Guo Feng (Airs of the States)
神之吊矣，詒爾多福。民之質矣，日用飲食。群黎百姓，遍為爾德。
The spirits have come and leave you with many blessings. The people are simple and sincere, in daily food and drink. The many black-haired people, the hundred clans, are all transformed by your virtue.
如月之恆，如日之升。如南山之壽，不騫不崩。如松柏之茂，無不爾或承。
Like the constancy of the moon, like the rising of the sun. Like the long life of the Southern Mountain, never failing, never crumbling. Like the flourishing of pine and cypress, there is none that you do not inherit.
采薇采薇，薇亦作止。曰歸曰歸，歲亦莫止。靡室靡家，玁狁之故。不遑啟居，玁狁之故。
Gathering the bracken, gathering the bracken; the bracken has begun to sprout. We say we will go home, go home; the year is drawing to its end. We have no house or home, because of the Xianyun. We have no leisure to rest, because of the Xianyun.
采薇采薇，薇亦柔止。曰歸曰歸，心亦憂止。憂心烈烈，載飢載渴。我戍未定，靡使歸聘。
Gathering the bracken, gathering the bracken; the bracken is tender now. We say we will go home, go home; our hearts are sad. Our hearts burn with sorrow, hungry and thirsty. Our garrison is not yet settled, and there is no messenger to send home greetings.
采薇采薇，薇亦剛止。曰歸曰歸，歲亦陽止。王事靡盬，不遑啟處。憂心孔疚，我行不來！
Gathering the bracken, gathering the bracken; the bracken is hard and old now. We say we will go home, go home; the year has reached the tenth month. The king's business has no end, and we have no leisure to rest. Our hearts are bitterly pained; we go out and shall not return!
彼爾維何？維常之華。彼路斯何？君子之車。戎車既駕，四牡業業。豈敢定居？一月三捷。
What is it that blooms so richly? The flowers of the cherry-apple. What is that great carriage? The carriage of the commander. The war chariot is harnessed, and the four stallions are tall and strong. How dare we settle down? In one month we fight three battles.
駕彼四牡，四牡騤騤。君子所依，小人所腓。四牡翼翼，象弭魚服。豈不日戒？玁狁孔棘！
Driving those four stallions, the four stallions are sturdy and strong. The commander rides on them, and the common soldiers are sheltered by them. The four stallions are neat and orderly, with ivory-tipped bows and fish-skin quivers. How could we not be on guard daily? The Xianyun are pressing hard!
昔我往矣，楊柳依依。今我來思，雨雪霏霏。行道遲遲，載渴載飢。我心傷悲，莫知我哀！
When I left long ago, the willows were swaying. Now that I come back, the rain and snow fall thick. I walk slowly, slowly, thirsty and hungry. My heart is sorrowful, and no one knows my grief!
我出我車，於彼牧矣。自天子所，謂我來矣。召彼僕伕，謂之載矣。王事多難，維其棘矣。
I push out my carriage and come to those pastures. From the Son of Heaven, I was sent for. I call those charioteers and tell them to load up. The king's business is full of hardship, and it is urgent indeed.
我出我車，於彼郊矣。設此旐矣，建彼旄矣。彼旟旐斯，胡不旆旆？憂心悄悄，僕伕況瘁。
I push out my carriage and come to those open fields. We raise the banner of the entwined dragons, and set up the yak-tail banner. Those falcon banners and dragon banners, why do they not flutter freely? My heart is quietly troubled, and the charioteers grow more worn.
王命南仲，往城於方。出車彭彭，旗旐央央。天子命我，城彼朔方。赫赫南仲，玁狁於襄。
The king commanded Nan Zhong to go and build a wall at Fang. The war chariots roll out in great numbers, and the banners shine bright and clear. The Son of Heaven commanded me to build a wall in that northern region. Glorious Nan Zhong, the Xianyun are driven away.
昔我往矣，黍稷方華。今我來思，雨雪載途。王事多難，不遑啟居。豈不懷歸？畏此簡書。
When I left long ago, the millet was in bloom. Now that I come back, the rain and snow fill the road. The king's business is full of hardship, and we have no leisure to settle. Do we not long to go home? We fear these bamboo-slip military orders.
