, and Shi Gu of Jin and made a covenant at Chuilian. A high official of Lu could meet the feudal lords outside.

自十有二月不雨，至於秋七月。歷時而言不雨，文不憂雨也。不憂雨者，無志乎民也。

From the twelfth month there was no rain until the seventh month of autumn. “No rain” is written only after passing through several seasons, because Duke Wen was not troubled by the lack of rain. Not being troubled by the lack of rain means he had no concern in his heart for the people.

八月丁卯，大事於太廟，躋僖公。大事者何？大是事也，著祫嘗。祫祭者，毀廟之主。陳於太祖，未毀廟之主，皆升合祭於太祖。躋，升也，先親而後祖也，逆祀也。逆祀，則是無昭穆也。無昭穆，則是無祖也。無祖，則無天也。故曰：文無天。無天者，是無天而行也。君子不以親親害尊尊，此《春秋》之義也。

In the eighth month, on dingmao, a great affair was held in the Grand Temple, and the tablet of Duke Xi was moved up. What is the “great affair”? It makes the matter large and indicates the joint sacrifice, xia and chang. The xia sacrifice places the tablets of temples already removed in the Grand Ancestor's temple, and the tablets of those not yet removed are also all brought up, and a joint sacrifice is made with the Grand Ancestor. “Ji” means to ascend, putting the father ahead of the grandfather, which is an inverted sacrifice. An inverted sacrifice means no zhao and mu order. No zhao and mu order means no ancestors. No ancestors means no Heaven. Therefore it is said: Duke Wen had no Heaven. Having no Heaven means acting without Heaven. The gentleman does not use affection for kin to harm honoring the honored; this is the meaning of the Spring and Autumn.

三年春，王正月，叔孫得臣會晉人、宋人、陳人、衛人、鄭人伐沈。沈潰。

In the spring of the third year, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, Shusun Dechen met the people of Jin, the people of Song, the people of Chen, the people of Wei, and the people of Zheng and attacked Shen. Shen collapsed.

夏，五月，王子虎卒。叔服也，此不卒者也，何以卒之？以其來會葬，我卒之也。或曰以其嘗執重以守也。

In summer, in the fifth month, the king's son Hu died. He was Shu Fu. This was originally a person whose death should not be recorded; why is it recorded? Because he had attended the funeral, so Lu records his death. Another account: because he once bore heavy responsibility and stayed behind to guard the royal house.

雨螽於宋。外災不志，此何以志也？曰：災甚也。其甚奈何？茅茨盡矣！著於上，見於下，謂之雨。

Locusts fell like rain in Song. For disasters in foreign states the text normally does not record them; here it is recorded; why? The answer: the disaster was too severe. How severe? They even ate up the thatched roofs! That which first appears in the sky and is then seen falling to the ground is called “rain.”

晉陽處父帥師伐楚，救江。此伐楚，其言救江，何也？江遠楚近，伐楚所以救江也。

Yang Chufu of Jin led an army to attack Chu and rescue Jiang. This was an attack on Chu; why is it said to rescue Jiang? Jiang was far and Chu was near, and attacking Chu was precisely the way to rescue Jiang.

夏，逆婦姜於齊。其曰婦姜，為其禮成乎齊也。其逆者誰也？親逆而稱婦。或者公與，何其速婦之也？曰：公也。其不言公，何也？非成禮於齊也。曰婦，有姑之辭也；其不言氏，何也？貶之也。何為貶之也？夫人與有貶也。

In summer, they went to Qi to fetch the wife Jiang. She is called “wife Jiang” because the marriage rite was completed in Qi. Who went to fetch her? To fetch in person yet call her “wife.” Could it be the ruler, so that she was treated as a wife so quickly? The answer: it was the ruler. Why is “duke” not written? Because the rite was not completed in Qi. Calling her “wife” is a phrasing for when the mother-in-law is present; her clan name is not written; why? It is to lower her. Why lower her? The lady was lowered along with it.

五年春，王正月，王使榮叔歸含且賵。含，一事也；賵，一事也；兼歸之，非正也。其曰且，志兼也。其不言來，不周事之用也。賵以早，而含己晚。

In the spring of the fifth year, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, the Son of Heaven of Zhou sent Rong Shu to bring the mouth jade, and also sent the funeral gifts. “Mouth jade” is one matter and “funeral gifts” is one matter, and bringing them together is not in accordance with the right way. The use of “and also” records the combining. “Came” is not written because the things were not in time for their use: the funeral gifts came too early and the mouth jade came too late.

晉殺其大夫陽處父。稱國以殺，罪累上也。襄公已葬，其以累上之辭言之，何也？君漏言也。上洩則下暗，下暗則上聾。且暗且聾，無以相通，夜姑殺者也。夜姑之殺奈何？曰：晉將與狄戰，使狐夜姑為將軍，趙盾佐之，陽處父曰：「不可！古者君之使臣也，使仁者佐賢者，不使賢者佐仁者。今趙盾賢，夜姑仁，其不可乎？」襄公曰：「諾。」謂夜姑曰：「吾始使盾佐女。今女佐盾矣！」夜姑曰：「敬諾。」襄公死，處父主竟上事，夜姑使人殺之。君漏言也，故士造闢而言，詭辭而出，曰：「用我則可，不用我則無亂其德。」

Jin killed its high official Yang Chufu. To record a killing by the name of the state means that the guilt extends to those above. Duke Xiang had already been buried, yet it is phrased as extending to those above; why? Because the ruler leaked his words. When those above leak, those below close their mouths; when those below close their mouths, those above become deaf. With mouths closed and ears deaf, there is no way to communicate. The one who killed him was Yegu. How did Yegu kill him? The answer: Jin was about to fight the Di, and sent Hu Yegu as general with Zhao Dun assisting him. Yang Chufu said: “No! In ancient times when a ruler used his subjects, he had the benevolent assist the worthy and did not have the worthy assist the benevolent. Now Zhao Dun is worthy and Yegu is benevolent; this will probably not do?” Duke Xiang said: “Good.” He said to Yegu: “At first I had Dun assist you, and now it is changed so that you assist Dun!” Yegu said: “I will follow your orders.” After Duke Xiang died, Chufu took charge of border affairs, and Yegu sent someone to kill him. This was the ruler leaking his words. So when a scholar speaks near the ruler, on leaving he uses vague phrasing, saying: “Use my words and it is fine; if you do not use my words, do not disturb my integrity either.”

閏月不告月，猶朝於廟。不告月者，何也？不告朔也。不告朔，則何為不言朔也？閏月者，附月之餘日也，積分而成於月者也。天子不以告朔，而喪事不數也。猶之為言，可以已也。

In the intercalary month the monthly announcement was not held, but the temple was still visited. What does not holding the announcement mean? It means not announcing the new moon. Not announcing the new moon; why is “new moon” not written directly? The intercalary month is the left-over days attached to a month, accumulated bit by bit to form a month. The Son of Heaven does not use the intercalary month to announce the new moon, and in funeral matters the intercalary month is not counted. The word “still” means it could have been stopped but was still done.

七年春，公伐邾。三月甲戌，取須句。取邑不日，此其日，何也？不正其再取，故謹而日之也。

In the spring of the seventh year, Duke Wen attacked Zhu. In the third month, on jiaxu, he seized Xugou. Seizing a town is not normally recorded by date, yet the date is recorded here; why? It is dissatisfied that he seized it a second time, so the date is recorded with care.

晉先蔑奔秦。不言出，在外也。輟戰而奔秦，以是為逃軍也。

Xian Mie of Jin fled to Qin. “Went out” is not written because he was already outside. He stopped fighting and fled to Qin, and this is regarded as deserting the army.

秋，八月，公會諸侯、晉大夫，盟於扈。其曰諸侯，略之也。

In autumn, in the eighth month, Duke Wen met the feudal lords and the high officials of Jin and made a covenant at Hu. “The feudal lords” is written to make them brief.

公孫敖如莒蒞盟。蒞，位也。其曰位，何也？前定也。其不日，前定之盟不日也。

Gongsun Ao went to Ju to attend the covenant. “Attend” means take one's position. Why is it said “take one's position”? Because it was agreed in advance. The date is not recorded; the date of an agreed-in-advance covenant is not recorded.

冬，十月壬午，公子遂會晉趙盾，盟于衡雍。乙酉，公子遂會雒戎，盟於暴。

In winter, in the tenth month, on renwu, Gongzi Sui met Zhao Dun of Jin and made a covenant at Hengyong. On yiyou, Gongzi Sui met the Luo Rong and made a covenant at Bao.

公孫敖如京師。不至而復，丙戌，奔莒。不言所至，未如也。未如則未復也。未如而曰如，不廢君命也。未復而曰復，不專君命也。其如非如也，其復非復也。唯奔莒之為信，故謹而日之也。

Gongsun Ao went to the capital, did not arrive and came back, and on bingxu fled to Ju. Where he arrived is not written because he did not really go. Since he did not really go, he did not really come back. Writing “went” though he did not really go means not discarding the ruler's command; writing “returned” though he did not really return means not treating the ruler's command as something one can decide for oneself. His “went” was not really going and his “returned” was not really returning. Only his fleeing to Ju was certain, so the date is recorded with care.

宋人殺其大夫司馬。司馬，官也。其以官稱，無君之辭也。

The people of Song killed their high official Sima. Sima is an official title. To use the official title is a phrasing for when there is no ruler.

宋司城來奔。司城，官也。其以官稱，無君之辭也。來奔者不言出，舉其接我也。

Sicheng of Song came and took refuge. Sicheng is an official title. To use the official title is a phrasing for when there is no ruler. “Went out” is not written for his coming to take refuge, because it cites the side where he had contact with our state of Lu.

九年春，毛伯來求金。求車猶可，求金甚矣。

In the spring of the ninth year, Earl Mao came to ask for money. Asking for a carriage would be bad enough, but asking for money goes too far.

二月，叔孫得臣如京師。京，大也；師，眾也。言周，必以眾與大言之也。

In the second month, Shusun Dechen went to the capital. “Jing” means great, and “shi” means multitude. When speaking of Zhou, one must call it by “multitude” and “great.”

辛丑，葬襄王。天子志崩不志葬，舉天下而葬一人，其道不疑也。志葬，危不得葬也。日之，甚矣！其不葬之辭也。

On xinchou, King Xiang was buried. For the Son of Heaven, “died” is recorded but not the funeral; he is the only person buried in the whole world, so there is nothing doubtful. Recording the funeral is out of concern that notice of it could not be sent in time. Recording the date makes it more serious, a phrasing close to not being buried.

三月，夫人姜氏至自齊。卑以尊致，病文公也。

In the third month, Lady Jiang came from Qi. Recording a lowly person according to the form for an honored person returning to her home state is to blame Duke Wen.

晉人殺其大夫士縠，及箕鄭父。稱人以殺，誅有罪也，鄭父累也。

The people of Jin killed their high official Shi Gu, and also Ji Zhengfu. “People of such-and-such state killed” shows that the one executed was guilty; Zhengfu was implicated.

九月癸酉，地震。震，動也。地，不震者也；震，故謹而日之也。

In the ninth month, on guiyou, there was an earthquake. “Quake” means movement. The earth should not originally quake; since it quaked, the date is recorded with care.

冬，楚子使萩來聘。楚無大夫，其曰萩，何也？以其來我，褒之也。

In winter, the Viscount of Chu sent Qiu on a visit. Chu had not appointed high officials; why is “Qiu” written here? Because he came into contact with our state of Lu, so he is commended.

秦人來歸僖公、成風之襚。秦人弗夫人也，即外之弗夫人而見正焉。

The people of Qin came to present clothing and quilts for the funerals of Duke Xi and Chengfeng. The people of Qin did not treat Chengfeng as a lady, and so by the outside not recognizing her as a lady, the right way is shown.

自正月不雨，至於秋七月。歷時而言不雨，文不閔雨也。不閔雨者，無志乎民也。

From the first month there was no rain until the seventh month of autumn. “No rain” is written only after passing through several seasons, because Duke Wen did not feel pity about the lack of rain. Not feeling pity about the lack of rain means he had no concern in his heart for the people.

冬，十月甲午，叔孫得臣敗狄於鹹。不言帥師而言敗，何也？直敗，一人之辭也。一人而曰敗，何也？以眾焉言之也。傳曰：長狄也。兄弟三人，佚宕中國，瓦石不能害。叔孫得臣，最善射者也。射其目，身橫九畝，斷其首而載之，眉見於軾。然則何為不言獲也？曰：古者不重創，不禽二毛，故不言獲，為內諱也。其之齊者，王子成父殺之，則未知其之晉者也。

In winter, in the tenth month, on jiawu, Shusun Dechen defeated the Di at Xian. He is not written as leading the army, yet “defeated” is written; why? This is a phrasing for something defeated by one man alone. Why is one man also said to “defeat”? Because it is said from the viewpoint of the numbers on the other side. The commentary says: this was the tall Di. Three brothers ran wild in the Central States, and tiles and stones could not hurt them. Shusun Dechen was the best archer of all; he shot one in the eye, the body lay across for nine mu in length, the head was cut off and loaded on a cart, and the eyebrows still showed above the carriage rail. Then why is “captured” not written? The answer: in ancient times they did not add another wound to a wound and did not seize the gray-haired, so “captured” is not written, and it also conceals it for Lu. The one who went to Qi was killed by Wangzi Chengfu; the one who went to Jin is not known.

二月庚子，子叔姬卒。其曰子叔姬，貴也，公之母姊妹也。其一傳曰：許嫁，以卒之也。男子二十而冠，冠而列丈夫；三十而娶。女子十五而許嫁，二十而嫁。

In the second month, on gengzi, Zishu Ji died. She is called “Zishu Ji” because she was honored, being Duke Wen's sister by the same mother. Another tradition: because she had been betrothed, her death is recorded. A man is capped at twenty and, once capped, is listed among husbands; at thirty he takes a wife. A woman is betrothed at fifteen and marries at twenty.

冬，十有二月戊午，晉人秦人戰於河曲。不言及，秦晉之戰已亟，故略之也。

In winter, in the twelfth month, on wuwu, the people of Jin and the people of Qin fought at Hequ. “And” is not used because the battles between Qin and Jin had already become too frequent, so it is written briefly.

季孫行父帥師，城諸及鄆。稱帥師，言有難也。

Jisun Xingfu led an army and built Zhuhe and Yun. “Led an army” is written to say that there was calamity.

大室屋壞。大室屋壞者，有壞道也，譏不修也。大室猶世室也。周公曰「大廟」，伯禽曰「大室」，群公曰「宮」。禮，宗廟之事。君親割，夫人親舂，敬之至也。為社稷之主，而先君之廟壞，極稱之，志不敬也。

The roof of the Great Chamber collapsed. The collapse of the Great Chamber's roof had a reason for decay, and criticizes their not repairing it. The Great Chamber is like the Shi Chamber. That of the Duke of Zhou is called the “Great Temple,” that of Bo Qin the “Great Chamber,” and those of the other rulers “palaces.” By ritual, in the matters of the ancestral temple, the ruler himself cuts the victim and the lady herself pounds the grain, which is respect carried to the utmost. To become the master of the altars of soil and grain and let the former ruler's temple fall into ruin is recorded, in the heaviest terms, as his lack of reverence.

十有二月己丑，公及晉侯盟，還自晉。還者，事未畢也。自晉，事畢也。

In the twelfth month, on jichou, Duke Wen made a covenant with the Marquis of Jin and returned from Jin. “Returned” means the matter was not yet finished; writing “from Jin” means the matter was already finished.

六月，公會宋公、陳侯、衛侯、鄭伯、許伯、曹伯、晉趙盾。癸酉，同盟於新城。同者，有同也，同外楚也。

In the sixth month, Duke Wen met the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Xu, the Earl of Cao, and Zhao Dun of Jin. On guiyou, they made a joint covenant at Xincheng. “Joint” means there was a common aim, which was jointly resisting Chu.

秋，七月，有星孛入於北斗。孛之為言猶茀也。其曰入北斗，鬥有環域也。

In autumn, in the seventh month, a bei star entered the Northern Dipper. The word "bei" means something like "fu," a star whose rays shoot out in disorder. It says "entered the Northern Dipper" because the Dipper has a circling region.

晉人納捷菑於邾，弗克納。是郤克也，其曰人，何也？微之也。何為微之也？長轂五百乘，綿地千里，過宋、鄭、滕、薛，夐入千乘之國，欲變人之主。至城下，然後知。何知之晚也！弗克納。未伐而曰弗克，何也？弗克其義也。捷菑，晉出也；貜且，齊出也。貜且，正也；捷菑，不正也。

The men of Jin tried to install Jie Zi in Zhu, but were unable to install him. This man was Xi Ke, and the text calls him "man"; why? It is to write him as lowly. Why write him as lowly? With five hundred war chariots stretching over a thousand li, passing through Song, Zheng, Teng and Xue, he entered far into a state of a thousand chariots, wanting to replace another's ruler. Only on reaching the city walls did he understand. How late his understanding came! It writes "unable to install him." Before any attack had been made, why say "unable"? Because he could not prevail in righteousness. Jie Zi was born of a woman of Jin, and Huo Ju was born of a woman of Qi. Huo Ju was the legitimate line, and Jie Zi was not.

九月甲申，公孫敖，卒於齊。奔大夫不言卒，而言卒，何也？為受其喪，不可不卒也。其地於外也。

In the ninth month, on jiashen, Gongsun Ao died in Qi. A fugitive official normally does not have his death recorded; here it is recorded, why? Because Lu received his funeral, it could not but be recorded. The place is recorded because he died abroad.

齊公子商人弒其君舍。舍未逾年，其曰君，何也？成舍之為君，所以重商人之弒也。商人其不以國氏，何也？不以嫌代嫌也。舍之不日，何也？未成為君也。

The Qi prince Shangren killed his ruler She. She had not yet passed the year, so why is he called "ruler"? It makes She a ruler in order to add weight to Shangren's crime of regicide. Why does Shangren not have the name of his state placed before his name? So as not to take one layer of suspicion in place of another. The day of She's death is not recorded, why? Because he had not yet become a formal ruler.

齊人執單伯。私罪也。單伯淫於齊，齊人執之。

The men of Qi seized Shan Bo. This was a private offense. Shan Bo committed adultery in Qi, and the men of Qi seized him.

三月，宋司馬華孫來盟。司馬，官也。其以官稱，無君之辭也。來盟者何？前定也。不言及者，以國與之也。

In the third month, Hua Sun, the Sima of Song, came to make a covenant. Sima is an official title. To call him by his official title is wording used when there is no ruler. What does "came to make a covenant" mean? It had been agreed beforehand. The word "and" is not used, because the state was entrusted to the other side.

單伯至自齊。大夫執則致，致則名；此其不名，何也？天子之命大夫也。

Shan Bo returned from Qi. When an official is seized and returns, it should be recorded that he returned, and when it is recorded that he returned, his name should be given; here the name is not given, why? Because he was an official appointed by the Son of Heaven.

秋，齊人侵我西鄙。其曰鄙，遠之也。其遠之，何也？不以難介我國也。

In autumn, the men of Qi invaded the western border town of our state of Lu. Calling it "border" makes the fighting seem far from the capital. Why make it seem far? So as not to let the calamity appear to be wedged in the heartland of our Lu.

十有二月，齊人來歸子叔姬。其曰子叔姬，貴之也。其言來歸，何也？父母之於子，雖有罪，猶欲其免也。

In the twelfth month, the men of Qi sent Zi Shu Ji back to her family. Calling her "Zi Shu Ji" is to honor her. Why is it written "came back to her family"? Parents, toward their children, even if they have faults, still wish them to be free of fault.

十有六年春，季孫行父會齊侯於陽穀。齊侯弗及盟。弗及者，內辭也。行父失命矣，齊得內辭也。

In the spring of the sixteenth year, Ji Sun Xingfu met the Marquis of Qi at Yanggu. The Marquis of Qi would not make a covenant with him. "Did not reach" is wording from the side of Lu. Xingfu had already lost his mission, and Qi in turn gained this way of writing from the side of Lu.

夏，五月，公四不視朔。天子告朔於諸侯，諸侯受乎禰廟，禮也。公四不視朔，公不臣也。以公為厭政以甚矣。

In summer, in the fifth month, Duke Wen did not perform the monthly audience four times. The Son of Heaven announces the new moon's government to the feudal lords, and they receive it in the father's temple, which is proper ritual. That Duke Wen four times did not perform the monthly audience is not acting like a subject. The text holds that Duke Wen was weary of government affairs, which was already too much.

六月戊辰，公子遂及齊侯盟於師丘。復行父之盟也。

In the sixth month, on wuchen, Prince Sui and the Marquis of Qi made a covenant at Shiqiu. This renewed the covenant Xingfu had failed to make.

毀泉臺。喪不貳事；貳事，緩喪也。以文為多失道矣！自古為之，今毀之，不如勿處而已矣。

They tore down the Quan Terrace. In mourning one cannot do a second thing at the same time; to do a second thing is to postpone the mourning. The text holds that Duke Wen had lost the proper way in too many respects! This terrace was built by the ancients, and now to tear it down is not as good as simply not living there.

十有七年春，晉人、衛人、陳人、鄭人伐宋。

In spring of the seventeenth year, the men of Jin, the men of Wei, the men of Chen and the men of Zheng attacked Song.

十有八年春，王二月丁丑，公薨於臺下。臺下，非正也。

In spring of the eighteenth year, in the second month of the Zhou calendar, on dingchou, Duke Wen died at the terrace. To die at the terrace is not the proper way.

秋，公子遂、叔孫得臣如齊。使舉上客，而不稱介。不正其同倫而相介，故列而數之也。

In autumn, Prince Sui and Shusun Dechen went to Qi. In a mission, only the chief envoy is named, not the deputy. It disapproves of them, who were originally of the same rank, acting as each other's deputy, and so counts them out one by one.

夫人姜氏歸於齊。惡宣公也。有不待貶絕，而罪惡見者；有待貶絕，而惡從之者。侄娣者，不孤子之意也。一人有子，三人緩帶。一曰：就賢也。

The Lady Jiang returned to Qi. This is out of hatred for Duke Xuan. Some crimes show themselves without waiting for reproach and severance; others show only once reproach and severance have come. The nieces and younger sisters accompanying the bride was originally meant to keep the principal wife from being alone. When one of them has a son, all three may loosen their belts. Another explanation: she was going to take refuge with a worthy person.

元年春，王正月，公即位。繼故而言即位，與聞乎故也。

In spring of the first year, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, Duke Xuan took the throne. To write "took the throne" after a former ruler who died in an upheaval shows that he was involved in that upheaval.

公子遂如齊逆女。三月，遂以夫人婦姜至自齊。其不言氏，喪未畢，故略之也。其曰婦，緣姑言之之辭也。遂之挈，由上致之也。

Prince Sui went to Qi to bring home a new wife. In the third month, Sui came from Qi bringing the Lady Fu Jiang. The clan name is not written, because the mourning had not yet been completed, so it is written briefly. Calling her "fu" (wife) is wording following the mother-in-law's side. Naming "Sui" alone, by name, is because above he had already been sent.

晉放其大夫胥甲父於衛。放，猶屏也。稱國以放，放無罪也。

Jin banished its great officer Xu Jiafu to Wei. "Banish" is like dismissing. To record a banishment under the state's name shows that the one banished was without guilt.

公會齊侯於平州。公子遂如齊。六月，齊人取濟西田。內不言取，言取，授之也。以是為賂齊也。

Duke Xuan met the Marquis of Qi at Pingzhou. Prince Sui went to Qi. In the sixth month, the men of Qi took the fields west of the Ji. Matters of Lu itself normally do not write "took"; writing "took" means that Lu gave the fields to them. This is regarded as a bribe to Qi.

宋公、陳侯、衛侯、曹伯會晉師於棐林，伐鄭。列數諸侯而會晉趙盾，大趙盾之事也。其曰師，何也？以其大之也。於棐林地，而後伐鄭，疑辭也。此其地何？則著其美也。

The Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wei and the Earl of Cao joined the army of Jin at Feilin and attacked Zheng. To list the feudal lords one by one as joining Zhao Dun of Jin makes Zhao Dun's affair great. Calling it "army," why? Because he has already been made great. To write the place Feilin first and only then the attack on Zheng is wording with hesitation. Why is the place recorded here? On the contrary, it is to bring out his merit.

二年春，王二月，壬子，宋華元帥師，及鄭公子歸生帥師，戰於大棘。宋師敗績，獲宋華元。獲者，不與之辭也。言盡其眾，以救其將也。以三軍敵華元，華元雖獲，不病矣。

In spring of the second year, in the second month, on renzi, Hua Yuan of Song led an army and fought at Daji with an army led by Gongzi Gui Sheng of Zheng. The Song army was greatly defeated and Hua Yuan was captured. "Captured" is wording of disapproval. It means his subordinates used up their men and horses to rescue their commander. To resist Hua Yuan with the three armies, even if Hua Yuan was captured, it was not a disgrace.

秋，九月乙丑，晉趙盾弒其君夷皋。穿弒也，盾不弒，而曰盾弒，何也？以罪盾也。其以罪盾，何也？曰：靈公朝諸大夫而暴彈之，觀其闢丸也。趙盾入諫，不聽。出亡，至於郊，趙穿弒公，而後反趙盾。史狐書賊曰：「趙盾弒公。」盾曰：「天乎！天乎！予無罪。孰為盾而忍弒其君者乎？」史狐曰：「子為正卿，入諫不聽。出亡不遠，君弒，反不討賊，則志同。志同則書重，非子而誰？故書之曰『晉趙盾弒其君夷皋』者，過在下也。」曰：於盾也，見忠臣之至；於許世子止，見孝子之至。

In autumn, in the ninth month, on yichou, Zhao Dun of Jin killed his ruler Yi Gao. The one who killed was Zhao Chuan; Zhao Dun did not kill, yet it is written as Zhao Dun murdering the ruler, why? It puts the guilt on Dun. Why put the guilt on Dun? The answer is: Duke Ling was holding court with the great officers and suddenly shot pellets at them from a sling, watching them dodge the pellets. Zhao Dun went in to remonstrate, and Duke Ling would not listen. Dun fled, and had gone out to the suburbs when Zhao Chuan killed Duke Ling, and then Zhao Dun came back. The Grand Historian Hu recorded the culprit: "Zhao Dun murdered the duke." Dun said: "Heaven! Heaven! I am without guilt. Who is Zhao Dun, how could he bear to kill his own ruler?" The Grand Historian Hu said: "You are the chief minister; you went in to remonstrate and the ruler would not listen; you fled but did not go far; the ruler was murdered, and you returned but did not punish the killer, which means you were of the same mind. When minds are the same, the heavier one is recorded, and who is it if not you? So it is written 'Zhao Dun of Jin murdered his ruler Yi Gao,' and the fault lies with the person below." One may also say: in Zhao Dun one sees the utmost of a loyal minister; in the crown prince Zhi of Xu one sees the utmost of a filial son.

三年春，王正月，郊牛之口傷。之口，緩辭也，傷自牛作也。

In spring of the third year, in the first month, the ox for the suburban sacrifice had its mouth injured. Writing "the mouth of it" is relaxed wording, meaning the injury arose from the ox itself.

改卜牛，牛死，乃不郊。事之變也。乃者，亡乎人之辭也。

They divined for another ox, and the ox died too, and so the suburban sacrifice was not performed. This was a turn of events. "Then" is wording for what is not within human wishes.

四年春，王正月，公及齊侯平莒及郯，莒人不肯。及者，內為志焉爾。平者，成也。不肯者，可以肯也。

In spring of the fourth year, in the first month, Duke Xuan mediated between Ju and Tan together with the Marquis of Qi, but the men of Ju would not consent. The word "and" shows that this was initiated by Lu. "Mediate" means to make peace. Saying "would not consent" is because they could originally have consented.

公伐莒取向。伐猶可，取向甚矣，莒人辭不受治也。伐莒，義兵也；取向，非也，乘義而為利也。

Duke Xuan attacked Ju and took Xiang. The attack was one thing, but taking Xiang was going too far, and the men of Ju refused to accept such treatment. Attacking Ju was a righteous campaign; taking Xiang was wrong, using righteousness to seek profit.

秋，九月，齊高固來逆子叔姬。諸侯之嫁子於大夫，主大夫以與之。來者，接內也；不正其接內，故不與夫婦之稱也。

In autumn, in the ninth month, Gao Gu of Qi came to bring home Zi Shu Ji. When a feudal lord marries a daughter to an official, the official's own lord handles the arrangement. For the other party to come to the door deals directly with the ducal house of Lu; the text disapproves of such dealings, and so does not give them the titles of husband and wife.

冬，齊高固及子叔姬來。及者，及吾子叔姬也。為使來者，不使得歸之意也。

In winter, Gao Gu of Qi and Zi Shu Ji came. The word "and" means "together with" Zi Shu Ji of our state of Lu. Writing them as coming on a mission is so as not to make her appear to have been sent back to her family.

六年春，晉趙盾、衛孫免侵陳。此帥師也，其不言帥師，何也？不正其敗前事，故不與帥師也。

In spring of the sixth year, Zhao Dun of Jin and Sun Mian of Wei invaded Chen. This was originally leading an army, so why is "led the army" not written? It disapproves of his having ruined an earlier affair, and so does not give him the phrase "led the army."

七年春，衛侯使孫良夫來盟。來盟，前定也。不言及者，以國與之。不言其人，亦以國與之。不日，前定之盟不日。

In spring of the seventh year, the Marquis of Wei sent Sun Liangfu to make a covenant. Coming to make a covenant means it was agreed beforehand. The word "and" is not used, because the state was entrusted to the other side. The other party's person is not written, which also entrusts the state to the other side. The day is not recorded, because a covenant agreed beforehand has no day recorded.

冬，公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯於黑壤。

In winter, Duke Xuan met the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng and the Earl of Cao at Heirang.

夏，六月，公子遂如齊，至黃乃復。乃者，亡乎人之辭也。復者，事畢也，不專公命也。

In summer, in the sixth month, Prince Sui went to Qi, and on reaching Huang, turned back. "Then" is wording for what is not within human wishes. "Returned" means the business was done, and he did not treat the ruler's command as something he could decide himself.

仲遂卒於垂。為若反命而後卒也。此公子也，其曰仲，何也？疏之也。何為疏之也？是不卒者也。不疏，則無用見其不卒也，則其卒之，何也？以譏乎宣也。其譏乎宣，何也？聞大夫之喪，則去樂卒事。

Zhong Sui died at Chui. The text is written as though he had returned and reported before he died. He was a prince, so why is he called "Zhong"? It is to distance him. Why distance him? He was originally someone whose death should not have been recorded. If he were not distanced, there would be no way to see that he should not have been recorded. Then why is his death still recorded? To rebuke Duke Xuan. What is rebuked in Duke Xuan? On hearing of the death of an officer, one should put away the music and complete the affair.

壬午，猶繹。猶者，可以已之辭也。繹者，祭之旦日之享賓也。

On renwu, the yi sacrifice was still performed. "Still" means that it could have been stopped but was still done. The "yi" is the sacrifice at which guests are feasted on the day after the main sacrifice.

冬，十月己丑，葬我小君頃熊。雨不克葬。葬既有日，不為雨止，禮也。雨不克葬，喪不以制也。

In winter, in the tenth month, on jichou, we buried our lady of the state, Qing Xiong. It rained and the burial could not be carried out. Once the day of burial has been fixed, not stopping because of rain is proper ritual. If it rains and the burial cannot be done, the funeral is not being conducted according to rules.

庚寅，日中而克葬。而，緩辭也，足乎日之辭也。

On gengyin, at midday, the burial could finally be done. The word "and" is relaxed wording, and also means that the time that day was still sufficient.

九月，晉侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯會於扈。

In the ninth month, the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng and the Earl of Cao met at Hu.

辛酉，晉侯黑臀卒於扈。其地於外也，其日未逾竟也。

On xinyou, Heitun, Marquis of Jin, died at Hu. The place is recorded because he died abroad; the day is recorded because he had not yet left the borders.

冬，十月癸酉，衛侯鄭卒。宋人圍滕。楚子伐鄭。晉郤缺帥師救鄭。

In winter, in the tenth month, on guiyou, Zheng, Marquis of Wei, died. The men of Song besieged Teng. The Viscount of Chu attacked Zheng. Xi Que of Jin led an army to rescue Zheng.

陳殺其大夫洩冶。稱國以殺其大夫，殺無罪也。洩冶之無罪如何？陳靈公通於夏徵舒之家，公孫寧、儀行父，亦通其家。或衣其衣，或衷其襦，以相戲於朝。洩冶聞之，入諫曰：「使國人聞之則猶可，使仁人聞之則不可。」君愧於洩冶，不能用其言而殺之。

Chen killed its great officer Xie Ye. To record the killing of a great officer under the state's name shows that the one killed was without guilt. How was Xie Ye without guilt? Duke Ling of Chen was committing adultery in the house of Xia Zhengshu, and Gongsun Ning and Yi Xingfu were also intimate with that house. Some wore her clothing, some wore her undergarments next to the skin, and they joked with one another in the court. Xie Ye heard of it and went in to remonstrate, saying: "If the people of the state hear of it, it is still barely acceptable; if the benevolent hear of it, it is not." The ruler was ashamed before Xie Ye, but could not use his words and instead killed him.

十年春，公如齊。公至自齊。齊人歸我濟西田。公娶齊，齊由以為兄弟，反之，不言來。公如齊，受之也。

In spring of the tenth year, Duke Xuan went to Qi. Duke Xuan returned from Qi. The men of Qi returned the fields west of the Ji to our state of Lu. Duke Xuan had married a woman of Qi, and so Qi treated him as a brother and returned the fields. "Came" is not written, because Duke Xuan went to Qi to receive them.

秋，天王使王季子來聘。其曰王季，王子也。其曰子，尊之也。聘，問也。

In autumn, the Son of Heaven of Zhou sent Wang Jizi to pay a visit. "Wang Ji" is used because he was the Son of Heaven's son. "Zi" is to honor him. "Visit" means to inquire after.

冬，十月，楚人殺陳夏徵舒。此入而殺也，其不言入，何也？外徵舒於陳也。其外徵舒於陳，何也？明楚之討有罪也。

In winter, in the tenth month, the men of Chu killed Xia Zhengshu of Chen. This was killing him after entering Chen, so why is "entered" not written? It excludes Zhengshu from Chen. Why exclude him from Chen? To make clear that what Chu was punishing was a guilty man.

丁亥，楚子入陳。入者，內弗受也。日入，惡入者也。何用弗受也？不使夷狄為中國也。

On dinghai, the Viscount of Chu entered Chen. The word "entered" shows that the other side did not accept him. The day is recorded out of hatred for the one who went in. On what grounds was he not accepted? Because barbarians should not be made masters of the Central States.

納公孫寧、儀行父於陳。納者，內弗受也。輔人之不能民而討，猶可；入人之國，制人之上下，使不得其君臣之道，不可。

They brought Gongsun Ning and Yi Xingfu into Chen. "Brought in" shows that the other side did not accept them. To help another state attack because it could not give peace to its people is barely acceptable; to enter another's state and control its upper and lower ranks, so that they cannot live together according to the principle of ruler and subject, is not.

夏，六月乙卯，晉荀林父帥師，及楚子戰於邲。晉師敗績。

In summer, in the sixth month, on yimao, Xun Linfu of Jin led an army and fought the Viscount of Chu at Bi, and the Jin army was greatly defeated.

夏，五月，宋人及楚人平。平者，成也，善其量力而反義也。人者，眾辭也。平稱眾，上下欲之也。外平不道，以吾人之存焉道之也。

In summer, in the fifth month, the men of Song made peace with the men of Chu. "Make peace" means to reconcile, and approves of their weighing their own strength and returning to righteousness. "Men" indicates a wording of the multitude. To make peace and call it the multitude means both upper and lower were willing. Peace between foreign states is normally not recorded in the text; because men of our state of Lu were there, it was recorded.

六月，癸卯，晉師滅赤狄潞氏，以潞子嬰兒歸。滅國有三術：中國謹日，卑國月，夷狄不日。其日潞子嬰兒，賢也。

In the sixth month, on guimao, the army of Jin destroyed the Lu clan of the Red Di and took the Viscount of Lu, Ying'er, back. For the destruction of a state there are three ways of recording: for a state of the Central Plains the day is recorded gravely, for a lowly state the month, and for barbarians no day. Here the day is recorded for Ying'er of Lu because he was worthy.

王札子殺召伯、毛伯。王札子者，當上之辭也。殺召伯、毛伯，不言其，何也？兩下相殺也。兩下相殺，不志乎《春秋》，此其志，何也？矯王命以殺之，非忿怒相殺也，故曰：以王命殺也。以王命殺，則何志焉？為天下主者，天也；繼天者，君也；君之所存者，命也。為人臣而侵其君之命而用之，是不臣也；為人君而失其命，是不君也。君不君，臣不臣，此天下所以傾也。

Wang Zhazi killed the Duke of Shao and the Duke of Mao. "Wang Zhazi" is wording for one who sits in the position of ruler. In killing the Duke of Shao and the Duke of Mao, why is "his" not written? Because it was people of equal rank killing each other. When people of equal rank kill each other, the Spring and Autumn normally does not record it; here it is recorded, why? He killed under a false royal command, and it was not a momentary anger of killing one another, so it says: he used a royal command to kill. If he used a royal command to kill, why is it still recorded? What rules the world is Heaven, what continues Heaven is the ruler, and what the ruler depends on to exist is command. For a subject to seize the ruler's command and use it is not acting like a subject; for a ruler to lose his own command is not acting like a ruler. When the ruler is not like a ruler and the subject not like a subject, the world is overturned because of this.

初稅畝。初者，始也。古者什一，藉而不稅。初稅畝，非正也。古者三百步為裡，名曰井田。井田者，九百畝，公田居一。私田稼不善，則非吏；公田稼不善，則非民。初稅畝者，非公之去公田，而履畝十取一也，以公之與民為已悉矣！古者公田為居，井灶蔥韭盡取焉。

They began to levy tax by the mu of land. "Began" means started. In ancient times one-tenth was collected, with the people's labor borrowed to farm the public field, and no further tax on the fields was collected. To begin taxing by the mu is not the proper way. In ancient times three hundred paces made one li, called a well-field. A well-field was nine hundred mu, with the public field taking one share of it. If the crops in the private fields were poor, the officials were blamed; if the crops in the public field were poor, the people were blamed. To begin taxing by the mu was not the ruler abolishing the public field and changing to taking one-tenth by the mu, but the ruler demanding from the people already too completely! In ancient times people also lived in the public field, and wells, stoves, scallions and chives were all taken from there.

冬，蝝生。蝝，非災也。其曰蝝，非稅畝之災也。

In winter, yuan insects were born. Yuan are not a calamity. The text writes "yuan" to say that this was not a calamity brought on by taxing by the mu.

十有六年春，王正月，晉人滅赤狄甲氏，及留籲。

In spring of the sixteenth year, in the first month, the men of Jin destroyed the Jiashi clan of the Red Di, and Liuyu.

夏，成周宣榭災。周災，不志也；其曰宣榭，何也？以樂器之所藏目之也。

In summer, the Xuan Pavilion of Chengzhou caught fire. Calamities of the Zhou house are normally not recorded; here it says "Xuan Pavilion," why? Because it was the place where musical instruments were stored, so it is pointed out.

己未，公會晉侯、衛侯、曹伯、邾子，同盟於斷道。同者，有同也，同外楚也。

On jiwei, Duke Xuan met the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Cao and the Viscount of Zhu, and they swore a joint covenant at Duandao. "Joint" means a shared aim, that is, jointly resisting Chu.

冬，十有一月壬午，公弟叔肹卒。其曰公弟叔肹，賢之也。其賢之，何也？宣弒而非之也。非之，則胡為不去也？曰：兄弟也，何去而之？與之財，則曰：「我足矣！」織屨而食，終身不食宣公之食。君子以是為通恩也，以取貴乎《春秋》。

In winter, in the eleventh month, on renwu, Duke Xuan's younger brother Shu Xi died. Calling him "the duke's younger brother Shu Xi" is to regard him as worthy. Why regard him as worthy? Duke Xuan murdered his ruler, and he did not approve. If he did not approve, why did he not leave? The answer is: he was a brother, and if he left, where could he go? When he was given goods, he said: "I have enough!" He lived by weaving straw sandals, and for the rest of his life did not eat Duke Xuan's food. The gentleman regards this as carrying kindness and righteousness through, and for this reason he gained honor in the Spring and Autumn.

秋，七月，邾人戕繒子於繒。戕，猶殘也，梲殺也。

In autumn, in the seventh month, the men of Zhu butchered the Viscount of Zeng at Zeng. "Butcher" is like "maim," a sudden cruel killing.

甲戌，楚子呂卒。夷狄不卒；卒，少進也。卒而不日；日，少進也。日而不言正；不正，簡之也。

On jiaxu, Lu, Viscount of Chu, died. Barbarians normally do not have deaths recorded; when recorded, they have advanced a little in rank. His death was recorded but not the day; when the day is recorded, they advance a little further. When the day is recorded but it is not said whether he was proper or not, it writes him briefly.

歸父還自晉。還者，事未畢也。自晉，事畢也。與人之子，守其父之殯。捐殯而奔其父之使者，是以奔父也。

Gui Fu returned from Jin. "Returned" means the affair was not yet complete; writing "from Jin" means the affair was done. To have another's son guard his father's coffin, abandoning the funeral rites oneself, and further to drive his father's envoy to flee, is equivalent to fleeing to avoid one's father.

無冰。終時無冰則志，此未終時而言無冰，何也？終無冰矣。加之寒之辭也。

There was no ice. It is recorded only when a whole season passes without ice; here it writes "no ice" before the season has ended, why? Because it could already be judged that in the end there would be no ice. This is wording that adds the layer of "cold."

三月，作丘甲。作，為也。丘，為甲也。丘甲，國之事也。丘作甲，非正也。丘作甲之為非正，何也？古者立國家，百官具，農工皆有職以事上。古者有四民：有士民，有商民、有農民、有工民。夫甲，非人人之所能為也。丘作甲，非正也。

In the third month, they began to produce armor by the qiu (district). "Make" means to make. Armor was produced by the qiu. Producing armor is the business of the state; to produce armor by the qiu is not the proper way. Why is it not the proper way? In ancient times when a state was established, the hundred offices were complete, and farmers and craftsmen all had duties to serve those above. In ancient times there were four kinds of people: scholars, merchants, farmers and craftsmen. Armor is not something everyone can make. To produce armor by the qiu is not the proper way.