喓喓草蟲，趯趯阜螽。未見君子，憂心忡忡。既見君子，我心則降。赫赫南仲，薄伐西戎。
The grass insects chirp, the grasshoppers leap. I did not see my lord, and my heart was troubled. Now that I have seen my lord, my heart is at rest. Glorious Nan Zhong has gone to attack the western Rong.
春日遲遲，卉木萋萋。倉庚喈喈，采蘩祁祁。執訊獲醜，薄言還歸。赫赫南仲，玁狁於夷。
The spring days are long and slow, and the grass and trees are lush. The orioles sing, and those who gather white mugwort are many. Having seized spies and taken prisoners, we only then return. Glorious Nan Zhong, the Xianyun are pacified.
有杕之杜，有睆其實。王事靡盬，繼嗣我日。日月陽止，女心傷止，征夫遑止。
There is a lone red cherry-apple tree, its fruit round and smooth. The king's business has no end, day after day. The months have reached the tenth, and the women's hearts are sore; the soldiers away should have leisure now.
有杕之杜，其葉萋萋。王事靡盬，我心傷悲。卉木萋止，女心悲止，征夫歸止！
There is a lone red cherry-apple tree, its leaves lush. The king's business has no end, and my heart is sorrowful. The grass and trees are lush, the women's hearts are sorrowful; the soldiers away should return!
陟彼北山，言採其杞。王事靡盬，憂我父母。檀車幝幝，四牡痯痯，征夫不遠！
I climb that northern mountain to gather wolfberries. The king's business has no end, and it makes my parents worry. The sandalwood carts are battered and worn, the four stallions are weary and sick; the soldier is not far!
匪載匪來，憂心孔疚。斯逝不至，而多為恤。卜筮偕止，會言近止，征夫邇止！
The cart has not come, the man has not come, and my heart is bitterly pained. The appointed day has passed and still he has not arrived, and my worry only grows. The tortoise shell and the yarrow stalks agree, and both say he is near; the soldier is near!
魚麗於罶，鱨鯊。君子有酒，旨且多。
The fish enter the trap, the yellow bagrid and the shark-like fish. The lord has wine, fine and plentiful.
魚麗於罶，魴鱧。君子有酒，多且旨。
The fish enter the trap, the bream and the snakehead. The lord has wine, plentiful and fine.
魚麗於罶，鰋鯉。君子有酒，旨且有。物其多矣，
The fish enter the trap, the catfish and the carp. The lord has wine, fine and abundant. Since the things are so abundant,
維其嘉矣！物其旨矣，維其偕矣！物其有矣，維其時矣！
it is because they are excellent! Since the things are so fine, it is because they are complete! Since the things are so plentiful, it is because they are timely!
南有嘉魚，烝然罩罩。君子有酒，嘉賓式燕以樂。
In the south there are fine fish, which are caught with baskets in great numbers. The lord has wine, and the honored guests feast and make merry.
南有嘉魚，烝然汕汕。君子有酒，嘉賓式燕以衎。
In the south there are fine fish, which are caught with nets in great numbers. The lord has wine, and the honored guests feast and rejoice.
南有樛木，甘瓠累之。君子有酒，嘉賓式燕綏之。
In the south there is a tree that bends downward, with sweet gourds twining around it. The lord has wine, and the honored guests feast and are put at ease.
翩翩者鵻，烝然來思。君子有酒，嘉賓式燕又思。
The fluttering doves have come in great numbers. The lord has wine, and the honored guests feast and come again.
南山有臺，北山有萊。樂只君子，邦家之基。樂只君子，萬壽無期。
On the Southern Mountain there is nutgrass, on the Northern Mountain there is goosefoot. The joyful gentleman is the foundation of the state and the family. The joyful gentleman, ten thousand years of life without limit.
南山有桑，北山有楊。樂只君子，邦家之光。樂只君子，萬壽無疆。
On the Southern Mountain there are mulberries, on the Northern Mountain there are poplars. The joyful gentleman is the glory of the state and the family. The joyful gentleman, ten thousand years of life without bound.
南山有杞，北山有李。樂只君子，民之父母。樂只君子，德音不已。
On the Southern Mountain there are wolfberries, on the Northern Mountain there are plums. The joyful gentleman is the father and mother of the people. The joyful gentleman, his virtuous fame will not cease.