秋，王師敗績於貿戎。不言戰，莫之敢敵也。為尊者諱，敵不諱敗；為親者諱，敗不諱敵。尊尊親親之義也。然則孰敗之？晉也。

In autumn, the army of the Zhou Son of Heaven was greatly defeated at Maorong. "Battle" is not written, because no one dares to be an enemy to the Son of Heaven. For the honored one one conceals that he has an opponent but does not conceal that he was defeated; for kin one conceals that he was defeated but does not conceal that he has an opponent. This is the righteousness of honoring the honored and loving one's kin. Then who defeated him? Jin.

冬，十月。季孫行父禿，晉郤克眇，衛孫良夫跛，曹公子手僂，同時而聘於齊。齊使禿者御禿者，使眇者御眇者，使跛者御跛者，使僂者御僂者。蕭同侄子處臺上而笑之；聞於客，客不說而去。相與立胥閭而語，移日不解。齊人有知之者，曰：「齊之患，必自此始矣！」

In winter, in the tenth month. Ji Sun Xingfu was bald, Xi Ke of Jin was blind in one eye, Sun Liangfu of Wei was lame, and Gongzi Shou of Cao was hunchbacked, and they all paid a visit to Qi at the same time. Qi sent a bald man to receive the bald one, a one-eyed man to receive the one-eyed, a lame man to receive the lame, and a hunchback to receive the hunchback. The nephew of Xiao Tong laughed at them from the terrace; the sound reached the guests' ears, and the guests were displeased and left. Together they stood at Xulü talking, and when the sun had moved they still did not disperse. A wise man of Qi said: "The calamity of Qi will surely begin from here!"

夏，四月丙戌，衛孫良夫帥師，及齊師戰於新築。衛師敗績。

In summer, in the fourth month, on bingxu, Sun Liangfu of Wei led an army and fought the army of Qi at Xinzhu, and the Wei army was greatly defeated.

六月癸酉，季孫行父、臧孫許、叔孫僑如、公孫嬰齊帥師，會晉郤克、衛孫良夫、曹公子手，及齊侯戰於鞍。齊師敗績。其日，或曰日，其戰也；或曰日，其悉也。曹無大夫，其曰公子，何也？以吾之四大夫在焉，舉其貴者也。

In the sixth month, on guiyou, Ji Sun Xingfu, Zang Sun Xu, Shusun Qiaoru and Gongsun Yingqi led an army, joined Xi Ke of Jin, Sun Liangfu of Wei and Gongzi Shou of Cao, and fought the Marquis of Qi at An, and the Qi army was greatly defeated. As to the recording of the day, one explanation says it is to record the battle; another says it is to record that the men arrived at Qi. Cao has no appointed great officer, so why is he called "Gongzi" here? Because our state of Lu had four great officers present, so his noble status is named.

秋，七月，齊侯使國佐如師。己酉，及國佐盟於爰婁。鞍，去國五百里。爰婁，去國五十里。一戰綿地五百里，焚雍門之茨，侵車東至海。君子聞之曰：「夫甚甚之辭焉。齊有以取之也。」齊之有以取之，何也？敗衛師於新築，侵我北鄙，敖郤獻子，齊有以取之也。爰婁在師之外，郤克曰：「反魯、衛之侵地，以紀侯之甗來，以蕭同侄子之母為質，使耕者皆東其畝，然後與子盟。」國佐曰：「反魯、衛之侵地，以紀侯之甗來，則諾。以蕭同侄子之母為質，則是齊侯之母也。齊侯之母猶晉君之母也，晉君之母猶齊侯之母也。使耕者盡東其畝，則是終土齊也。不可，請一戰。一戰不克，請再。再不克，請三。三不克，請四。四不克，請五。五不克，舉國而授。」於是而與之盟。

In autumn, in the seventh month, the Marquis of Qi sent Guo Zuo to the army. On jiyou, a covenant was made with Guo Zuo at Yuanlou. An is five hundred li from the Qi capital, and Yuanlou is fifty li from the capital. One battle stretched over five hundred li, burned the thatch on the Yong Gate, and the raiding chariots went east all the way to the sea. When the gentleman heard of it, he said: "This is wording that overstates the matter. Qi also brought it on itself." How did Qi bring it on itself? It defeated the Wei army at Xinzhu, invaded the northern border town of our Lu, and also looked down on Xi Xianzi; this is how Qi brought it on itself. Yuanlou was outside the camp. Xi Ke said: "Return the lands taken from Lu and Wei, send the yan vessel of the Marquis of Ji, take the mother of Xiao Tong's nephew as hostage, and have all who plow turn their furrows east-west, and only then will I make a covenant with you." Guo Zuo said: "Returning the lands taken from Lu and Wei and sending the yan vessel of the Marquis of Ji, these can be done. Taking the mother of Xiao Tong's nephew as hostage, that is the mother of the Marquis of Qi. The mother of the Marquis of Qi is like the mother of the ruler of Jin, and the mother of the ruler of Jin is like the mother of the Marquis of Qi. Having all who plow turn their furrows east-west is treating the land of Qi as your own. This cannot be done. Please fight another battle. If one battle is not won, please fight a second. If the second is not won, please fight a third. If the third is not won, please fight a fourth. If the fourth is not won, please fight a fifth. If the fifth is still not won, we will hand over the whole state." Thereupon they made a covenant with him.

十有一月，公會楚公子嬰齊於蜀。楚無大夫，其曰公子，何也？嬰齊，亢也。

In the eleventh month, Duke Cheng met Gongzi Yingqi of Chu at Shu. Chu has no appointed great officer, so why is he called "Gongzi" here? Because Yingqi put on the airs of an equal.

丙申，公及楚人、秦人、宋人、陳人、衛人、鄭人、齊人、曹人、邾人、薛人、繒人盟於蜀。楚其稱人，何也？於是而後，公得其所也。會與盟同月，則地會，不地盟。不同月，則地會，地盟。此其地會，地盟，何也？以公得其所，申其事也。今之屈，向之驕也。

On bingshen, Duke Cheng, together with the men of Chu, Qin, Song, Chen, Wei, Zheng, Qi, Cao, Zhu, Xue and Zeng, made a covenant at Shu. Chu is called "men," why? From this time on, Duke Cheng obtained the place he should occupy. When a meeting and a covenant fall in the same month, only the place of the meeting is recorded and not the place of the covenant; when they do not fall in the same month, the places of both the meeting and the covenant are recorded. Here both the meeting and the covenant have places recorded, why? Because Duke Cheng obtained his proper place and this is to be declared. The present submission corresponds exactly to the earlier arrogance.

三年春，王正月，公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯伐鄭。

In spring of the third year, in the first month, Duke Cheng joined the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei and the Earl of Cao in attacking Zheng.

甲子，新宮災，三日哭。新宮者，禰宮也。三日哭，哀也。其哀，禮也。迫近不敢稱禰，恭也。其辭恭且哀，以成公為無譏矣。

On jiazi, the New Palace caught fire, and they wept for three days. The New Palace was the father's ancestral temple. Weeping three days was grief. Such grief is proper ritual. Because it was so close, they did not dare to call it the ancestral temple of the father, out of reverence. The wording is both reverent and mournful, and the text holds that there is nothing in Duke Cheng to rebuke.

衛侯使孫良夫來聘。丙午，及荀庚盟。丁未，及孫良夫盟。其日，公也，來聘而求盟。不言及者，以國與之也。不言其人，亦以國與之也。不言求，兩欲之也。

The Marquis of Wei sent Sun Liangfu to pay a visit. On bingwu, he made a covenant with Xun Geng. On dingwei, he made a covenant with Sun Liangfu. The days are recorded because the ruler was present. They came on a visit but sought a covenant. The word "and" is not used, because the state was entrusted to the other side. The other party's person is not written, which also entrusts the state to the other side. "Sought" is not written, because both sides were willing.

五年春，王正月，杞叔姬來歸。婦人之義，嫁曰歸，反曰來歸。

In spring of the fifth year, in the first month, Shu Ji of Qi was sent back to her family. For a woman, the term for marrying out is "gui," and for being sent back is "lai gui."

梁山崩。不日，何也？高者有崩道也。有崩道，則何以書也？曰：梁山崩，壅遏河三日不流，晉君召伯尊而問焉。伯尊來遇輦者，輦者不闢，使車右下而鞭之。輦者曰：「所以鞭我者，其取道遠矣。」伯尊下車而問焉，曰：「子有聞乎？」對曰：「梁山崩，壅遏河三日不流。」伯尊曰：「君為此召我也，為之奈何？」輦者曰：「天有山，天崩之；天有河，天壅之。雖召伯尊如之何？」伯尊由忠問焉。輦者曰：「君親素縞、帥群臣而哭之，既而祠焉，斯流矣。」伯尊至，君問之曰：「梁山崩，壅遏河三日不流，為之奈何？」伯尊曰：「君親素縞、帥群臣而哭之，既而祠焉，斯流矣。」孔子聞之曰：「伯尊其無績乎！攘善也。」

Mount Liang collapsed. The day is not recorded, why? Something high naturally has the principle of collapsing. If it has the principle of collapsing, why is it still recorded? The answer is: Mount Liang collapsed and blocked the Yellow River, so that it did not flow for three days. The ruler of Jin summoned Bo Zun to ask. On the road Bo Zun met a man pulling a cart, who would not make way, and Bo Zun had his charioteer's companion get down and whip him. The cart puller said: "With this method you use to whip me, I fear you will have a longer road to go." Bo Zun got down from his carriage and asked him: "Have you heard anything?" He answered: "Mount Liang collapsed and blocked the Yellow River, so that it did not flow for three days." Bo Zun said: "The ruler has summoned me over this, what is to be done?" The cart puller said: "Heaven has mountains and lets them collapse; Heaven has rivers and lets them be blocked. Even if Bo Zun is summoned, what can he do?" Bo Zun sincerely asked again. The cart puller said: "If the ruler himself puts on plain white, leads the ministers to wail, and sacrifices after wailing, the river will flow." When Bo Zun arrived, the ruler asked him: "Mount Liang collapsed and blocked the Yellow River, so that it did not flow for three days; what is to be done?" Bo Zun said: "If the ruler himself puts on plain white, leads the ministers to wail, and sacrifices after wailing, the river will flow." Confucius heard of it and said: "Bo Zun probably has no merit! This is taking another's good as one's own."

十有二月己丑，公會晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、邾子、杞伯，同盟於蟲牢。

In the twelfth month, on jichou, Duke Cheng joined the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Zhu and the Earl of Qi, and they swore a joint covenant at Chongmou.

七年春，王正月，鼷鼠食郊牛角。不言日，急辭也，過有司也。郊牛日，展觓角而知傷，展道盡矣！其所以備災之道不盡也。

In spring of the seventh year, in the first month, a shrew bit the horn of the ox for the suburban sacrifice. The day is not recorded, which is hurried wording, and the fault lies with the officials in charge. The suburban ox is inspected every day for its curved horns, and finding it injured, the procedure of inspection had been fully carried out! The means of guarding against calamity had not been fully carried out.

改卜牛，鼷鼠又食其角。又，有繼之辭也。其緩辭也，曰：亡乎人矣！非人之所能也。所以免有司之過也。

They divined for another ox, and the shrew again bit its horn. "Again" is wording that carries on. Relaxed wording is used here to say: it was not within human wishes! It was not something humans could do. This is used to excuse the officials in charge of their fault.

乃免牛。乃者，亡乎人之辭也。免牲者，為之緇衣纁裳，有司玄端，奉送至於南郊。免牛亦然。免牲不曰不郊，免牛亦然。

Then the ox was released. "Then" is wording for what is not within human wishes. What is called releasing the sacrificial animal is to dress it in a black upper garment and a light red lower garment, and the officials in charge, wearing dark ceremonial dress, respectfully escort it all the way to the southern suburb. Releasing the ox is the same. When a sacrificial animal is released there is no need to say "no suburban sacrifice," and releasing the ox is likewise.

公會晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、杞伯，救鄭。

Duke Cheng joined the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu and the Earl of Qi in relieving Zheng.

冬，大雩。雩不月而時，非之也。冬無為雩也。

In winter, a great yu sacrifice was held. The yu sacrifice is recorded by season and not by month, as a reproach to this event. There was no reason to hold a yu sacrifice in winter.

八年春，晉侯使韓穿來言汶陽之田，歸之於齊。於齊，緩辭也。不使盡我也。

In spring of the eighth year, the Marquis of Jin sent Han Chuan to speak of the Wenyang fields, to be returned to Qi. Writing "to Qi" is relaxed wording, so as not to make Jin appear to have handled the affairs of our Lu to the end.

秋，七月，天子使召伯來錫公命。禮有受命，無來錫命，錫命非正也。曰「天子」，何也？曰：見一稱也。

In autumn, in the seventh month, the Son of Heaven sent the Duke of Shao to bestow on Duke Cheng his ceremonial robes of appointment. By ritual, one goes in person to receive an appointment, and there is no Son of Heaven who comes to the door to bestow it; bestowing appointments in this way is not the proper way. Why is he called "Son of Heaven"? The answer: so that people can see that there is still this title.

衛人來媵。媵，淺事也，不志；此其志，何也？以伯姬之不得其所，故盡其事也。

The men of Wei sent a woman to accompany the bride. Sending an accompanying bride is a minor matter, and the text normally does not record it; here it is recorded, why? Because Bo Ji afterward did not find her proper place, so everything related is written in full.

九年春，王正月，杞伯來逆叔姬之喪以歸。傳曰：夫無逆出妻之喪而為之也。

In spring of the ninth year, in the first month, the Earl of Qi came to receive the coffin of Shu Ji and take it back. The commentary says: there is no principle by which a husband receives the coffin of a repudiated wife and holds the funeral for her.

公會晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、杞伯，同盟於蒲。公至自會。

Duke Cheng joined the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju and the Earl of Qi in a joint covenant at Pu. Duke Cheng returned from the meeting.

夏，季孫行父如宋致女。致者，不致者也。婦人在家制於父，既嫁制於夫。如宋致女，是以我盡之也。不正，故不與內稱也。逆者微，故致女。詳其事，賢伯姬也。

In summer, Ji Sun Xingfu went to Song to "deliver the lady." "Deliver" is what should not have been delivered. A woman before marriage follows her father's command, and after marriage follows her husband's. To go to Song to deliver the lady is as though our Lu still managed her to the end. This is not the proper way, so Xingfu is not given the title of one within the state. The one who went to bring the bride was of low rank, and so the lady had to be delivered. The matter is written in detail because Bo Ji is regarded as worthy.

晉人來媵。媵，淺事也，不志；此其志，何也？以伯姬之不得其所，故盡其事也。

The men of Jin sent a woman to accompany the bride. Sending an accompanying bride is a minor matter, and the text normally does not record it; here it is recorded, why? Because Bo Ji afterward did not find her proper place, so everything related is written in full.

晉欒書帥師伐鄭。不言戰，以鄭伯也。為尊者諱恥，為賢者諱過，為親者諱疾。

Luan Shu of Jin led an army to attack Zheng. "Battle" is not written, which is said in regard to the Earl of Zheng. One conceals shame for the honored, conceals faults for the worthy, and conceals flaws for kin.

庚申，莒潰。其日，莒雖夷狄，猶中國也。大夫潰莒而之楚，是以知其上為事也。惡之，故謹而日之也。

On gengshen, Ju collapsed. The day is recorded because Ju, though barbarian, was also like a state of the Central Plains. The great officers made Ju collapse and ran off to Chu, from which one knows they treated their superior as a tool. Out of hatred for this, the day is gravely recorded.

夏，四月，五卜郊不從，乃不郊。「夏，四月」，不時也。五卜，強也。乃者，亡乎人之辭也。

In summer, in the fourth month, they divined five times for the suburban sacrifice and it was not auspicious, and so the suburban sacrifice was not held. Writing "summer, fourth month" shows it was out of season. Divining five times was forcing it. "Then" is wording for what is not within human wishes.

五月，公會晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯伐鄭。

In the fifth month, Duke Cheng joined the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei and the Earl of Cao in attacking Zheng.

十有二年春，周公出奔晉。周有入無出，其曰出，上下一見之也。言其上下之道，無以存也。上雖失之，下孰敢有之？今上下皆失之矣！

In spring of the twelfth year, the Duke of Zhou fled to Jin. The house of Zhou has only "entering," and no "going out"; here "going out" is written to let both above and below see it once. It means that the principle between them, above and below, had nothing left that could preserve itself. Even if those above had lost it, who below would dare to keep it for himself? Now both above and below have lost it!

秋，晉人敗狄於交剛。中國與夷狄不言戰，皆曰敗之，夷狄不日。

In autumn, the men of Jin defeated the Di at Jiaogang. Between the Central States and the barbarians, the text does not write "battle" but always says "defeated them"; for barbarians no day is recorded.

十有三年春，晉侯使郤錡來乞師。乞，重辭也。古之人重師，故以乞言之也。

In spring of the thirteenth year, the Marquis of Jin sent Xi Qi to ask for troops. "Beg" is a heavy word. The ancients valued armies, and so used "beg" for it.

三月，公如京師。公如京師不月，月非如也。非如而曰如，不叛京師也。

In the third month, Duke Cheng went to the capital. When a ruler goes to the capital, the month is normally not recorded; when the month is recorded, it is not a true court visit. It is not a true court visit yet is written as "went to," which shows he did not rebel against the capital.

夏，五月，公至自京師，遂會晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、邾人、滕人，伐秦。言受命，不敢叛周也。

In summer, in the fifth month, Duke Cheng returned from the capital, and then joined the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the men of Zhu and the men of Teng, and attacked Qin. This says that he had received the royal command and did not dare to rebel against the house of Zhou.

曹伯廬卒於師。傳曰：閔之也。公大夫在師曰師，在會曰會。

Lu, Earl of Cao, died in the army. The commentary says: this is out of pity for him. When a ruler's great officer is in the army he is called "army," and when at a meeting he is called "meeting."

九月，僑如以夫人婦姜氏至自齊。大夫不以夫人；以夫人，非正也。刺不親迎也。僑如之挈，由上致之也。

In the ninth month, Qiaoru came bringing the Lady Fu Jiang from Qi. A great officer may not use "with" for bringing a lady; using "with" is not the proper way. This is a rebuke that the ruler did not personally go to bring home his bride. Naming "Qiaoru" alone, by name, is because he had already been sent above.

十有五年春，王二月，葬衛定公。三月乙巳，仲嬰齊卒。此公孫也，其曰仲，何也？子由父疏之也。

In spring of the fifteenth year, in the second month, Duke Ding of Wei was buried. In the third month, on yisi, Zhong Yingqi died. He was a grandson of the ruling house, so why is he called "Zhong"? A son is distanced because of his father.

癸丑，公會晉侯、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、宋世子成、齊國佐、邾人，同盟於戚。晉侯執曹伯，歸於京師。以晉侯而斥執曹伯，惡晉侯也，不言之急辭也，斷在晉侯也。

On guichou, Duke Cheng joined the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, Cheng, crown prince of Song, Guo Zuo of Qi and the men of Zhu in a joint covenant at Qi. The Marquis of Jin seized the Earl of Cao and sent him to the capital. For the Marquis of Jin to be recorded directly as seizing the Earl of Cao is out of hatred for the Marquis of Jin. The phrase "took him back to" is not written, which is hurried wording, with the judgment resting on the Marquis of Jin.

秋，八月庚辰，葬宋共公。月卒日葬，非葬者也，此其言葬，何也？以其葬共姬，不可不葬共公也。葬共姬則其不可不葬共公，何也？夫人之義，不逾君也，為賢者崇也。

In autumn, in the eighth month, on gengchen, Duke Gong of Song was buried. For a death the month is recorded and for a burial the day, meaning someone whose burial should not have been recorded; here the burial is recorded, why? Because the burial of Gong Ji was recorded, it could not but record the burial of Duke Gong. Having recorded Gong Ji it could not but record Duke Gong, why? The lady's standing cannot exceed that of the ruler, which is also to honor the worthy.

冬，十有一月，叔孫僑如會晉士燮、齊高無咎、宋華元、衛孫林父、鄭公子鰍、邾人，會吳於鍾離。會又會，外之也。

In winter, in the eleventh month, Shusun Qiaoru joined Shi Xie of Jin, Gao Wujiu of Qi, Hua Yuan of Song, Sun Linfu of Wei, Gongzi Zou of Zheng and the men of Zhu, and met Wu at Zhongli. To meet again and again is to treat them as outsiders.

許遷於葉。遷者，猶得其國家以往者也。其地，許復見也。

Xu moved to Ye. Saying "moved" describes the situation of leaving while still keeping its own state. The place is recorded because Xu would reappear later.

十有六年春，王正月，雨木冰。雨而木冰也，誌異也。傳曰：根枝折。

In spring of the sixteenth year, in the first month, it rained and the trees became coated with ice. It rained and made the trees freeze, which records an anomaly. The commentary says: roots and branches were both broken.

甲午，晦，晉侯及楚子、鄭伯戰於鄢陵。楚子、鄭師敗績。日事遇晦曰晦，四體偏斷曰敗。此其敗則目也。楚不言師，君重於師也。

On jiawu, the last day of the month, the Marquis of Jin fought the Viscount of Chu and the Earl of Zheng at Yanling. The Viscount of Chu and the Zheng army were greatly defeated. Since the event fell right at the end of the month, it is written "hui." Breaking a limb on one side is called "defeat"; this defeat refers to the eye. Chu is not called "army," because the ruler outweighs the army.

楚殺其大夫公子側。秋，公會晉侯、齊侯、衛侯、宋華元、邾人於沙隨。不見公。不見公者，可以見公也。可以見公而不見公，譏在諸侯也。

Chu killed its great officer Gongzi Ce. In autumn, Duke Cheng joined the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi, the Marquis of Wei, Hua Yuan of Song and the men of Zhu at Shasui. They did not receive the duke. Saying "did not see the duke" is because they could originally have seen him. They could have seen him yet did not, and the rebuke falls on the feudal lords.

曹伯歸自京師。不言所歸，歸之善者也。出入不名，以為不失其國也。歸為善，自某歸次之。

The Earl of Cao returned from the capital. Where he returned to is not written, which is the best kind of return. His name is not given either on going out or on returning, regarding him as not having lost his own state. Writing "returned" is good, and writing "returned from such a place" is one grade lower.

九月，晉人執季孫行父，舍之於苕丘。執者不捨；而舍，公所也。執者致；而不致，公在也。何其執而辭也？猶在公也。存意公亦存也。公存也。

In the ninth month, the men of Jin seized Ji Sun Xingfu and placed him at Tiaoqiu. For a seized person "lodged" is normally not written; here "lodged" is written because that was where the ruler was. For a seized person, return to the state is normally written; here it is not written because the ruler was present. Why use the wording for being seized? Because he was still at the ruler's side. If he keeps the ruler's intention, the ruler is also still present. The ruler is present.

乙酉，刺公子偃。大夫日卒，正也。先刺後名，殺無罪也。

On yiyou, Gongzi Yan was killed. When a great officer dies, the day is recorded as the normal rule. Writing "stabbed" first and then the name shows that the one killed was without guilt.

夏，公會尹子、單子、晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯、邾人，伐鄭。六月乙酉，同盟於柯陵。柯陵之盟，謀復伐鄭也。

In summer, Duke Cheng joined Yin Zi, Shan Zi, the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Cao and the men of Zhu in attacking Zheng. In the sixth month, on yiyou, they swore a joint covenant at Keling. The covenant at Keling was to plan another attack on Zheng.

秋，公至自會。不曰至自伐鄭也，公不周乎伐鄭也。何以知公之不周乎伐鄭？以其以會致也。何以知其盟復伐鄭也？以其後會之人盡盟者也。不周乎伐鄭，則何為日也？言公之不背柯陵之盟也。

In autumn, Duke Cheng returned from the meeting. "Returned from attacking Zheng" is not written, because Duke Cheng did not complete the attack on Zheng. How is it known he did not complete it? Because his return is recorded according to the "meeting." How is it known that this covenant was for attacking Zheng again? Because those who later took part in the meeting were all those who had sworn the covenant. If he did not complete the attack on Zheng, why is the day still recorded? It says that Duke Cheng did not abandon the covenant of Keling.

九月辛丑，用郊。夏之始可以承春，以秋之末承春之始，蓋不可矣！九月用郊，用者不宜用也。宮室不設，不可以祭；衣服不修，不可以祭；車馬器械不備，不可以祭；有司一人不備其職，不可以祭。祭者，薦其時也，薦其敬也，薦其美也，非享味也。

In the ninth month, on xinchou, the suburban sacrifice was held. The beginning of summer can still continue from spring; to use the end of autumn to continue from the beginning of spring, probably is not permissible! The suburban sacrifice held in the ninth month used the word "used," which exactly shows that it should not have been used. If the palace is not set in order one may not sacrifice; if the clothes are not prepared one may not sacrifice; if the carriages, horses and implements are not complete one may not sacrifice; if even one official in charge has not fulfilled his duty, one may not sacrifice either. Sacrifice is to present the season, to present reverence and to present what is fine, not to go and enjoy flavors.

冬，公會單子、晉侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯、齊人、邾人，伐鄭。言公不背柯陵之盟也。

In winter, Duke Cheng joined Shan Zi, the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Cao, the men of Qi and the men of Zhu in attacking Zheng. This says that Duke Cheng did not abandon the covenant of Keling.

壬申，公孫嬰齊，卒於貍蜃。十一月無壬申，壬申乃十月也。致公而後錄，臣子之義也。其地，未逾竟也。

On renshen, Gongsun Yingqi died at Lishen. There is no renshen in the eleventh month, and renshen was actually in the tenth month. It was recorded only after the ruler returned to the state, which is the righteousness of a subject. The place is recorded because he had not yet left the borders.

晉殺其大夫郤錡、郤犨、郤至。自禍於是起矣！

Jin killed its great officers Xi Qi, Xi Chou and Xi Zhi. Calamity arose from here!

十有八年春，王正月，晉殺其大夫胥童。庚申，晉弒其君州蒲。稱國以弒其君，君惡甚矣！

In spring of the eighteenth year, in the first month, Jin killed its great officer Xu Tong. On gengshen, Jin killed its ruler Zhou Pu. To record the murder of a ruler under the state's name means that this ruler's evil was very grave!

築鹿囿。築，不志；此其志，何也？山林藪澤之利，所以與民共也；虞之，非正也。

They built the Lu You (deer park). Building is normally not recorded; here it is recorded, why? The products of mountains, forests, lakes and marshes were originally for sharing with the people; to send people to guard and monopolize them is not the proper way.

己丑，公薨於路寢。路寢，正也。男子不絕婦人之手，以齊終也。

On jichou, Duke Cheng died in the main hall. To die in the main hall is the proper rule. A man does not breathe his last in the hands of a woman, in order to end his life with dignity.

十有二月，仲孫蔑會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、邾子、齊崔杼，同盟於虛朾。

In the twelfth month, Zhongsun Mie joined the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Viscount of Zhu and Cui Zhu of Qi in a joint covenant at Xuding.

元年春，王正月，公即位。繼正即位，正也。

In spring of the first year, in the first month, Duke Xiang took the throne. To take the throne after a ruler who died a natural death is the proper rule.

仲孫蔑會晉欒黶、宋華元、衛寧殖、曹人、莒人、邾人、滕人、薛人，圍宋彭城。系彭城於宋者，不與魚石，正也。

Zhongsun Mie joined Luan Yan of Jin, Hua Yuan of Song, Ning Zhi of Wei, the men of Cao, the men of Ju, the men of Zhu, the men of Teng and the men of Xue in besieging Pengcheng of Song. To attach Pengcheng to Song disapproves of Yu Shi, which is the right way.

仲孫蔑會齊崔杼、曹人、邾人、杞人，次於鄫。

Zhongsun Mie joined Cui Zhu of Qi, the men of Cao, the men of Zhu and the men of Qi, and encamped at Zeng.

晉師、宋師、衛寧殖侵鄭。其曰衛寧殖，如是而稱於前事也。

The Jin army, the Song army and Ning Zhi of Wei invaded Zheng. Calling him "Ning Zhi of Wei" is to name him as before, according to the earlier event.

秋，七月，仲孫蔑會晉荀罃、宋華元、衛孫林父、曹人、邾人於戚。

In autumn, in the seventh month, Zhongsun Mie met Xun Ying of Jin, Hua Yuan of Song, Sun Linfu of Wei, the men of Cao and the men of Zhu at Qi.

冬，仲孫蔑會晉荀罃、齊崔杼、宋華元、衛孫林父、曹人、邾人、滕人、薛人、小邾人於戚，遂城虎牢。若言中國焉，內鄭也。

In winter, Zhongsun Mie met Xun Ying of Jin, Cui Zhu of Qi, Hua Yuan of Song, Sun Linfu of Wei, the men of Cao, the men of Zhu, the men of Teng, the men of Xue and the men of Little Zhu at Qi, and then fortified Hulao. This is written as if speaking of the Central Plains' own affair, treating Zheng as one of their own.

六月，公會單子、晉侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、莒子、邾子、齊世子光。己未，同盟於雞澤。同者，有同也，同外楚也。

In the sixth month, Duke Xiang joined Shan Zi, the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu and Guang, crown prince of Qi. On jiwei, they swore a joint covenant at Jize. "Joint" means a shared aim, that is, jointly resisting Chu.

陳侯使袁僑如會。如會，外乎會也，於會受命也。

The Marquis of Chen sent Yuan Qiao to the meeting. "Went to the meeting" means he was still outside the meeting and received orders at the meeting.

戊寅，叔孫豹及諸侯之大夫，及陳袁僑盟。及以及，與之也。諸侯以為可與則與之，不可與則釋之。諸侯盟，又大夫相與私盟，是大夫張也。故雞澤之會，諸侯始失正矣！大夫執國權，曰袁僑，異之也。

On wuyin, Shusun Bao and the great officers of the feudal lords, together with Yuan Qiao of Chen, made a covenant. The use of "and" and again "and" approves of them. The feudal lords made friends where they thought it possible and put aside where they thought it not. The feudal lords had made a covenant, and then the great officers made covenants with each other in private, which is the great officers expanding. So at this meeting at Jize, the feudal lords began to lose the proper way! The great officers took hold of the state's authority. Naming "Yuan Qiao" alone treats him as different.

叔孫豹、繒世子巫如晉。外不言如，而言如，為我事往也。

Shusun Bao and Wu, crown prince of Zeng, went to Jin. Affairs of other states normally do not write "went to"; here "went to" is written because it was on behalf of our Lu's business.

仲孫蔑、衛孫林父會吳於善稻。吳謂善伊，謂稻緩，號從中國，名從主人。

Zhongsun Mie and Sun Linfu of Wei met Wu at Shandao. The men of Wu call "shan" "yi," and call "dao" "huan." The titles follow the Central Plains, and the names follow the host.

公會晉侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、齊世子光、吳人、繒人於戚。公至自會。

Duke Xiang joined the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, Guang, crown prince of Qi, the men of Wu and the men of Zeng at Qi. Duke Xiang returned from the meeting.

公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、齊世子光，救陳。十有二月，公至自救陳。善救陳也。

Duke Xiang met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, and Guang, heir of Qi, to rescue Chen. In the twelfth month, Duke Xiang returned from the army that rescued Chen. The text approves of rescuing Chen.

莒人滅繒。非滅也。中國日，卑國月，夷狄時。繒，中國也，而時，非滅也。家有既亡，國有既滅，滅而不自知，由別之而不別也。莒人滅繒，非滅也。非立異姓以蒞祭祀，滅亡之道也。

The men of Ju destroyed Zeng. In fact it was not a destruction. For states of the central lands the day is recorded, for lesser states the month, and for the barbarians the season. Zeng was a central state, yet it is recorded by season, which shows it was not truly destroyed. A household may have already perished without knowing it, and a state may have already been destroyed without knowing it; to destroy oneself without knowing it is because what ought to be distinguished was not distinguished. The men of Ju did not destroy Zeng. To set up a person of a different surname to preside over the sacrifices, that is the road to destruction.

夏，四月，三卜郊；不從，乃免牲。夏四月，不時也。三卜，禮也。乃者，亡乎人之辭也。

In the fourth month of summer, divination was made three times for the suburban sacrifice; it was not favorable, and so the sacrificial animal was spared. The fourth month of summer was not the proper season. Three divinations accord with ritual. "Nai" is a word for something not within human wishes.

冬，十月，衛侯使孫林父來聘。壬戌，及孫林父盟。

In the tenth month of winter, the Marquis of Wei sent Sun Linfu to make a friendly visit. On the renxu day, a covenant was made with Sun Linfu.

十有二月，公會晉侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、曹伯、莒子、邾子於鄬。鄭伯髡原如會。未見諸侯。丙戌，卒於操。未見諸侯，其曰如會，何也？致其志也。禮，諸侯不生名，此其生名，何也？卒之名也。卒之名，則何為加之如會之上？見以如會卒也。其見以如會卒，何也？鄭伯將會中國，其臣欲從楚；不勝其臣，弒而死。其不言弒，何也？不使夷狄之民加乎中國之君也。其地，於外也；其日，未逾竟也。日卒時葬，正也。

In the twelfth month, Duke Xiang met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju and the Viscount of Zhu at Wei. Kun Yuan, Earl of Zheng, went to attend the meeting but had not yet seen the lords. On the bingxu day he died at Cao. He had not yet seen the lords; why is it written "went to the meeting"? To fulfill his intention. By ritual, a lord is not called by name while alive; here he is named while alive; why? He is named according to his death. If named according to his death, why is it placed above "went to the meeting"? To show that he died because of going to the meeting. Why show that he died because of going to the meeting? The Earl of Zheng wanted to join the central states, but his ministers wanted to follow Chu; he could not control his ministers and was killed. Why is it not written "killed"? So as not to put barbarian people above a ruler of the central states. The place is recorded because he died abroad; the day is recorded because he had not yet left his borders. Recording the day of death and the season of burial is the regular form.

鄭人侵蔡，獲蔡公子溼。人，微者也。侵，淺事也。而獲公子，公子病矣！

The men of Zheng invaded Cai and captured Shi, a son of the Duke of Cai. Calling them "men" means people of low rank. Invading is a minor matter. Yet they captured a duke's son, and the duke's son is put to shame!

季孫宿會晉侯、鄭伯、齊人、宋人、衛人、邾人於邢丘。見魯之失正也。公在而大夫會也。

Ji Sun Su met with the Marquis of Jin, the Earl of Zheng, the men of Qi, the men of Song, the men of Wei and the men of Zhu at Xingqiu. This shows that Lu had lost the right way: the ruler was still there, but a senior official went to meet with others.

九年春，宋災。外災不志，此其志，何也？故宋也。

In the spring of the ninth year, there was a fire in Song. Disasters in other states are not usually recorded in the text; it is recorded here, why? Because Confucius's ancestors were people of Song.

冬，公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子、齊世子光，伐鄭。十有二月，己亥，同盟於戲。不異鄭，善得鄭也。不致，恥不能據鄭也。

In winter, Duke Xiang met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi, the Viscount of Little Zhu and Guang, heir of Qi, and attacked Zheng. On the jihai day of the twelfth month, a covenant was made at Xi. Not treating Zheng as a separate matter shows approval of gaining Zheng. Not writing of the return shows shame at not being able to hold Zheng steady.

十年春，公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子、齊世子光，會吳於柤。會又會，外之也。

In the spring of the tenth year, Duke Xiang met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi, the Viscount of Little Zhu and Guang, heir of Qi, and met Wu at Zha. To meet and meet again is to treat it as an outsider.

夏，五月甲午，遂滅傅陽。遂，直遂也；其曰遂何？不以中國從夷狄也。

In the fifth month of summer, on the jiawu day, they then destroyed Fuyang. "Sui" means going straight on with it; why is "sui" written? To keep the central states from following the barbarians.

公至自會。會夷狄不致，惡事不致，此其致，何也？存中國也。中國有善事，則並焉；無善事，則異之存之也。汲鄭伯，逃歸陳侯。致柤之會，存中國也。

Duke Xiang returned from the meeting. Meeting with barbarians is normally not recorded as a return, and evil deeds are normally not recorded as a return; it is written here, why? To preserve the central states. When the central states have something good, it is written together; when there is none, it is written separately, in order to preserve them. They held on to the Earl of Zheng, and the Marquis of Chen fled back. Writing the return according to the meeting at Zha is to preserve the central states.

公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、齊世子光、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子，伐鄭。

Duke Xiang met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, Guang, heir of Qi, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi and the Viscount of Little Zhu, and attacked Zheng.

冬，盜殺鄭公子斐、公子發、公孫輒。稱盜以殺大夫，弗以上下道，惡上也。

In winter, bandits killed Gongzi Fei, Gongzi Fa and Gongsun Zhe of Zheng. Calling them "bandits" in recording the killing of senior officials, and not speaking in terms of high and low rank, is to show hatred for those above.

十有一年春，王正月，作三軍。作，為也。古者天子六師，諸侯一軍。作三軍，非正也。

In the spring of the eleventh year, the first month of the Zhou calendar, three armies were established. "Zuo" means to make. In ancient times the Son of Heaven had six armies and a lord had one army. To establish three armies was not the right way.

夏，四月，四卜郊。不從，乃不郊。夏四月，不時也。四卜，非禮也。

In the fourth month of summer, divination was made four times for the suburban sacrifice. It was not favorable, and so the suburban sacrifice was not held. The fourth month of summer was not the proper season. Four divinations do not accord with ritual.

公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯、齊世子光、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子，伐鄭。

Duke Xiang met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Cao, Guang, heir of Qi, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi and the Viscount of Little Zhu, and attacked Zheng.

公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯、齊世子光、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子伐鄭，會於蕭魚。公至自會。伐而後會，不以伐鄭致，得鄭伯之辭也。

Duke Xiang met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Cao, Guang, heir of Qi, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi and the Viscount of Little Zhu in attacking Zheng, and they met at Xiaoyu. Duke Xiang returned from the meeting. They attacked first and then met, yet the return is not written as "attacking Zheng"; this is the wording of having already obtained the Earl of Zheng.

十有二年春，王三月，莒人伐我東鄙，圍邰。伐國不言圍邑，舉重也；取邑不書圍，安足書也。

In the spring of the twelfth year, the third month of the Zhou calendar, the men of Ju attacked the eastern border town of our state of Lu and besieged Tai. When attacking a state, the siege of a city is not written separately; this raises the weightier side; even taking a city is not written as a siege, so is a siege worth writing?

季孫宿帥師救邰，遂入鄆。遂，繼事也。受命而救邰，不受命而入鄆，惡季孫宿也。

Ji Sun Su led an army to rescue Tai, and then entered Yun. "Sui" means going on to do another matter. He was commissioned to rescue Tai, but without commission entered Yun, which shows disapproval of Ji Sun Su.

十有四年春，王正月，季孫宿、叔老會晉士丐、齊人、宋人、衛人、鄭公孫蠆、曹人、莒人、邾人、滕人、薛人、杞人、小邾人，會吳於向。

In the spring of the fourteenth year, the first month of the Zhou calendar, Ji Sun Su and Shu Lao met with Shi Gai of Jin, the men of Qi, the men of Song, the men of Wei, Gongsun Chai of Zheng, the men of Cao, the men of Ju, the men of Zhu, the men of Teng, the men of Xue, the men of Qi and the men of Little Zhu, and met Wu at Xiang.

夏，四月，叔孫豹會晉荀偃、齊人、宋人、衛北宮括、鄭公孫蠆、曹人、莒人、邾人、滕人、薛人、杞人、小邾人，伐秦。

In the fourth month of summer, Shu Sun Bao met with Xun Yan of Jin, the men of Qi, the men of Song, Beigong Kuo of Wei, Gongsun Chai of Zheng, the men of Cao, the men of Ju, the men of Zhu, the men of Teng, the men of Xue, the men of Qi and the men of Little Zhu, and attacked Qin.

冬，季孫宿會晉士丐、宋華閱、衛孫林父、鄭公孫蠆、莒人、邾人於戚。

In winter, Ji Sun Su met with Shi Gai of Jin, Hua Yue of Song, Sun Linfu of Wei, Gongsun Chai of Zheng, the men of Ju and the men of Zhu at Qi.

十有五年春，宋公使向戌來聘。二月己亥，及向戌盟於劉。

In the spring of the fifteenth year, the Duke of Song sent Xiang Xu to make a friendly visit. On the jihai day of the second month, a covenant was made with Xiang Xu at Liu.

三月，公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子於湨梁。戊寅，大夫盟。湨梁之會，諸侯失正矣！諸侯會而曰大夫盟，正在大夫也。諸侯在而不曰諸侯之大夫，大夫不臣也。

In the third month, Duke Xiang met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi and the Viscount of Little Zhu at Jueliang. On the wuyin day, the senior officials made a covenant. At the meeting of Jueliang, the lords lost the right way! The lords met, yet it was written as the senior officials making a covenant; the right way had fallen into the hands of senior officials. The lords were still there, yet it is not written "senior officials of the lords"; this is because the senior officials did not act like ministers.

叔老會鄭伯、晉荀偃、衛寧殖、宋人，伐許。

Shu Lao met with the Earl of Zheng, Xun Yan of Jin, Ning Zhi of Wei and the men of Song, and attacked Xu.

秋，齊侯伐我北鄙，圍桃。齊高厚帥師伐我北鄙，圍防。

In autumn, the Marquis of Qi attacked the northern border town of our state of Lu and besieged Tao. Gao Hou of Qi led an army to attack the northern border town of Lu and besieged Fang.

夏，晉人執衛行人石買。稱行人，怨接於上也。

In summer, the men of Jin seized Shi Mai, an envoy of Wei. Calling him an "envoy" means the resentment was passed up to the top.