南山有栲，北山有杻。樂只君子，遐不眉壽。樂只君子，德音是茂。
On the Southern Mountain there are kao trees, on the Northern Mountain there are niu trees. The joyful gentleman, how could he not live long? The joyful gentleman, his virtuous fame is so flourishing.
南山有枸，北山有楰。樂只君子，遐不黃耇。樂只君子，保艾爾後。
On the Southern Mountain there are hawthorns, on the Northern Mountain there are yu trees. The joyful gentleman, how could he not reach yellow-haired old age? The joyful gentleman, may he nurture his descendants.
蓼彼蕭斯，零露湑兮。既見君子，我心寫兮。燕笑語兮，是以有譽處兮。
The tall mugwort, the fallen dew lies heavy. Now that I have seen my lord, my heart is relieved. We feast and talk and laugh, and so there is good name and ease.
蓼彼蕭斯，零露瀼瀼。既見君子，為龍為光。其德不爽，壽考不忘。
The tall mugwort, the fallen dew lies glistening. Now that I have seen my lord, there is favor and glory. His virtue has no flaw, and his long life cannot be forgotten.
蓼彼蕭斯，零露泥泥。既見君子，孔燕豈弟。宜兄宜弟，令德壽豈。
The tall mugwort, the fallen dew lies thick. Now that I have seen my lord, he is at ease and joyful. Fit to be an elder brother and fit to be a younger brother, fine virtue, long life and joy.
蓼彼蕭斯，零露濃濃。既見君子，鞗革忡忡。和鸞雍雍，萬福攸同。
The tall mugwort, the fallen dew lies dense. Now that I have seen my lord, the pendants on the bridles sway. The bells ring in harmony, and ten thousand blessings gather together.
湛湛露斯，匪陽不晞。厭厭夜飲，不醉無歸。
The dew lies thick; if the sun does not come, it will not dry. In the leisurely night feast, we do not go home until drunk.
湛湛露斯，在彼豐草。厭厭夜飲，在宗載考。
The dew lies thick, on that lush grass. In the leisurely night feast, the rites are completed in the ancestral hall.
湛湛露斯，在彼杞棘。顯允君子，莫不令德。
The dew lies thick, on the wolfberry and thorn bushes. The glorious and trustworthy gentleman has no lack of fine virtue.
其桐其椅，其實離離。豈弟君子，莫不令儀。
That tong tree and that yi tree, their fruits hang in clusters. The gentle and joyful gentleman, there is none who lacks good bearing.
彤弓弨兮，受言藏之。我有嘉賓，中心貺之。鐘鼓既設，一朝饗之。
The red bow is unstrung; receive it and store it. I have honored guests, and my heart bestows gifts on them. The bells and drums are set out, and for a whole morning I feast them.
彤弓弨兮，受言載之。我有嘉賓，中心喜之。鐘鼓既設，一朝右之。
The red bow is unstrung; receive it and load it. I have honored guests, and my heart delights in them. The bells and drums are set out, and for a whole morning I urge them to eat.
彤弓弨兮，受言櫜之。我有嘉賓，中心好之。鐘鼓既設，一朝酬之。
The red bow is unstrung; receive it and put it in its case. I have honored guests, and my heart loves them. The bells and drums are set out, and for a whole morning I answer them with a return cup.
菁菁者莪，在彼中阿。既見君子，樂且有儀。
The artemisia grows lush, in that bend of the mountain. Now that I have seen my lord, he is joyful and has fine bearing.
菁菁者莪，在彼中沚。既見君子，我心則喜。
The artemisia grows lush, on that small island. Now that I have seen my lord, my heart is glad.
菁菁者莪，在彼中陵。既見君子，錫我百朋。
The artemisia grows lush, on that hill. Now that I have seen my lord, he gives me a hundred strings of cowries.
泛泛楊舟，載沉載浮。既見君子，我心則休。
The poplar boat drifts about, now sinking, now floating. Now that I have seen my lord, my heart is at rest.
六月棲棲，戎車既飭。四牡騤騤，載是常服。玁狁孔熾，我是用急。王於出征，以匡王國。
In the sixth month we are restless and anxious, and the war chariots are already readied. The four stallions are sturdy and strong, loaded with the army's clothing. The Xianyun are fierce, and so we are in haste. The king therefore goes on campaign, to set right the royal realm.