冬，十月，公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子，同圍齊。非圍而曰圍，齊有大焉，亦有病焉。非大而足同與，諸侯同罪之也，亦病矣。

In the tenth month of winter, Duke Xiang met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi and the Viscount of Little Zhu, and together besieged Qi. It was not actually a siege yet is written as "siege," because Qi was both regarded as large and also regarded as sick. If it were not regarded as large, how would "together" be worth writing? The lords jointly laid a charge against him, and that too was his sickness.

公至自伐齊。《春秋》之義，已伐而盟，復伐者，則以伐致；盟不復伐者，則以會致。祝柯之盟，盟復伐齊與？曰：非也。然則何為以伐致也？曰：與人同事，或執其君，或取其地。

Duke Xiang returned from the army that attacked Qi. The principle of the Spring and Autumn Annals: when one has attacked and then made a covenant, or made a covenant and then attacked, the return is written according to "attack"; when one made a covenant and did not attack again, the return is written according to "meeting." The covenant at Zhuke, was it a covenant followed by attacking Qi? The answer: no. Then why is the return written according to "attack"? The answer: acting together with others in the same matter, some seized another's ruler, and some seized another's land.

晉士丐帥師侵齊。至谷，聞齊侯卒，乃還。還者，事未畢之辭也。受命而誅，生死無所加其怒，不伐喪，善之也。善之，則何為未畢也？君不屍小事，臣不專大名。善則稱君，過則稱己，則民作讓矣！士丐外專君命，故非之也。然則為士丐者宜奈何？宜墠帷而歸命乎介。

Shi Gai of Jin led an army to invade Qi, and on reaching Gu, hearing that the Marquis of Qi had died, he turned back. "Huan" (to return) is a word for a matter not finished. Commissioned to punish, whether the other lives or dies, one does not add a degree to one's anger, and does not take advantage of a funeral to attack; this is approved. Since it is approved, why is it said the matter was not finished? A ruler does not personally do small things, and a minister does not claim a great name alone. To credit the ruler with good and take the fault on oneself would make the people rise to modesty! Shi Gai decided the ruler's orders alone while outside, so he is blamed. Then what should Shi Gai have done? He should have set up a tent on the spot and handed the order to his deputy to carry back and ask for instructions.

二十年春，王正月辛亥，仲孫速會莒人，盟於向。

In the spring of the twentieth year, the first month of the Zhou calendar, on the xinhai day, Zhongsun Su met with the men of Ju and made a covenant at Xiang.

夏，六月庚申，公會晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子，盟於澶淵。秋，公至自會。

In the sixth month of summer, on the gengshen day, Duke Xiang met with the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi and the Viscount of Little Zhu, and made a covenant at Chanyuan. In autumn, Duke Xiang returned from the meeting.

陳侯之弟光出奔楚。諸侯之尊，弟兄不得以屬通。其弟雲者，親之也。親而奔之，惡也。

Guang, younger brother of the Marquis of Chen, fled to Chu. Lords are of high rank, and brothers cannot be addressed by kin relation. Here "his younger brother" is written, showing closeness to him. Though close to him, he fled; this is evil.

邾庶其以漆閭丘來奔。以者，不以者也。來奔者，不言出，舉其接我者也。漆閭丘不言及，小大敵也。

Shu Qi of Zhu came to seek refuge, bringing Qi and Luqiu. The use of "yi" (with) shows precisely that they should not have been used so. His coming to seek refuge is not written "leaving," which raises the side of his dealing with our state of Lu. "Ji" (and) is not used between Qi and Luqiu because they are matched in size.

公會晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子於商任。庚子，孔子生。

Duke Xiang met with the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju and the Viscount of Zhu at Shangren. On the gengzi day, Confucius was born.

冬，公會晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子於沙隨。公至自會。

In winter, Duke Xiang met with the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi and the Viscount of Little Zhu at Shasui. Duke Xiang returned from the meeting.

陳殺其大夫慶虎，及慶寅。稱國以殺，罪累上也。及慶寅，慶寅累也。

Chen killed its senior official Qing Hu, and also Qing Yin. Recording a killing in the name of the state means the guilt extends to those above. Writing "and Qing Yin" shows Qing Yin was implicated.

八月，叔孫豹帥師救晉，次於雍渝。言救後次，非救也。

In the eighth month, Shu Sun Bao led an army to rescue Jin and camped at Yongyu. Writing rescue first and then camping means it was not a true rescue.

冬，十月乙亥，臧孫紇出奔邾。其日，正臧孫紇之出也。蘧伯玉曰：「不以道事其君者，其出乎！」

In the tenth month of winter, on the yihai day, Zang Sun He fled to Zhu. Recording the day makes Zang Sun He's flight appear justified. Qu Boyu said: "One who does not serve his ruler by the right way is probably the one who will flee!"

公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子於夷儀。

Duke Xiang met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi and the Viscount of Little Zhu at Yiyi.

大飢。五穀不升為大飢。一谷不升謂之嗛，二谷不升謂之飢，三谷不升謂之饉，四谷不升謂之康，五穀不升謂之大侵。大侵之禮，君食不兼味，臺榭不塗，弛侯，廷道不除，百官布而不制，鬼神禱而不祀。此大侵之禮也。

Great famine. When the five grains all fail to ripen, it is called a great famine. Failure of one is called "qian," failure of two is called famine, failure of three is called "jin," failure of four is called "kang," and failure of all five is called "great scarcity." The ritual for great scarcity: the ruler does not take two flavors at a meal, terraces and pavilions are no longer painted, lookouts are relaxed, the roads in the courtyard are not repaired, the hundred officials stay in their usual ranks and make nothing new, and to ghosts and spirits one only prays and does not sacrifice. This is the ritual for great scarcity.

夏，五月乙亥，齊崔杼弒其君光。莊公失言，淫於崔氏。

In the fifth month of summer, on the yihai day, Cui Zhu of Qi killed his ruler Guang. Duke Zhuang was careless in speech and also committed adultery with the Cui family.

公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子於夷儀。

Duke Xiang met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi and the Viscount of Little Zhu at Yiyi.

十有二月，吳子謁伐楚門於巢，卒。以伐楚之事門於巢，卒也。於巢者，外乎楚也。門於巢，乃伐楚也。諸侯不生名，取卒之名，加之「伐楚」之上者，見以伐楚卒也。其見以伐楚卒，何也？古者大國過小邑，小邑必飾城而請罪，禮也。吳子謁伐楚至巢，入其門，門人射吳子，有矢創，反舍而卒。古者雖有文事，必有武備。非巢之不飾城而請罪，非吳子之自輕也。

In the twelfth month, Ye, Viscount of Wu, attacked Chu, attacked the gate at Chao, and died. It was in the matter of attacking Chu that he died attacking the gate at Chao. Writing "at Chao" places Chao outside Chu. Attacking the gate at Chao was how he went to attack Chu. A lord is not called by name while alive; the name used for death is added above "attacked Chu," in order to show that he died because of attacking Chu. Why show that he died because of attacking Chu? In ancient times, when a great state passed a small town, the small town would surely repair its defenses and plead for pardon, which accorded with ritual. When Ye, Viscount of Wu, attacked Chu and reached Chao and entered its gate, the gatekeeper shot the Viscount of Wu, who had an arrow wound and died on returning to his lodging. In ancient times, even where there was civil affairs, there were surely military preparations. It blames Chao for not repairing its defenses and pleading for pardon, and also blames the Viscount of Wu for taking his own person too lightly.

二十有六年春，王二月辛卯，衛寧喜弒其君剽。此不正，其日何也？殖也立之，喜也君之，正也。

In the spring of the twenty-sixth year, the second month of the Zhou calendar, on the xinmao day, Ning Xi of Wei killed his ruler Piao. This man's succession was originally not by the right way, yet the day is recorded here; why? It was Zhi who set him up, and Xi who took him as ruler, so it is recorded by the regular form.

衛孫林父入於戚以叛。甲午，衛侯衎復歸於衛。日歸，見知弒也。

Sun Linfu of Wei entered Qi and rebelled. On the jiawu day, Kan, Marquis of Wei, returned again to Wei. Recording the day of return shows that he knew of the killing of the ruler.

夏，叔孫豹會晉趙武、楚屈建、蔡公孫歸生、衛石惡、陳孔奐、鄭良霄、許人、曹人於宋。

In summer, Shu Sun Bao met with Zhao Wu of Jin, Qu Jian of Chu, Gongsun Guisheng of Cai, Shi E of Wei, Kong Huan of Chen, Liang Xiao of Zheng, the men of Xu and the men of Cao in Song.

衛殺其大夫寧喜。稱國以殺，罪累上也。寧喜弒君，其以累上之辭言之，何也？嘗為大夫，與之涉公事矣！寧喜由君弒君，而不以弒君之罪罪之者，惡獻公也。

Wei killed its senior official Ning Xi. Recording a killing in the name of the state means the guilt extends to those above. Ning Xi had killed the ruler, yet it is said in wording that implicates those above; why? Because he had once been a senior official and had already handled public affairs together with the ruler. Ning Xi was instructed by the ruler to kill the ruler, yet he is not judged by the guilt of regicide; this shows hatred for Duke Xian.

衛侯之弟專出奔晉。專，喜之徒也。專之為喜之徒，何也？己雖急納其兄，與人之臣謀弒其君，是亦弒君者也。專其曰弟，何也？專有是信者，君賂不入乎喜而殺喜，是君不直乎喜也，故出奔晉。織絇邯鄲，終身不言衛。專之去，合乎《春秋》。

Zhuan, younger brother of the Marquis of Wei, fled to Jin. Zhuan was a follower of Xi. Why is he called a follower of Xi? Though he himself was eager to bring in his elder brother, he plotted with another man's minister to kill the ruler, and so he was also one who killed the ruler. Why is Zhuan called "younger brother"? Zhuan had this good faith: the ruler's bribe had not been delivered to Xi, yet Xi was killed, which shows the ruler was not upright toward Xi, and so he fled to Jin. In Handan he wove cords for shoe toes and never spoke of Wei in his life. Zhuan's departure accords with the Spring and Autumn Annals.

秋，七月辛巳，豹及諸侯之大夫盟於宋。湨梁之會，諸侯在而不曰諸侯之大夫，大夫不臣也。晉趙武恥之。豹雲者，恭也。諸侯不在而曰諸侯之大夫，大夫臣也。其臣恭也，晉趙武為之會也。

In autumn, on the xinsi day in the seventh month, Bao made a covenant with the senior officials of the lords in Song. At the meeting at Jueliang, the lords were present yet it was not written "senior officials of the lords," because the senior officials did not act like ministers. Zhao Wu of Jin was ashamed of this. Writing only "Bao" shows respect. When the lords were not present yet it is written "senior officials of the lords," it means the senior officials acted like ministers. These ministers were respectful because Zhao Wu of Jin presided over the meeting.

夏，五月，公至自楚。喜之也。致君者，殆其往；而喜其反，此致君之意義也。

In the fifth month of summer, Duke Xiang returned from Chu. This is joy for him. Writing the ruler's return expresses worry for his going out and joy for his coming back; this is the meaning of writing the ruler's return.

閽弒吳子餘祭。閽，門者也，寺人也。不稱名姓，閽不得齊於人；不稱其君，閽不得君其君也。禮：君不使無恥，不近刑人，不狎敵，不邇怨。賤人非所貴也，貴人非所刑也，刑人非所近也。舉至賤而加之吳子，吳子近刑人也。閽弒吳子餘祭，仇之也。

A gatekeeper killed Yuji, Viscount of Wu. "Hun" means the gatekeeper, who is also a eunuch. No name or surname is given because a gatekeeper cannot be ranked with ordinary people; "his ruler" is not said because a gatekeeper cannot take that ruler as his own ruler. By ritual: a ruler does not employ those without shame, does not draw close to those who have suffered mutilation, does not take enemies too lightly, and does not go near those with grudges. The lowly should not be treated as noble, the noble should not suffer punishment, and those who have suffered punishment should not be drawn close. Raising the lowest of people over the Viscount of Wu was because the Viscount of Wu drew close to one who had suffered mutilation. The gatekeeper killed Yuji, Viscount of Wu, in revenge.

仲孫羯會晉荀盈、齊高止、宋華定、衛世叔儀、鄭公孫段、曹人、莒人、邾人、滕人、薛人、小邾人，城杞。古者天子封諸侯，其地足以容其民，其民足以滿城以自守也。杞危而不能自守，故諸侯之大夫，相帥以城之。此變之正也。

Zhongsun Jie met with Xun Ying of Jin, Gao Zhi of Qi, Hua Ding of Song, Shi Shuyi of Wei, Gongsun Duan of Zheng, the men of Cao, the men of Ju, the men of Zhu, the men of Teng, the men of Xue and the men of Little Zhu, and built a city wall for Qi. In ancient times, when the Son of Heaven enfeoffed lords, the land had to be enough to hold their people, and the people had to be enough to fill the city to defend themselves. Qi was in danger and could not defend itself, so the senior officials of the lords led one another to build its walls. This is the right way within a necessary adaptation.

吳子使札來聘。吳其稱子，何也？善使延陵季子，故進之也。身賢，賢也；使賢，亦賢也。延陵季子之賢，尊君也。其名，成尊於上也。

The Viscount of Wu sent Zha to make a friendly visit. Wu is called "viscount"; why? To approve his sending of Jizi of Yanling, and so he is raised one grade. To be worthy oneself is worthy; to be able to employ the worthy is also worthy. The worth of Jizi of Yanling lay in honoring his ruler. Calling him by name completes the honor of the one above.

夏，四月，蔡世子般弒其君固。其不日，子奪父政，是謂夷之。

In the fourth month of summer, Ban, heir of Cai, killed his ruler Gu. The day is not recorded, because a son seizing his father's position is treated as a barbarian.

五月甲午，宋災，伯姬卒。取卒之日，加之災上者，見以災卒也。其見以災卒奈何？伯姬之舍失火，左右曰：「夫人少闢火乎？」伯姬曰：「婦人之義，傅母不在，宵不下堂。」左右又曰：「夫人少闢火乎？」伯姬曰：「婦人之義，保母不在，宵不下堂。」遂逮乎火而死。婦人以貞為行者也，伯姬之婦道盡矣！詳其事，賢伯姬也。

On the jiawu day in the fifth month, there was a fire in Song, and Bo Ji died. The day of death is placed above the fire, in order to show that she died because of the fire. How is it shown that she died because of the fire? Bo Ji's dwelling caught fire, and those at her side said: "Madam, might you step away from the fire for a moment?" Bo Ji said: "The way of a woman is that when the governess is not present, she does not go down from the hall at night." Those at her side again said: "Madam, might you step away from the fire for a moment?" Bo Ji said: "The way of a woman is that when the nurse is not present, she does not go down from the hall at night." And so she was reached by the fire and died. A woman takes chastity as the rule of her conduct, and Bo Ji fulfilled the way of a wife! To write this matter in detail considers Bo Ji worthy.

天王殺其弟佞夫。傳曰：諸侯且不首惡，況於天子乎！君無忍親之義，天子、諸侯所親者，唯長子母弟耳。天王殺其弟佞夫，甚之也！

The Son of Heaven of Zhou killed his younger brother Ningfu. The commentary says: even a lord does not lead in evil, how much less the Son of Heaven! A ruler has no principle of being harsh to kin, and the kin of the Son of Heaven and lords are only the eldest son and the younger brother of the same mother. For the Son of Heaven to kill his own brother Ningfu is to put the matter very gravely!

秋，七月，叔弓如宋，葬共姬。外夫人不書葬，此其言葬，何也？吾女也。卒災，故隱而葬之也。

In the seventh month of autumn, Shu Gong went to Song to attend the funeral of Lady Gong Ji. The funeral of a foreign wife is normally not recorded in the text; it is recorded here, why? Because she was a daughter of our state of Lu. She died in a fire, so she is pitied and her burial is recorded.

鄭良霄出奔許，自許入於鄭。鄭人殺良霄。不言大夫，惡之也。

Liang Xiao of Zheng fled to Xu, and then entered Zheng from Xu. The men of Zheng killed Liang Xiao. He is not called a senior official, which shows hatred for him.

冬，十月，葬蔡景公。不日卒而月葬，不葬者也。卒而葬之，不忍使父失民於子也。

In the tenth month of winter, Duke Jing of Cai was buried. The day of death is not recorded and the burial is recorded only by month, meaning he was a man whose burial should not originally have been recorded. Recording both his death and burial is because one cannot bear to let a father lose the people because of his son.

晉人、齊人、宋人、衛人、鄭人、曹人、莒人、邾人、滕人、薛人、杞人、小邾人，會於澶淵，宋災故。會不言其所為，其曰「宋災故」，何也？不言災故，則無以見其善也。其曰人，何也？救災以眾。何救焉？更宋之所喪財也。澶淵之會，中國不侵伐夷狄，夷狄不入中國，無侵伐八年，善之也。晉趙武、楚屈建之力也。

The men of Jin, the men of Qi, the men of Song, the men of Wei, the men of Zheng, the men of Cao, the men of Ju, the men of Zhu, the men of Teng, the men of Xue, the men of Qi and the men of Little Zhu met at Chanyuan because of the fire in Song. In covenants it is normally not recorded what the purpose was; here it is written "because of the disaster in Song"; why? If it did not say because of the fire, there would be no way to see their goodness. Why are they called "men"? Relieving a disaster depends on the multitude. What was relieved? It was the supplementing of the goods Song had lost. After this meeting at Chanyuan, the central states did not invade or attack the barbarians, and the barbarians did not enter the central states, and for eight years there was no invasion or attack; the text approves of this. This was the work of Zhao Wu of Jin and Qu Jian of Chu.

夏，六月辛巳，公薨於楚宮。楚宮，非正也。

In the sixth month of summer, on the xinsi day, Duke Xiang died in the Chu palace. To die in the Chu palace is not the right way.

冬，十月，滕子來會葬。癸酉，葬我君襄公。

In the tenth month of winter, the Viscount of Teng came to attend the funeral. On the guiyou day, Duke Xiang, ruler of our state of Lu, was buried.

元年春，王正月，公即位。繼正即位，正也。

In the first year, the spring, the first month of the Zhou calendar, Duke Zhao took the throne. To take the throne following a ruler who died a natural death is the regular form.

叔孫豹會晉趙武、楚公子圍、齊國弱、宋向戌、衛齊惡、陳公子招、蔡公孫歸生、鄭罕虎、許人、曹人於郭。三月，取鄆。

Shu Sun Bao met with Zhao Wu of Jin, Gongzi Wei of Chu, Guo Ruo of Qi, Xiang Xu of Song, Qi E of Wei, Gongzi Zhao of Chen, Gongsun Guisheng of Cai, Han Hu of Zheng, the men of Xu and the men of Cao at Guo. In the third month, Yun was taken.

夏，秦伯之弟針出奔晉。諸侯之尊，弟兄不得以屬通。其弟雲者，親之也。親而奔之，惡也。

In summer, Zhen, younger brother of the Earl of Qin, fled to Jin. Lords are of high rank, and brothers cannot be addressed by kin relation. Here "his younger brother" is written, showing closeness to him. Though close to him, he fled; this is evil.

晉荀吳帥師，敗狄於太原。傳曰：中國曰太原，夷狄曰太滷。號從中國，名從主人。

Xun Wu of Jin led an army and defeated the Di at Taiyuan. The commentary says: in the central states it is called Taiyuan, among the barbarians it is called Tailu. The title follows the central states, and the name follows the host.

冬，公如晉，至河乃復。恥如晉，故著有疾也。

In winter, Duke Zhao went to Jin and turned back on reaching the Yellow River. He was ashamed of going to Jin, so his illness is recorded.

季孫宿如晉。公如晉而不得入，季孫宿如晉而得入，惡季孫宿也。

Ji Sun Su went to Jin. Duke Zhao went to Jin but could not get in, while Ji Sun Su went to Jin and could get in, which shows hatred for Ji Sun Su.

夏，楚子、蔡侯、陳侯、鄭伯、許男、徐子、滕子、頓子、鬍子、沈子、小邾子、宋世子佐、淮夷會於申。楚人執徐子。

In summer, the Viscount of Chu, the Marquis of Cai, the Marquis of Chen, the Earl of Zheng, the Baron of Xu, the Viscount of Xu, the Viscount of Teng, the Viscount of Dun, the Viscount of Hu, the Viscount of Shen, the Viscount of Little Zhu, Zuo, heir of Song, and the Huai Yi met at Shen. The men of Chu seized the Viscount of Xu.

秋，七月，楚子、蔡侯、陳侯、許男、頓子、鬍子、沈子、淮夷伐吳。執齊慶封殺之。此入而殺，其不言入，何也？慶封封乎吳鍾離。其不言伐鍾離，何也？不與吳封也。慶封其以齊氏，何也？為齊討也。靈王使人以慶封令于軍中曰：「有若齊慶封弒其君者乎？」慶封曰：「子一息，我亦且一言，曰：『有若楚公子圍弒其兄之子，而代之為君者乎？』」軍人粲然皆笑。慶封弒其君，而不以弒君之罪罪之者，慶封不為靈王服也，不與楚討也。《春秋》之義，用貴治賤，用賢治不肖，不以亂治亂也。孔子曰：「懷惡而討，雖死不服，其斯之謂與？」（經四

In the seventh month of autumn, the Viscount of Chu, the Marquis of Cai, the Marquis of Chen, the Baron of Xu, the Viscount of Dun, the Viscount of Hu, the Viscount of Shen and the Huai Yi attacked Wu, seized Qing Feng of Qi, and killed him. They killed him after entering Wu, so why is "entered" not written? Qing Feng had been enfeoffed at Zhongli in Wu. Why is it not written "attacked Zhongli"? To show disapproval of Wu's enfeoffment. Qing Feng's clan name of Qi is placed before his name, why? Because it was punishment on behalf of Qi. King Ling had Qing Feng paraded through the army and proclaimed: "Is there anyone who has killed his ruler like Qing Feng of Qi?" Qing Feng said: "Wait a moment, and let me say one thing too: 'Is there anyone who killed his elder brother's son and took his place as ruler like Gongzi Wei of Chu?'" At once the men in the army all laughed. Qing Feng had killed his ruler, yet he is not judged by the guilt of regicide, because Qing Feng did not submit to King Ling, and the text does not approve of Chu's punishing him. The principle of the Spring and Autumn Annals is: use the noble to govern the lowly and the worthy to govern the unworthy, and do not use disorder to govern disorder. Confucius said: "If one attacks while harboring evil oneself, even if the other dies he will not submit; is this what is meant?" (The base text leaves a stray fragment at the end of this section, reproduced without repair.)

夏，莒牟夷以牟婁及防茲來奔。以者，不以者也。來奔者，不言出。及防茲，以大及小也。莒無大夫，其曰牟夷，何也？以其地來也。以地來，則何以書也？重地也。

In summer, Mou Yi of Ju came to seek refuge, bringing Mou Lou as well as Fang and Zi. The use of "yi" (with) shows precisely that they should not have been used so. His coming to seek refuge is not written "leaving." Writing "and Fang and Zi" connects the large to the small. Ju had no commissioned senior officials, and here "Mou Yi" is named; why? Because he came bringing land. Why is it recorded that he came bringing land? Because land is valued.

戊辰，叔弓帥師，敗莒師於賁泉。狄人謂賁泉失臺，號從中國，名從主人。

On the wuchen day, Shu Gong led an army and defeated the army of Ju at Benquan. The Di called Benquan Shitai. The title follows the central states, and the name follows the host.

冬，楚子、蔡侯、陳侯、許男、頓子、沈子、徐人、越人伐吳。

In winter, the Viscount of Chu, the Marquis of Cai, the Marquis of Chen, the Baron of Xu, the Viscount of Dun, the Viscount of Shen, the men of Xu and the men of Yue attacked Wu.

七年春，王正月，暨齊平。平者，成也。暨，猶暨暨也。暨者，不得已也。以外及內曰暨。

In the spring of the seventh year, the first month of the Zhou calendar, peace was made with Qi. "Ping" means making peace. "Ji" is like "jiji," meaning there was no choice. Connecting from outside to inside is called "ji."

叔孫婼如齊蒞盟。蒞，位也。內之前定之辭謂之蒞，外之前定之辭謂之來。

Shu Sun Chuo went to Qi to attend a covenant. "Li" means to take one's place. The wording of an arrangement made beforehand on the Lu side is "li," and the wording of an arrangement made beforehand outside is "lai."

秋，八月戊辰，衛侯惡卒。鄉曰衛齊惡，今曰衛侯惡，此何為君臣同名也？君子不奪人名，不奪人親之所名，重其所以來也。王父名子也。

In autumn, on the wuchen day in the eighth month, E, Marquis of Wei, died. Before it was written "Qi E of Wei," and now "E, Marquis of Wei"; why do ruler and minister share the same name? The noble person does not take away another's name, and does not take away the name given by another's parents, valuing the origin of this name. It was the grandfather who named the son.

冬，十有一月癸未，季孫宿卒。十有二月癸亥，葬衛襄公。

In the eleventh month of winter, on the guiwei day, Ji Sun Su died. In the twelfth month, on the guihai day, Duke Xiang of Wei was buried.

八年春，陳侯之弟招殺陳世子偃師。鄉曰陳公子招，今曰陳侯之弟招，何也？曰：盡其親，所以惡招也。兩下相殺，不志乎《春秋》，此其志，何也？世子云者，唯君之貳也。雲可以重之存焉志之也。諸侯之尊兄弟不得以屬通，其弟雲者，親之也。親而殺之，惡也。

In the spring of the eighth year, Zhao, younger brother of the Marquis of Chen, killed Yanshi, heir of Chen. Before it was written "Gongzi Zhao of Chen," and now "Zhao, younger brother of the Marquis of Chen"; why? The answer: writing his kinship to the extreme is precisely to show hatred for Zhao. When persons of equal rank kill one another, the Spring and Autumn Annals does not normally record it; it is recorded here, why? He is called "heir" because he was the ruler's only deputy. It is said that he could carry a heavy trust, so it is recorded. Lords are of high rank, and brothers cannot be addressed by kin relation; here "his younger brother" is written, showing closeness to him. Though close to him, he killed; this is evil.

楚人執陳行人幹徵師，殺之。稱人以執大夫，執有罪也。稱行人，怨接於上也。

The men of Chu seized Gan Zhengshi, an envoy of Chen, and killed him. Writing "men of such-and-such state seized a senior official" shows that the one seized was guilty. Calling him an "envoy" means the resentment was passed up to the top.

秋，搜於紅。正也。因搜狩以習用武事，禮之大者也。艾蘭以為防，置旃以為轅門，以葛覆質以為槷。流旁握，御轚者不得入。車軌塵，馬候蹄，揜禽旅，御者不失其馳，然後射者能中。過防弗逐，不從奔之道也。面傷不獻，不成禽不獻。禽雖多，天子取三十焉，其餘與士眾。以習射於射宮，射而中，田不得禽，則得禽；田得禽而射不中，則不得禽。是以知古之貴仁義，而賤勇力也。

In autumn, there was an autumn hunt at Hong. This is the regular form. Using hunting to practice military affairs is one of the great matters of ritual. They cut orchid grass to mark the boundary, set up banners as the gate of the camp, and covered stakes with kudzu vines to serve as gate posts. Between the outside of the wheel and the gate post only a hand's width was left, and any whose hub touched the gate post was not allowed in. The wheel ruts did not stir up dust, the horses' hooves kept time, the flocks of birds and beasts were encircled, the drivers did not lose the rules of galloping, and only then could the archers hit the mark. One does not pursue beyond the boundary, which is the principle of not chasing fleeing game. One wounded in the face is not presented, and the not yet grown are not presented. However much game there is, the Son of Heaven takes only thirty animals, and the rest is given to the officers and people. They then go to the archery hall to practice: if one hits the mark, even if he got no game at the hunt, he still receives a share; if one got game at the hunt but does not hit the mark, he cannot receive a share. From this one knows the ancients valued benevolence and righteousness and made light of bravery and strength.

冬，十月壬午，楚師滅陳，執陳公子招，放之於越。殺陳孔奐。惡楚子也。

In the tenth month of winter, on the renwu day, the Chu army destroyed Chen, seized Gongzi Zhao of Chen, banished him to Yue, and killed Kong Huan of Chen. This shows hatred for the Viscount of Chu.

夏，四月，陳火。國曰災，邑曰火。火不志，此何以志？閔陳而存之也。

In the fourth month of summer, there was a fire in Chen. For a state it is called "calamity," and for a city it is called "fire." Fires are normally not recorded; why is it recorded here? It is in pity for Chen, to preserve it.

秋，七月，季孫意如、叔弓、仲孫貜帥師伐莒。

In the seventh month of autumn, Ji Sun Yiru, Shu Gong and Zhongsun Jue led an army and attacked Ju.

十有一年春，王二月，叔弓如宋，葬宋平公。

In the spring of the eleventh year, the second month of the Zhou calendar, Shu Gong went to Song to attend the funeral of Duke Ping of Song.

夏，四月丁巳，楚子虔誘蔡侯般，殺之於申。何為名之也？夷狄之君，誘中國之君而殺之，故謹而名之也。稱時、稱月、稱日、稱地，謹之也。

In the fourth month of summer, on the dingsi day, Qian, Viscount of Chu, lured Ban, Marquis of Cai, and killed him at Shen. Why is he called by name? A barbarian ruler lured a ruler of the central states and killed him, so his name is given solemnly. The recording of season, month, day and place all marks it as solemn.

秋，季孫意如會晉韓起、齊國弱、宋華亥、衛北宮佗、鄭罕虎、曹人、杞人於厥憖。

In autumn, Ji Sun Yiru met with Han Qi of Jin, Guo Ruo of Qi, Hua Hai of Song, Beigong Tuo of Wei, Han Hu of Zheng, the men of Cao and the men of Qi at Jueyin.

冬，十有一月丁酉，楚師滅蔡，執蔡世子友以歸，用之。此子也，其曰世子，何也？不與楚殺也。一事注乎志，所以惡楚子也。

In the eleventh month of winter, on the dingyou day, the Chu army destroyed Cai, seized You, heir of Cai, took him back, and used him in sacrifice. He was a son, so why is he called "heir"? To show disapproval of Chu's killing him. Combining two matters into one record is precisely to show hatred for the Viscount of Chu.

十有二年春，齊高偃帥師，納北燕伯於陽。納者，內不受也。燕伯之不名，何也？不以高偃挈燕伯也。

In the spring of the twelfth year, Gao Yan of Qi led an army and sent the Earl of Northern Yan into Yang. "Na" (to send in) shows that the other side did not accept him. The Earl of Yan is not named, why? Because one does not wish to use Gao Yan to bring up the Earl of Yan.

公如晉。至河，乃復。季孫氏不使遂乎晉也。

Duke Zhao went to Jin and turned back on reaching the Yellow River. It was the Ji Sun family who did not let him finish the matter of going to Jin.

晉伐鮮虞。其曰晉，狄之也。其狄之，何也？不正其與夷狄交伐中國，故狄稱之也。

Jin attacked Xianyu. Only "Jin" is written, which treats it as Di. Why treat it as Di? Because it was displeasing that it took turns with the barbarians in attacking the central states, so it is called by the Di title.

夏，四月，楚公子比自晉歸於楚，弒其君虔於乾溪。自晉，晉有奉焉爾。歸而弒，不言歸，言歸非弒也。歸一事也，弒一事也，而遂言之，以比之歸弒，比不弒也。弒君者日；不日，比不弒也。

In the fourth month of summer, Gongzi Bi of Chu returned to Chu from Jin and at Ganxi killed his ruler Qian. Writing "from Jin" shows that Jin escorted and helped him. When one returns and kills the ruler, "return" is normally not written; since "return" is written, he was not the one who killed. The return is one matter and the killing of the ruler is one matter, yet they are linked in the narration, and linking Bi's return with the killing of the ruler shows that Bi did not do the killing. A killing of a ruler is recorded with the day; here the day is not recorded, which also shows that Bi did not do the killing.

楚公子棄疾殺公子比。當上之辭也。當上之辭者，謂不稱人以殺，乃以君殺之也。討賊以當上之辭，殺非弒也。比之不弒有四。取國者稱國以弒，楚公子棄疾殺公子比，比不嫌也。《春秋》不以嫌代嫌，棄疾主其事，故嫌也。

Gongzi Qiji of Chu killed Gongzi Bi. This is wording that is placed in the position of the ruler. What is called placed in the position of the ruler means not writing "someone killed" but writing it as the ruler killing someone. Punishing a bandit with wording from the position of the ruler means this killing is not a regicide. That Bi did not do the killing can be seen from four angles. When one who seizes a state, the killing of the ruler is recorded in the name of the state; Gongzi Qiji of Chu killed Gongzi Bi, and Bi did not have that suspicion. The Spring and Autumn Annals does not use one suspicion to replace another; Qiji presided over this matter, so the suspicion falls on him.

秋，公會劉子、晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子於平丘。

In autumn, Duke Zhao met with the Viscount of Liu, the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi and the Viscount of Little Zhu at Pingqiu.

八月申戌，同盟於平丘。公不與盟。同者，有同也，同外楚也。公不與盟者，可以與而不與，譏在公也。其日，善是盟也。

On the shenxu day in the eighth month, a covenant was made together at Pingqiu. Duke Zhao did not take part in the oath. "Together" means having a common aim, which was to jointly resist Chu. To say that Duke Zhao did not take part means he could have taken part but did not, and the criticism falls on Duke Zhao. The day is recorded, which approves of this covenant.

蔡侯廬歸於蔡。陳侯吳歸於陳。善其成之會而歸之，故謹而日之。此未嘗有國也，使如失國辭然者，不與楚滅也。

Lu, Marquis of Cai, returned to Cai. Wu, Marquis of Chen, returned to Chen. It approves that they were helped to return after the meeting, so the day is recorded solemnly. In fact they had never yet possessed these states, but it is written as if those who had lost their states returned to them, which shows disapproval of Chu's destroying them.

冬，十月，葬蔡靈公。變之不葬有三：失德不葬，弒君不葬，滅國不葬。然且葬之，不與楚滅，且成諸侯之事也。

In the tenth month of winter, Duke Ling of Cai was buried. There are three cases in which the burial is not recorded as a variant: one who lost his virtue is not buried, one who was killed as a ruler is not buried, and a state that was destroyed is not buried. The burial is still recorded here to show disapproval of Chu's destroying Cai, and to complete the affair of the lords.

十有四年春，意如至自晉。大夫執則致，致則名，意如惡，然而致，見君臣之禮也。

In the spring of the fourteenth year, Yiru returned from Jin. When a senior official is seized, his return is written, and when his return is written, he is named; Yiru had done evil, yet his return is still written, in order to show the ritual between ruler and minister.

冬，莒殺其公子意恢。言公子而不言大夫，莒無大夫也。莒無大夫而曰公子意恢，意恢賢也。曹、莒皆無大夫，其所以無大夫者，其義異也。

In winter, Ju killed its Gongzi Yihui. He is called a duke's son and not a senior official, because Ju had no commissioned senior officials. Ju had no commissioned senior officials yet he is called "Gongzi Yihui," because Yihui was worthy. Neither Cao nor Ju had commissioned senior officials, and the principles on which they had none are not the same.

二月癸酉，有事於武宮，龠入叔弓卒，去樂卒事。君在祭樂之中，聞大夫之喪，則去樂卒事，禮也。君在祭樂之中，大夫有變以聞可乎。大夫，國體也。古之人重死，君命無所不通。

On the guiyou day in the second month, there was a sacrifice in the Wu temple, and as the Yue dance had just entered, Shu Gong died, and so the music was withdrawn and the matter was completed. When the ruler is in the midst of sacrificial music and hears of the funeral of a senior official, withdrawing the music and completing the matter is ritual. When the ruler is in the midst of sacrificial music and a senior official has a calamity, may he be allowed to hear of it? Senior officials are the trunk of the state. The ancients valued death, and there was nowhere the ruler's command could not reach.

十有六年春，齊侯伐徐。楚子誘戎蠻子殺之。夏，公至自晉。

In the spring of the sixteenth year, the Marquis of Qi attacked Xu. The Viscount of Chu lured the Viscount of the Rong Man and killed him. In summer, Duke Zhao returned from Jin.

冬，有星孛於大辰。一有一亡曰有。於大辰者，濫於大辰也。

In winter, a comet appeared in Dachen. To appear and then disappear is called "you." Writing "in Dachen" means it spread into Dachen.

楚人及吳戰於長岸。兩夷狄曰敗，中國與夷狄亦曰敗。楚人及吳戰於長岸，進楚子，故曰戰。

The men of Chu fought with Wu at Changan. For two barbarian states only "defeated" is written, and for the central states and barbarians also only "defeated" is written. The men of Chu fought with Wu at Changan, which raises the Viscount of Chu one grade, and so "battle" is written.

夏，五月壬午，宋、衛、陳、鄭災。其志，以同日也；其日，亦以同日也。或曰，人有謂鄭子產曰：「某日有災。」子產曰：「天者神，子惡知之？是人也。」同日為四國災也。

In the fifth month of summer, on the renwu day, there were fires in Song, Wei, Chen and Zheng. It is recorded because it was the same day; the day is recorded also because it was the same day. Another account: someone said to Zichan of Zheng: "On a certain day there will be a fire." Zichan said: "Heaven is a spirit; how would you know? This is what people say." On the same day it became the fire of four states.

夏，五月戊辰，許世子止弒其君買。日弒，正卒也。正卒，則止不弒也。不弒而曰弒，責止也。止曰：「我與夫弒者，不立乎其位。」以與其弟虺。哭泣歠飦粥，嗌不容粒。未逾年而死，故君子即止自責而責之也。

In the fifth month of summer, on the wuchen day, Zhi, heir of Xu, killed his ruler Mai. The day of the "killing" is recorded, though in fact it was a natural death. Since it was a natural death, Zhi did not do the killing. Not having killed but being written as having killed is to blame Zhi. Zhi said: "I took part in that matter of the ruler's death, and cannot stand in this position." He gave the position to his younger brother Hui. Weeping, he drank thick gruel, but his throat would not admit even one grain of rice. Before the year had passed he died, so the noble person, going by Zhi's self-blame, blames him.

冬，葬許悼公。日卒時葬，不使止為弒父也。曰：子既生，不免乎水火，母之罪也。羈貫成童，不就師傅，父之罪也。就師學問無方，心志不通，身之罪也。心志既通，而名譽不聞，友之罪也。名譽既聞，有司不舉，有司之罪也。有司舉之，王者不用，王者之過也。許世子不知嘗藥，累及許君也。

In winter, Duke Dao of Xu was buried. The day of death is recorded and the burial recorded by season, so as not to make Zhi one who killed his father. It is said: when a son has been born and cannot avoid water or fire, that is the mother's fault. When the hair is bound up and the child has grown up and still does not follow a teacher, that is the father's fault. When he follows a teacher, but his learning has no method and his heart does not understand, that is his own fault. When his heart already understands but his fame does not spread, that is his friends' fault. When his fame has spread but the officials do not recommend him, that is the officials' fault. When the officials have recommended him but the king does not employ him, that is the king's fault. The heir of Xu did not know to taste the medicine first, and it implicated the ruler of Xu.

夏，曹公孫會自夢出奔宋。自夢者，專乎夢也。曹無大夫，其曰公孫，何也？言其以貴取之，而不以叛也。

In summer, Gongsun Hui of Cao fled from Meng to Song. Writing "from Meng" shows that he held power at Meng. Cao had no commissioned senior officials, so why is "Gongsun" written here? It means he gained this place by his rank, but did not rebel.

秋，盜殺衛侯之兄輒。盜賤也。其曰兄，母兄也。目衛侯，衛侯累也。然則何為不為君也？曰：有天疾者，不得入乎宗廟。輒者，何也？曰：兩足不能相過，齊謂之綦，楚謂之踂，衛謂之輒。

In autumn, bandits killed Zhe, elder brother of the Marquis of Wei. A bandit is lowly. "Brother" is written because he was a brother of the same mother. The Marquis of Wei is pointed out, and the Marquis of Wei was implicated. Then why could he not be ruler? The answer: a person with a congenital illness cannot enter the ancestral temple. What is "Zhe"? The answer: when the two feet cannot step across each other, in Qi it is called "qi," in Chu it is called "chan," and in Wei it is called "zhe."

宋華亥、向寧、華定自陳入於宋南里以叛。自陳，陳有奉焉爾。入者，內弗受也。其曰宋南里，宋之南鄙也。以者，不以者也。叛，直叛也。

Hua Hai, Xiang Ning and Hua Ding of Song entered Nanli of Song from Chen and rebelled. Writing "from Chen" shows that Chen escorted and helped them. The use of "ru" (entered) shows that the other side did not accept them. "Nanli of Song" means a southern border town of Song. The use of "yi" (with) shows precisely that it should not be so. What is called rebellion is straightforward rebellion.

冬，蔡侯東出奔楚。東者，東國也。何為謂之東也？王父誘而殺焉，父執而用焉。奔而又奔之。曰東，惡之而貶之也。

In winter, Dong, Marquis of Cai, fled to Chu. "Dong" means the eastern state. Why is he called "Dong"? His grandfather was lured and killed, and his father was seized and used in sacrifice at the altar. When he fled, he fled there as well. Calling him "Dong" shows hatred and belittling of him.

宋華亥、向寧、華定自宋南里出奔楚。自宋南里者，專也。

Hua Hai, Xiang Ning and Hua Ding of Song fled from Nanli of Song to Chu. Writing "from Nanli of Song" shows that they held power there.

大搜於昌間。秋而曰搜，此春也，其曰搜，何也？以搜事也。

A great review was held at Changjian. Only in autumn is it called "sou," and this was spring; why is it also called "sou"? Because the method used was that of the hunting review.

劉子、單子以王猛居於皇。以者，不以者也。王猛，嫌也。

The Viscount of Liu and the Viscount of Shan took Wang Meng and lived at Huang. The use of "yi" (with) shows precisely that he should not have been used so. "Wang Meng" is written because there is a suspicion here.

秋，劉子、單子以王猛入於王城。以者，不以者也。入者，內弗受也。

In autumn, the Viscount of Liu and the Viscount of Shan took Wang Meng and entered the royal city. The use of "yi" (with) shows precisely that he should not have been used so. The use of "ru" (entered) shows that the other side did not accept him.