比物四驪，閒之維則。維此六月，既成我服。我服既成，於三十里。王於出征，以佐天子。
We choose four black horses equal in strength, trained to follow the rules. In this very sixth month, my military clothing is already made. Having made the clothing, we march thirty li. The king therefore goes on campaign, to assist the Son of Heaven.
四牡修廣，其大有顒。薄伐玁狁，以奏膚公。有嚴有翼，共武之服。共武之服，以定王國。
The four stallions are long and large, with great heads. We go to attack the Xianyun, to accomplish great deeds. Both stern and respectful, we share the burden of warfare. Sharing the burden of warfare, we pacify the royal realm.
玁狁匪茹，整居焦穫。侵鎬及方，至於涇陽。織文鳥章，白旆央央。元戎十乘，以先啟行。
The Xianyun are not weak, and they have regrouped and settled at Jiaohuo. They invaded Haojing and Fang, all the way to Jingyang. The banners woven with bird patterns, the white pennants shine bright and clear. Ten great war chariots go first to open the way.
戎車既安，如輊如軒。四牡既佶，既佶且閒。薄伐玁狁，至於大原。文武吉甫，萬邦為憲。
The war chariots are steady, low in front and high at the back like a light chariot. The four stallions are strong, both strong and well trained. We go to attack the Xianyun, reaching Taiyuan. Jifu, skilled in both letters and arms, is a model for the myriad states.
吉甫燕喜，既多受祉。來歸自鎬，我行永久。飲御諸友，炰鱉膾鯉。侯誰在矣？張仲孝友。
Jifu feasts with delight, having already received many blessings. Returning from Haojing, my journey has been long. He sets out wine to entertain his friends, with stewed turtle and sliced carp. Who is among the guests? Zhang Zhong, filial and brotherly.
薄言采芑，於彼新田，呈此菑畝。方叔涖止，其車三千。師幹之試，方叔率止。
We go gather the bitter greens, in that new field, in this newly plowed field. Fang Shu has arrived, with three thousand chariots. The troops practice defending, and Fang Shu leads them.
乘其四騏，四騏翼翼。路車有奭，簟茀魚服，鉤膺鞗革。
Driving four dark-gray horses, the four dark-gray horses are neat and orderly. The great carriage is brilliantly red, with bamboo-mat screens, fish-skin quivers, breast straps and bridle ornaments.
薄言采芑，於彼新田，於此中鄉。方叔涖止，其車三千。旗旐央央，方叔率止。
We go gather the bitter greens, in that new field, in this village. Fang Shu has arrived, with three thousand chariots. The banners shine bright and clear, and Fang Shu leads them.
約軧錯衡，八鸞瑲瑲。服其命服，朱芾斯皇，有瑲蔥珩。
The hubs are bound with leather and the crossbars are patterned, and the eight bells ring out. He wears his ceremonial robes, his red knee-covers so splendid, with the jingling green jade pendants.
鴥彼飛隼，其飛戾天，亦集爰止。方叔涖止，其車三千。師幹之試，方叔率止。
The swift falcon flies up to the sky, and also settles where it should. Fang Shu has arrived, with three thousand chariots. The troops practice defending, and Fang Shu leads them.
鉦人伐鼓，陳師鞠旅。顯允方叔，伐鼓淵淵，振旅闐闐。
The gong men beat the drums, arrange the army and warn the troops. Glorious and trustworthy Fang Shu, beating the drum with deep thunder, withdrawing the troops with a rumble.
蠢爾蠻荊，大邦為仇。方叔元老，克壯其猶。方叔率止，執訊獲醜。戎車嘽嘽，
The foolish Jing barbarians make enemies of a great state. Fang Shu is a senior elder, able to strengthen his plans. Leading the troops, Fang Shu seized spies and took prisoners. The war chariots are thronging and mighty,
嘽嘽焞焞，如霆如雷。顯允方叔，征伐玁狁，蠻荊來威。
thronging and mighty like a thunderclap, like thunder. Glorious and trustworthy Fang Shu attacked the Xianyun, and the Jing barbarians submitted in fear.