冬，十月，王子猛卒。此不卒者也。其曰卒，失嫌也。

In the tenth month of winter, Wang Zimeng died. This was a person whose death should not have been recorded. "Death" is recorded here because the suspicion about him no longer needed to be pointed out.

戊辰，吳敗頓、胡、沈、蔡、陳、許之師於雞甫。鬍子髡、沈子盈滅。中國不言敗，此其言敗，何也？中國不敗，鬍子髡、沈子盈，其滅乎？其言敗，釋其滅也。

On the wuchen day, Wu defeated the armies of Dun, Hu, Shen, Cai, Chen and Xu at Jifu. Zi Kun of Hu and Zi Ying of Shen perished. When central states fight, "defeated" is normally not written; it is written here, why? If "defeated" were not written for the central states, how would the perishing of Zi Kun of Hu and Zi Ying of Shen be accounted for? Writing "defeated" explains their destruction.

獲陳夏齧。獲者，非與之辭也，上下之稱也。

They captured Xia Nie of Chen. "Huo" (to capture) is not a word of approval, but is said in terms of high and low rank.

天王居於狄泉。始王也。其曰天王，因其居而王之也。

The Son of Heaven lived at Diquan. This was when he began to be king. "Heavenly King" is written to make him king on the basis of his living there.

尹氏立王子朝。立者，不宜立者也。朝之不名，何也？別嫌乎尹氏之朝也。

The Yin clan set up Prince Chao. The use of "li" (set up) shows that this person should not originally have been set up. Chao is not named, why? To separate him from the suspicion of "Chao of the Yin clan."

冬，公如晉。至河，公有疾，乃復。疾不志，此其志，何也？釋不得入乎晉也。

In winter, Duke Zhao went to Jin and on reaching the Yellow River, Duke Zhao fell ill and turned back. Illness is normally not recorded; it is recorded here, why? To explain why he could not enter Jin.

婼至自晉。大夫執則致，致則挈。由上致之也。

Chuo returned from Jin. When a senior official is seized, his return is written, and in writing his return his name is mentioned separately. It was those above who sent him back.

夏，叔倪會晉趙鞅、宋樂大心、衛北宮喜、鄭遊吉、曹人、邾人、滕人、薛人、小邾人於黃父。

In summer, Shu Ni met with Zhao Yang of Jin, Yue Daxin of Song, Beigong Xi of Wei, You Ji of Zheng, the men of Cao, the men of Zhu, the men of Teng, the men of Xue and the men of Little Zhu at Huangfu.

有鴝鵒來巢。一有一亡曰有。來者，來中國也。鴝鵒穴者而曰巢，或曰增之也。

A mynah bird flew in and made a nest. To appear and then disappear is called "you." "Lai" (came) says it came to the central states. The mynah originally lived in holes, yet here it says "nest"; another account: it makes the matter more grave.

秋，七月上辛，大雩。季辛，又雩。季者，有中之辭也。又，有繼之辭也。

In autumn, on the first xin day of the seventh month, a great rain sacrifice was held. On the last xin day, the rain sacrifice was held again. Writing "last" is wording that says there was one in between. "Again" is wording that means a continuation.

九月乙亥，公孫於齊。孫之為言猶孫也。諱奔也。

On the yihai day in the ninth month, Duke Zhao fled to Qi. "Sun" means the same as "xun," concealing that it was in fact flight.

齊侯唁公於野井。吊失國曰唁。唁公不得入於魯也。

The Marquis of Qi consoled Duke Zhao at Yejing. Expressing condolences to one who has lost his state is called "yan." This was condolence to Duke Zhao for not being able to enter Lu.

十有二月，齊侯取鄆。取，易辭也。內不言取，以其為公取之，故易言之也。

In the twelfth month, the Marquis of Qi took Yun. "Qu" (to take) is the word for something that came easily. Matters of Lu itself are normally not written as "taken"; because it was taken back on Duke Zhao's behalf, an easy word is used.

三月，公至自齊，居於鄆。公次於陽州，其曰至自齊，何也？以齊侯之見公，可以言至自齊也。居於鄆者，公在外也。至自齊，道義不外公也。

In the third month, Duke Zhao arrived from Qi and lived at Yun. Duke Zhao had been stationed at Yangzhou, so why is "arrived from Qi" written? Because the Marquis of Qi had met him, it can be said that he arrived from Qi. Writing "lived at Yun" is because the ruler was outside. Writing "arrived from Qi" does not by righteousness exclude the ruler.

夏，公圍成。非國不言圍，所以言圍者，以大公也。

In summer, Duke Zhao besieged Cheng. When it is not a state, "besiege" is normally not written; "besiege" is written here, to make Duke Zhao appear great.

秋，公會齊侯、莒子、邾子、杞伯，盟於鄟陵。公至自會，居於鄆。公在外也。至自會，道義不外公也。

In autumn, Duke Zhao met with the Marquis of Qi, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu and the Earl of Qi and made a covenant at Zouling. Duke Zhao returned from the meeting and lived at Yun. The ruler was outside. Writing "arrived from the meeting" does not by righteousness exclude the ruler.

尹氏、召伯、毛伯，以王子朝奔楚。遠矣非也。奔，直奔也。

The Yin clan, the Earl of Shao and the Earl of Mao took Prince Chao and fled to Chu. They went too far, which is not right. What is called fleeing is straightforward fleeing.

二十有七年春，公如齊。公至自齊，居於鄆。公在外也。

In the spring of the twenty-seventh year, Duke Zhao went to Qi. Duke Zhao returned from Qi and lived at Yun. The ruler was outside.

秋，晉士鞅、宋樂祁犁、衛北宮喜、曹人、邾人、滕人會於扈。

In autumn, Shi Yang of Jin, Yue Qili of Song, Beigong Xi of Wei, the men of Cao, the men of Zhu and the men of Teng met at Hu.

夏，四月庚子，叔倪卒。季孫意如曰：「叔倪無病而死，此皆無公也。是天命也，非我罪也。」

In the fourth month of summer, on the gengzi day, Shu Ni died. Ji Sun Yiru said: "Shu Ni died without being ill; these are all omens of there being no ruler. This is Heaven's decree and not my fault."

冬，十月，鄆潰。潰之為言，上下不相得也。上下不相得則惡矣，亦譏公也。昭公出奔，民如釋重負。

In winter, in the tenth month, Yun collapsed in disorder. "Collapsed" means that those above and below could not get along. When those above and below cannot get along, it is already bad, and this also criticizes Duke Zhao. When Duke Zhao fled, the common people felt as if a heavy burden had been put down.

三十年春，王正月，公在幹侯。中國不存公，存公故也。

In the thirtieth year, in spring, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, Duke Zhao was at Ganhou (the base text writes this place name with the character for "Qian"). In the central states it is the custom not to write that the ruler is still present; here it writes "the Duke is at," because there was an upheaval and they wished to preserve him.

晉侯使荀櫟唁公於幹侯。唁公不得入於魯也。曰：「既為君言之矣，不可者意如也」。

The Marquis of Jin sent Xun Li to Ganhou to console Duke Zhao. This was to console him for not being able to enter Lu. He said: "We have already spoken for the ruler; the one who refuses is Yiru."

冬，黑肱以濫來奔。其不言邾黑肱何也？別乎邾也。其不言濫子，何也？非天子所封也。來奔內，不言叛也。

In winter, Hei Gong came fleeing with Lan. Why is he not called "Hei Gong of Zhu"? Because they wanted to separate him from Zhu. Why is he not called "Master of Lan"? Because he was not enfeoffed by the Son of Heaven. He came fleeing to Lu, so the reason for his rebellion is not written.

冬，仲孫何忌會晉韓不信、齊高張、宋仲幾、衛太叔申、鄭國參、曹人、莒人、邾人、薛人、杞人、小邾人，城成周。天子微，諸侯不享覲。天子之在者，惟祭與號。故諸侯之大夫，相帥以城之。此變之正也。

In winter, Zhongsun Heji joined Han Buxin of Jin, Gao Zhang of Qi, Zhong Ji of Song, Taishu Shen of Wei, Guo Shen of Zheng, and men of Cao, Ju, Zhu, Xue, Qi and Xiaozhu, and fortified Chengzhou. The Son of Heaven had declined, and the feudal lords did not go to pay tribute or attend court. What remained of the Son of Heaven were only sacrifices and the title. So the grandees of the feudal lords led one another in building the wall. This was the right way within an adaptation.

元年春王。不言正月，定無正也。定之無正，何也？昭公之終，非正終也。定之始，非正始也。昭無正終，故定無正始。不言即位，喪在外也。

In the first year, in spring, only "king" is written. "First month" is not written, because Duke Ding had no "proper beginning." Why did Duke Ding have no "proper beginning"? Because the end of Duke Zhao was not a proper end; the beginning of Duke Ding was not a proper beginning. Since Duke Zhao had no proper end, Duke Ding had no proper beginning. "Ascending the throne" is not written because the funeral rites were still outside the state.

三月，晉人執宋仲幾於京師。此其大夫。其曰人，何也？微之也。何為微之？不正其執人於尊者之所也，不與大夫之伯討也。

In the third month, the men of Jin seized Zhong Ji of Song in the capital. This man was a grandee of Jin. He is called "man." Why? To write him as lowly. Why write him lowly? Because the text disapproves of seizing someone in the place where the honored one is, and does not approve of a grandee punishing in the manner of a hegemon.

夏，六月癸亥，公之喪至自幹侯。戊辰，公即位。殯，然後即位也。定無正，見無以正也。逾年不言即位，是有故公也。言即位，是無故公也。即位，授受之道也。先君無正終，則後君無正始也。先君有正終，則後君有正始也。「戊辰，公即位」，謹之也。定之即位，不可不察也。公即位，何以日也？戊辰之日，然後即位也。癸亥，公之喪至自幹侯，何為戊辰之日，然後即位也？正君乎國，然後即位也。沈子曰：「正棺乎兩楹之間，然後即位也。」內之大事日，即位，君之大事也，其不日，何也？以年決者，不以日決也。此則其日，何也？著之也。何著焉？逾年即位，厲也。於厲之中，又有義焉！未殯，雖有天子之命猶不敢，況臨諸臣乎！周人有喪，魯人有喪，周人吊，魯人不弔。周人曰：「固吾臣也，使人可也。」魯人曰：「吾君也，親之者也，使大夫則不可也。」故周人吊，魯人不弔，以其下成康為未久也。君至尊也，去父之殯而往吊，猶不敢，況未殯而臨諸臣乎！

In summer, in the sixth month, on guihai, the coffin of Duke Zhao arrived from Ganhou. On wuchen, Duke Ding ascended the throne. First the coffin was laid in state, and then he ascended the throne. That Duke Ding had no "proper beginning" shows that there was nothing by which he could be made proper. That after the new year the ascension is still not written is because the former ruler is still present; to write the ascension would be as if there were no such former ruler. Ascension is the principle of giving and receiving. If the former ruler had no proper end, the later ruler has no proper beginning; if the former ruler had a proper end, the later ruler has a proper beginning. To write "On wuchen, the Duke ascended the throne" is to treat the matter with solemnity. Duke Ding's ascension must be looked at closely. Why is the day recorded for a ruler's ascension? Only when the wuchen day arrived did he ascend the throne. The coffin arrived from Ganhou on guihai; why did he ascend only on wuchen? One must first put the ruler in order within the state, and only then ascend the throne. Shen Zi said: "Set the coffin properly between the two pillars, and only then ascend the throne." Great events in the state are recorded by day; ascension is the ruler's great event, but the custom is not to record the day; why? It is judged by the year and not by the day. Here the day is recorded; why? To make it conspicuous. What is made conspicuous? Ascending only after the new year is inherently perilous. And in the midst of this peril there is righteousness! Before the coffin was laid in state, even if there was an order from the Son of Heaven, he would not dare ascend the throne, let alone face the officials! When the Zhou house had a funeral and Lu had a funeral, Zhou came to offer condolences, but Lu did not go to offer condolences. The Zhou house said: "He is originally my subject; sending someone would be enough." Lu said: "He is my ruler, the one I am close to; sending a grandee would not be acceptable." So Zhou came to mourn and Lu did not go to mourn, because it was not long after the times of Kings Cheng and Kang. The ruler is the most honored, and even leaving his father's coffin to attend a funeral was something he still did not dare to do, how much less would he face the officials before the coffin was laid in state!

九月，大雩。雩月，雩之正也。秋大雩，非正也。冬大雩，非正也。秋大雩，雩之為非正，何也？毛澤未盡，人力未竭，未可以雩也。雩月，雩之正也。月之為雩之正，何也？其時窮，人力盡，然後雩，雩之正也。何謂其時窮、人力盡？是月不雨，則無及矣；是年不艾，則無食矣，是謂其時窮、人力盡也。雩之必待其時窮、人力盡，何也？雩者，為旱求者也。求者，請也，古之人重請。何重乎請？人之所以為人者，讓也。請道去讓也，則是舍其所以為人也，是以重之，焉請哉？請乎應上公。古之神人有應上公者，通乎陰陽，君親帥諸大夫道之而以請焉。夫請者，非可詒托而往也，必親之者也，是以重之。

In the ninth month, the great rain sacrifice was held. Recording the month for a rain sacrifice is the correct rule for the rain sacrifice. Holding the great rain sacrifice in autumn is not correct. Holding the great rain sacrifice in winter is not correct. Why is the great rain sacrifice in autumn not correct? The moisture of grass and trees has not run out, and human effort has not been used up, so one may not hold the rain sacrifice. Recording the month is the correct rule for the rain sacrifice. Why is recording the month the correct rule? Only when the season is exhausted and human effort is spent does one hold the rain sacrifice; this is the correct rule for the rain sacrifice. What is called the season being exhausted and human effort spent? If it does not rain this month, it will be too late; if the harvest is not gathered this year, there will be nothing to eat; this is called the season exhausted and human effort spent. Why must the rain sacrifice wait until the season is exhausted and human effort spent? The rain sacrifice is a plea made for drought. Pleading is requesting, and the ancients took requesting very seriously. Why did they take requesting seriously? What makes a person human is yielding. The road of requesting departs from yielding, so one loses what makes a person human, and therefore it was taken seriously. To whom does one make the request? To the Duke Yingshang. In ancient times there was a spirit-person called Duke Yingshang, who understood yin and yang, and the ruler personally led his grandees to guide the pleading. Requesting is not something that can be entrusted to others; one must go in person, so it was taken seriously.

冬，十月，隕霜殺菽。未可以殺而殺，舉重；可殺而不殺，舉輕。其曰菽，舉重也。

In winter, in the tenth month, frost killed the beans. Where what should not have been killed was killed, one speaks by citing the heavier case; where what should have been killed was not killed, one speaks by citing the lighter case. Here "beans" is written, citing the heavier case.

夏，五月壬辰，雉門及兩觀災。其不曰「雉門災及兩觀」，何也？災自兩觀始也，不以尊者親災也；先言雉門，尊尊也。

In summer, in the fifth month, on renchen, the Zhi Gate and the two watchtowers were on fire. Why is it not written "calamity at the Zhi Gate reached the two watchtowers"? Because the fire began from the two watchtowers, and the text does not let the honored side attach to the fire; the Zhi Gate is written first to honor the honored.

冬，十月，新作雉門及兩觀。言新，有舊也。作，為也，有加其度也。此不正其以尊者親之，何也？雖不正也，於美猶可也。

In winter, in the tenth month, the Zhi Gate and the two watchtowers were newly built. Saying "new" is because there was an old one before. "Zuo" means to make, meaning the scale was enlarged. The text originally disapproved of letting the honored side attach to this matter, so why record it? Even if it is not correct, it is still acceptable in terms of its good aspect.

三月，公會劉子、晉侯、宋公、蔡侯、衛侯、陳子、鄭伯、許男、曹伯、莒子、邾子、頓子、鬍子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子、齊國夏於召陵，侵楚。

In the third month, Duke Ding met with Liu Zi, the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Cai, the Marquis of Wei, the Viscount of Chen, the Earl of Zheng, the Baron of Xu, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Dun, the Viscount of Hu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi, the Viscount of Xiaozhu and Guo Xia of Qi at Shaoling, and invaded Chu.

夏，四月庚辰，蔡公孫姓帥師滅沈，以沈子嘉歸，殺之。

In summer, in the fourth month, on gengchen, Gongsun Xing of Cai led an army and destroyed Shen, and took the Viscount of Shen, Jia, back and killed him.

五月，公及諸侯盟於皋鼬。後而再會，公志於後會也。後，志疑也。

In the fifth month, Duke Ding swore a covenant with the feudal lords at Gaoyou. Later they met again, and Duke Ding's heart was in the later meeting. "Later" records hesitation.

劉卷卒。此不卒而卒者，賢之也。寰內諸侯也，非列土諸侯，此何以卒也？天王崩，為諸侯主也。

Liu Juan died. This is a man whose death should not be recorded, but it is recorded here because he was thought worthy. He was a feudal lord within the royal domain, not one enfeoffed with land; why record his death? When the Son of Heaven died, he was the one who presided over the mourning on behalf of the feudal lords.

冬，十有一月庚午，蔡侯以吳子及楚人戰於伯舉。楚師敗績。吳其稱子，何也？以蔡侯之以之，舉其貴者也。蔡侯之以之，則其舉貴者，何也？吳信中國而攘夷狄，吳進矣。其信中國而攘夷狄奈何？子胥父誅於楚也，挾弓持矢而幹闔廬，闔廬曰：「大之甚！勇之甚！為是欲興師而伐楚。」子胥諫曰：「臣聞之：君不為匹夫興師。且事君猶事父也，虧君之義，復父之讎，臣弗為也。」於是止。蔡昭公朝於楚，有美裘，正是日，囊瓦求之，昭公不與。為是拘昭公於南郢。數年，然後得歸。歸乃用事乎漢，曰：「茍諸侯有欲伐楚者，寡人請為前列焉！」楚人聞之而怒，為是興師而伐蔡。蔡請救於吳，子胥曰：「蔡非有罪，楚無道也。君若有憂中國之心，則若此時可矣！」為是興師而伐楚。何以不言救也？救大也。

In winter, in the eleventh month, on gengwu, the Marquis of Cai, taking the Viscount of Wu, fought the men of Chu at Boju, and the Chu army was greatly defeated. Wu is called "Viscount"; why? Because the Marquis of Cai used him, so his honorable status is cited. The Marquis of Cai used him, so why cite his honor? Wu trusted the central states and rejected the barbarians, and Wu advanced one rank. How did it trust the central states and reject the barbarians? Zixu's father was killed in Chu, and he went carrying his bow and arrows to seek an audience with Helu. Helu said: "The vengeance is great! The courage too is great! For this I wish to raise an army to attack Chu." Zixu remonstrated: "Your servant has heard: a ruler does not raise an army for a single common man. Moreover, to serve a ruler is like serving a father; to diminish the ruler's righteousness in order to avenge a father is something your servant would not do." So he stopped. Duke Zhao of Cai went to court at Chu and had a beautiful fur coat; on that very day Nang Wa came to ask for it, and Duke Zhao did not give it. For this the Duke was detained at Nanying, and returned only after several years. On returning, he sacrificed at the bank of the Han River, saying: "If any feudal lord wishes to attack Chu, I ask to be the vanguard!" The men of Chu heard this and were angered, and so raised an army and attacked Cai. Cai asked Wu for help, and Zixu said: "Cai has no fault; it is Chu that is unprincipled. If Your Majesty has a heart that cares for the central states, now is the time!" So he raised an army and attacked Chu. Why is "rescue" not written? Because "rescue" is a weightier word.

庚辰，吳入楚。日入，易無楚也。易無楚者，壞宗廟，徙陳器，撻平王之墓。何以不言滅也？欲存楚也。其欲存楚奈何？昭王之軍敗而逃，父老送之，曰：「寡人不肖，亡先君之邑。父老反矣，何憂無君？寡人且用此入海矣！」父老曰：「有君如此其賢也！」以眾不如吳，以必死不如楚，相與擊之，一夜而三敗吳人，復立。何以謂之吳也？狄之也。何謂狄之也？君居其君之寢，而妻其君之妻；大夫居其大夫之寢，而妻其大夫之妻。蓋有欲妻楚王之母者，不正乘敗人之績而深為利。居人之國，故反其狄道也。

On gengchen, Wu entered Chu. The recording of the day of entry treats Chu as if it were no more. What is meant by "as if no more" is destroying the ancestral temple, carrying off the sacrificial vessels, and flogging the tomb of King Ping. Why is "destroyed" not written? The text wishes to preserve Chu. How did it wish to preserve Chu? When King Zhao's army was defeated and fled, the elders saw him off, and he said: "I am worthless and have lost the cities of my former rulers. Elders, go home; why worry about having no ruler? I will go from here into the sea!" The elders said: "There is such a worthy ruler!" In numbers they could not match Wu, but in fighting to the death Wu could not match Chu, so they struck back together, defeating the men of Wu three times in a single night and reestablishing themselves. Why is it called "Wu"? Because it was treated like a barbarian. Why treated like a barbarian? A ruler lodged in another ruler's bedchamber and took another ruler's wife; a grandee lodged in another grandee's bedchamber and took another grandee's wife. It is said some even wished to take the king of Chu's mother. The text disapproves of exploiting a victory over others to take great profit and lodging in other people's state, so it sends them back on the road of the barbarians.

夏，歸粟於蔡。諸侯無粟，諸侯相歸粟，正也。孰歸之？諸侯也。不言歸之者，專辭也，義邇也。

In summer, grain was sent to Cai. When the feudal lords had no grain, the feudal lords sending grain to one another was right. Who sent it? The feudal lords. Not writing who sent it is wording for acting independently, because by righteousness this was originally what was close at hand.

六年春，王正月癸亥，鄭遊速帥師滅許，以許男斯歸。

In the sixth year, in spring, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, on guihai, You Su of Zheng led an army and destroyed Xu, and took the Baron of Xu, Si, back.

冬，城中城。城中城者，三家張也。或曰非外民也。

In winter, the Zhong city was fortified. Fortifying Zhong city was the Three Families expanding. Another account: it was not to exclude the common people.

秋，齊侯、鄭伯盟於鹹。齊人執衛行人北宮結以侵衛。以，重辭也。衛人重北宮結。

In autumn, the Marquis of Qi and the Earl of Zheng swore a covenant at Xian. The men of Qi seized Beigong Jie, the envoy of Wei, and invaded Wei. The use of the word "yi" is heavy wording. The men of Wei valued Beigong Jie.

八年春，王正月，公侵齊。公至自侵齊。二月，公侵齊。三月，公至自侵齊。公如，往時致月，危致也；往月致時，危往也；往月致月，惡之也。

In the eighth year, in spring, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, Duke Ding invaded Qi. Duke Ding returned from the army that invaded Qi. In the second month, Duke Ding again invaded Qi. In the third month, Duke Ding returned from the army that invaded Qi. When leaving the state is recorded by season and returning is recorded by month, it is worry about returning; when leaving is recorded by month and returning by season, it is worry about leaving; when leaving is recorded by month and returning is also recorded by month, it is hatred of him.

盜竊寶玉、大弓。寶玉者，封圭也。大弓者，武王之戎弓也。周公受賜，藏之魯。非其所以與人而與人，謂之亡；非其所取而取之，謂之盜。

Bandits stole the precious jade and the great bow. The precious jade was the gui tablet of the time of enfeoffment. The great bow was King Wu's war bow. The Duke of Zhou received them as rewards and kept them in Lu. Giving to people what should not be given is called loss; taking what should not be taken is called robbery.

得寶玉、大弓。其不地，何也？寶玉、大弓，在家則羞不目羞也。惡得之，得之堤下。或曰陽虎以解眾也。

The precious jade and the great bow were recovered. Why is the place not recorded? If the precious jade and great bow were in the house of a grandee, that would be shameful, and the text does not make this shame explicit. How were they recovered? They were recovered below an embankment. Another account: Yang Hu used them to disperse the crowd.

夏，公會齊侯於頰谷。公至自頰谷。離會不致，何為致也？危之也。危之則以地致，何也？為危之也。其危奈何？曰：頰谷之會，孔子相焉。兩君就壇，兩相相揖，齊人鼓譟而起，欲以執魯君。孔子歷階而上，不盡一等，而視歸乎齊侯，曰：「兩君合好，夷狄之民，何為來為？」命司馬止之。齊侯逡巡而謝曰：「寡人之過也。」退而屬其二三大夫曰：「夫人率其君與之行古人之道，二三子獨率我而入夷狄之俗，何為？」罷會。齊人使優施舞於魯君之幕下。孔子曰：「笑君者罪當死。」使司馬行法焉，首足異門而出。齊人來歸鄆、讙、龜、陰之田者，蓋為此也。因是以見：雖有文事，必有武備。孔子於頰谷之會見之矣。

In summer, Duke Ding met the Marquis of Qi at Jiagu. Duke Ding returned from Jiagu. A separated meeting by custom does not record the return; why is it recorded? It is worry on his behalf. If it is worry on his behalf, why record the return by place? Precisely to bring out this worry. What was the worry? The answer: at this meeting at Jiagu, Confucius served as master of ceremonies. The two rulers went up onto the platform, the two masters of ceremonies bowed, and the men of Qi beat drums and rose up shouting, wishing to seize the ruler of Lu. Confucius climbed the steps one by one, with one step still to go, looked at the Marquis of Qi, and said: "The rulers of two states are making peace; why do barbarians come here?" He ordered the Minister of War to stop them. The Marquis of Qi hesitantly apologized, saying: "It is my fault." He withdrew and said to his grandees: "That man leads his ruler to walk with him on the road of the ancients, yet you only lead me into barbarian customs; why?" Then the meeting dispersed. The men of Qi had You Shi dance beneath the tent of the ruler of Lu. Confucius said: "One who mocks a ruler deserves to be put to death." He had the Minister of War carry out the punishment, and the head and feet were sent out of different gates. The men of Qi later came to return the fields of Yun, Huan and Guiyin, probably because of this. From this it can be seen: even with civil measures, one must have military preparation. Confucius showed this at the Jiagu meeting.

叔孫州仇、仲孫何忌帥師圍郈。秋，叔孫州仇、仲孫何忌帥師圍郈。

Shusun Zhouchou and Zhongsun Heji led an army and besieged Hou. In autumn, Shusun Zhouchou and Zhongsun Heji led an army and besieged Hou.

入於蕭以叛，入者，內弗受也；以者，不以也；叛，直叛也。

They entered Xiao and rebelled. The use of the word "ru" shows that the other side did not accept them; the use of the word "yi" shows precisely that it should not have been so; what is called rebellion is a plain rebellion.

十有二月，公圍成。非國言圍。圍成，大公也。

In the twelfth month, Duke Ding besieged Cheng. It was not a state, yet "besiege" is written. Besieging Cheng makes Duke Ding appear great.

公至自圍成。何以致？危之也。何危爾？邊乎齊也。

Duke Ding returned from the army besieging Cheng. Why is the return written? It is worry on his behalf. What was the worry? Because it was close to Qi.

秋，晉趙鞅入於晉陽以叛。以者，不以者也。叛，直叛也。

In autumn, Zhao Yang of Jin entered Jinyang and rebelled. The use of the word "yi" shows precisely that it should not have been so. What is called rebellion is a plain rebellion.

晉趙鞅歸於晉。此叛也，其以歸言之，何也？貴其以地反也。貴其以地反，則是大利也？非大利也，許悔過也。許悔過，則何以言叛也？以地正國也。以地正國，則何以言叛？其入無君命也。

Zhao Yang of Jin returned to Jin. This was a rebellion; why is it spoken of with "gui" (to return)? Because the text values that he brought the land back. If it values that he brought the land back, is that not great greed for profit? It is not great greed for profit; it permits him to repent. If it permits repentance, why still write "rebel"? Because he used the land to set the state right. If he used the land to set the state right, why still write "rebel"? Because when he went in, there was no order from the ruler.

二月辛巳，楚公子結、陳公孫佗人帥師滅頓，以頓子牂歸。

In the second month, on xinsi, Gongzi Jie of Chu and Gongsun Tuoren of Chen led an army and destroyed Dun, and took the Viscount of Dun, Zang, back.

天王使石尚來歸脤。脤者，何也？俎實也，祭肉也。生曰脤，熟曰膰。其辭石尚，士也。何以知其士也？天子之大夫不名。石尚欲書《春秋》，諫曰：「久矣周之不行禮於魯也！請行脤，貴復正也。」

The Zhou Son of Heaven sent Shi Shang to present sacrificial meat. What is "shen"? It is the sacrificial meat on the cutting board. Raw is called shen, cooked is called fan. Shi Shang is named because he was a scholar. How do we know he was a scholar? Grandees of the Son of Heaven are not called by name. Shi Shang wanted to be written into the Spring and Autumn Annals, and remonstrated: "The Zhou house has not performed rites toward Lu for a long time! Please send the meat, valuing the restoration of what is right."

秋，七月壬申，弋氏卒。妾辭也，哀公之母也。

In autumn, in the seventh month, on renshen, Lady Yi died. This is wording for a concubine; she was the mother of Duke Ai.

九月，滕子來會葬。丁巳，葬我君定公。雨不克葬。葬既有日，不為雨止，禮也。雨不克葬，喪不以制也。

In the ninth month, the Viscount of Teng came to attend the funeral. On dingsi, our ruler Duke Ding of Lu was to be buried. It rained and the burial could not take place. Once the day of burial is fixed, one does not stop because of rain; this is in accord with ritual. When rain prevents burial, the mourning rites are not conducted according to regulations.

戊午，日下稷，乃克葬。乃，急辭也，不足乎日之辭也。

On wuwu, in the afternoon, the burial could finally take place. The use of "nai" is wording of urgency, and also means that the time of that day was no longer enough.

鼷鼠食郊牛角，改卜牛。夏，四月辛巳，郊。此該之變而道之也。於變之中，又有言焉。「鼷鼠食郊牛角，改卜牛」，志不敬也。郊牛日展觓角而知傷，展道盡矣！郊自正月至於三月，郊之時也。夏四月郊，不時也；五月郊，不時也。夏之始可以承春，以秋之末，承春之始，蓋不可矣！九月用郊，用者，不宜用者也。郊三卜，禮也；四卜，非禮也；五卜，強也。卜免牲者，吉則免之，不吉則否。牛傷，不言傷之者，傷自牛作也，故其辭緩。全曰牲，傷曰牛，未牲曰牛，其牛一也；其所以為牛者異。有變而不郊，故卜免牛也。已牛矣，其尚卜免之，何也？禮，與其亡也寧有。嘗置之上帝矣，故卜而後免之，不敢專也。卜之不吉，則如之何？不免，安置之，系而待六月上甲，始庀牲，然後左右之。子之所言者，牲之變也。而曰：我一該郊之變而道之，何也？我以六月上甲，始庀牲；十月上甲，始系牲。十一月、十二月，牲雖有變，不道也。待正月，然後言牲之變，此乃所以該郊。郊，享道也。貴其時，大其禮，其養牲雖小，不備可也。子不忘三月卜郊，何也？郊自正月至於三月，郊之時也。我以十二月下辛卜正月上辛；如不從，則以正月下辛卜二月上辛；如不從，則以二月下辛卜三月上辛；如不從，則不郊矣！

A field mouse gnawed the horn of the sacrificial ox for the suburban sacrifice, and another ox was divined for. In summer, in the fourth month, on xinsi, the suburban sacrifice was held. This passage gathers together the various incidents of the suburban sacrifice and tells them at once. Within these incidents there is still something to say. Writing "a field mouse gnawed the horn of the sacrificial ox, and another ox was divined for" records disrespect. The sacrificial ox is inspected daily for its curved horns, and still the injury was found; everything that inspection should do was done! The suburban sacrifice from the first month to the third month is the proper season for the suburban sacrifice. To hold the suburban sacrifice in summer, in the fourth month, is not at the proper time; to hold the suburban sacrifice in the fifth month is not at the proper time. The beginning of summer can still continue spring; but to use the end of autumn to connect to the beginning of spring is probably not acceptable! "Using" the suburban sacrifice in the ninth month, the word "use" shows that it should not have been used. For the suburban sacrifice, divination three times is in accord with ritual; divination four times is not; divination five times is forced. Divining whether to exempt this victim: if auspicious, it is exempted; if not auspicious, it is not exempted. When the ox was injured, who injured it is not written, because the injury came from the ox itself, so the wording is lenient. Whole is called "sacrificial animal," injured is called "ox," and one not yet made a sacrificial animal is also called "ox," that ox being the same one; the reasons it is called "ox" differ. When an incident occurs and the suburban sacrifice is not held, one divines whether to exempt the ox. It is already only an "ox"; why divine to exempt it? By ritual, it is better to have than to have none. It had been offered up to the High God, so one divines and only then exempts it, not daring to decide on one's own. If the divination is not auspicious, what then? Do not exempt it; settle it, tether it until the first jia day of the sixth month, begin preparing the animal, and then let it be disposed of. What you have just said concerned incidents of the sacrificial animal, yet you also say: I gather together the incidents of the suburban sacrifice and tell them at once; why? I begin preparing the animal from the first jia day of the sixth month; I begin tethering the animal from the first jia day of the tenth month. In the eleventh and twelfth months, even if there is an incident with the animal, it is not mentioned. When the first month comes, then the incidents with the animal are mentioned, and this is exactly the way to gather the suburban sacrifice together. The suburban sacrifice is the principle of feasting the spirits. It values the season and makes the rite great; if raising the animal is slightly incomplete, it is still acceptable. You do not forget the divination for the suburban sacrifice in the third month; why? The suburban sacrifice from the first month to the third month is the proper season for the suburban sacrifice. I use the last xin day of the twelfth month to divine for the first xin day of the first month; if it does not follow, I use the last xin day of the first month to divine for the first xin day of the second month; if it does not follow, I use the last xin day of the second month to divine for the first xin day of the third month; if it does not follow, the suburban sacrifice is not held!

二年春，王二月，季孫斯、叔孫州仇、仲孫何忌帥師伐邾，取漷東田。漷東未盡也。

In the second year, in spring, in the second month of the Zhou calendar, Ji Sunsi, Shusun Zhouchou and Zhongsun Heji led an army and attacked Zhu, and seized the fields east of the Guo River. The land east of the Guo was not taken entirely.

癸巳，叔孫州仇、仲孫何忌及邾子盟於句繹。三人伐而二人盟，何也？各盟其得也。

On guisi, Shusun Zhouchou and Zhongsun Heji swore a covenant with the Viscount of Zhu at Juyi. Three went to attack, yet only two came to the covenant; why? Each made a covenant based on what he himself had obtained.

晉趙鞅帥師，納衛世子蒯瞶於戚。納者，內弗受也。帥師而後納者，有伐也。何用弗受也？以輒不受也。以輒不受父之命，受之王父也。信父而辭王父，則是不尊王父也。其弗受，以尊王父也。

Zhao Yang of Jin led an army and brought the crown prince of Wei, Kuaikui, into Qi. The use of the word "na" shows that the other side did not accept him. He led an army and only then brought him in because there was an attack. Why was he not accepted? Because Zhe would not accept him. Zhe did not accept his father's command because he had already received his grandfather's command. If he trusted his father and declined his grandfather, that would be disrespect toward his grandfather. His not accepting him was precisely out of respect for his grandfather.

秋，八月甲戌，晉趙鞅帥師，及鄭罕達帥師，戰於鐵。鄭師敗績。

In autumn, in the eighth month, on jiaxu, Zhao Yang of Jin led an army and fought the army led by Han Da of Zheng at Tie. The Zheng army was greatly defeated.

三年春，齊國夏、衛石曼姑帥師圍戚。此衛事也，其先國夏，何也？子不圍父也。不繫戚於衛者，子不有父也。

In the third year, in spring, Guo Xia of Qi and Shi Mangu of Wei led an army and besieged Qi. This was originally Wei's affair; why is Guo Xia written first? Because a son should not besiege his father. Qi is not linked to the name of Wei, because a son should not take his father as his own possession.

五月辛卯，桓宮、僖宮災。言及，則祖有尊卑；由我言之，則一也。

In the fifth month, on xinmao, the Huan Palace and the Xi Palace caught fire. If they are joined with the word "and," the ancestral temples are divided into the honored and the lower; from our side, the two temples are the same.

四年春，王二月庚戌，盜弒蔡侯申。稱盜以弒君，不以上下道道也。內其君而外弒者，不以弒道道也。《春秋》有三盜：微殺大夫，謂之盜；非所取而取之，謂之盜；闢中國之正道以襲利，謂之盜。

In the fourth year, in spring, in the second month of the Zhou calendar, on gengxu, bandits killed the Marquis of Cai, Shen. Calling them "bandits" in recording the killing of a ruler is not speaking along the lines of high and low status. To count the ruler on our side and the killer outside is not to speak along the lines of "regicide." The Spring and Autumn Annals has three kinds of bandit: a person of low status killing a grandee is called a bandit; taking what should not be taken is called a bandit; avoiding the correct path of the central states to seize profit is called a bandit.

六月，辛丑，亳社災。亳社者，亳之社也。亳，亡國也。亡國之社以為廟，屏戒也。其屋亡國之社，不得達上也。

In the sixth month, on xinchou, the Bo altar caught fire. The Bo altar was the altar of Bo. Bo was a state that had already perished. To set up the altar of a perished state beside the ancestral temple as a screen is to serve as a warning. Above the altar of a perished state there is a roof, so that it cannot reach Heaven.

齊陽生入於齊。齊陳乞弒其君荼。陽生入而弒其君，以陳乞主之，何也？不以陽生君荼也。其不以陽生君荼，何也？陽生正，荼不正。不正則其曰君，何也？荼雖不正，已受命矣！入者，內弗受也。荼不正，何用弗受？以其受命，可以言弗受也。陽生其以國氏，何也？取國於荼也。

Yangsheng of Qi entered Qi. Chen Qi of Qi killed his ruler Tu. Yangsheng entered and the ruler was killed, yet Chen Qi is named as the principal; why? So as not to let Yangsheng regard Tu as his own ruler. Why not let Yangsheng regard Tu as ruler? Yangsheng was the legitimate one and Tu was not. Since he was not legitimate, why is he still called "ruler"? Though Tu was not legitimate, he had already received the appointment! The use of "ru" shows the other side did not accept. Tu was not legitimate, so why did they not accept? Because he had already been appointed, one can say they did not accept. Yangsheng used the name of the state as his clan name; why? Because he took the state from Tu's hands.

八月己酉，入邾，以邾子益來。以者，不以者也。益之名，惡也。《春秋》有臨天下之言焉，有臨一國之言焉，有臨一家之言焉。其言來者，有外魯之辭焉。

In the eighth month, on jiyou, Zhu was entered, and the Viscount of Zhu, Yi, was brought back. The use of the word "yi" shows precisely that it should not have been so. He is named Yi out of hatred for him. The Spring and Autumn Annals has wording that faces the whole world, wording that faces one state, and wording that faces one family. Here "come" is written, which has wording that treats Lu as outside.

宋皇瑗帥師取鄭師於雍丘。取，易辭也。以師而易取，鄭病矣！

Huang Yuan of Song led an army and seized the army of Zheng at Yongqiu. "Seize" says that the matter came easily. An entire army, yet described with a word for ease as "seized"; Zheng was gravely ill indeed!

甲戌，齊國書帥師，及吳戰於艾陵。齊師敗績。獲齊國書。

On jiaxu, Guo Shu of Qi led an army and fought Wu at Ailing. The Qi army was greatly defeated. Guo Shu of Qi was captured.

十有二年春，用田賦。古者公田什一。用田賦，非正也。

In the twelfth year, in spring, the land tax was implemented. In ancient times the public field took one tenth. Implementing the land tax is not correct.

夏，五月甲辰，孟子卒。孟子者，何也？昭公夫人也。其不言夫人，何也？諱取同姓也。

In summer, in the fifth month, on jiachen, Meng Zi died. Who was Meng Zi? She was the wife of Duke Zhao. Why is she not called "Lady"? To conceal that he married a woman of the same surname.

十有三年春，鄭罕達帥師取宋師於嵒。取，易辭也。以師而易取，宋病矣。

In the thirteenth year, in spring, Han Da of Zheng led an army and seized the army of Song at Yan. "Seize" says that the matter came easily. An entire army, yet described with a word for ease as "seized"; Song was gravely ill indeed.

公會晉侯及吳子於黃池。黃池之會，吳子進乎哉！遂子矣。吳，夷狄之國也，祝髮文身，欲因魯之禮，因晉之權，而請冠端而襲。其藉於成周，以尊天王，吳進矣。吳，東方之大國也，累累致小國以會諸侯，以合乎中國。吳能為之，則不臣乎！吳進矣。王，尊稱也；子，卑稱也。辭尊稱而居卑稱，以會乎諸侯，以尊天王。吳王夫差曰：「好冠來。」孔子曰：「大矣哉！夫差未能言冠而欲冠也。」

Duke Ai met the Marquis of Jin and the Viscount of Wu at Huangchi. At this meeting at Huangchi, the Viscount of Wu advanced one rank! And so he is called "Viscount." Wu was a barbarian state, with cut hair and tattoos, yet wished to borrow Lu's rites and Jin's power and asked to wear a cap and upright garments. Relying on Chengzhou, it showed respect for the Son of Heaven, and Wu advanced one rank. Wu was a great state of the east, and time after time it came to the feudal lords' meetings with small states so as to join with the central states. If Wu could do this, would it not then declare itself a subject! Wu advanced one rank. "King" is a noble title, and "Viscount" is a lowly title. Declining the noble title and taking the lowly title, to meet with the feudal lords and show respect for the Son of Heaven. King Fuchai of Wu said: "Bring the fine cap." Confucius said: "How excessive! Fuchai cannot yet speak of caps, yet already wishes to wear one."

十有四年春，西狩獲麟。引取之也。狩地，不地不狩也。非狩而曰狩，大獲麟，故大其適也。其不言來，不外麟於中國也。其不言有，不使麟不恆於中國也。

In the fourteenth year, in spring, in hunting in the west, a qilin was captured. It was lured and taken. A hunt must record the place, and if the place is not recorded it is not a hunt. It was not a hunt yet "hunt" is written, valuing the capture of the qilin, so the outing is made to look great. "Come" is not written, so as not to exclude the qilin from the central states. "Have" is not written, so as not to make it appear that the qilin is not a common thing in the central states.