Guo Feng (Airs of the States)
揚之水，白石粼粼。我聞有命，不敢以告人。
The surging water, with white stones sparkling clear. I have heard there is an order, but I dare not tell anyone.
椒聊之實，蕃衍盈升。彼其之子，碩大無朋。椒聊且，遠條且。
The pepper plant’s fruit grows so abundant it fills a measure. That man is tall beyond compare. Oh the pepper, its fragrance spreads far!
椒聊之實，蕃衍盈匊。彼其之子，碩大且篤。椒聊且，遠條且。
The pepper plant’s fruit grows so abundant it fills both hands. That man is tall and sincere. Oh the pepper, its fragrance spreads far!
綢繆束薪，三星在天。今夕何夕，見此良人？子兮子兮，如此良人何？
Firewood is bound tightly in a bundle, and the Three Stars are in the sky. What night is this tonight, that I see this good man? You, oh you, what will you do with this good man?
綢繆束芻，三星在隅。今夕何夕，見此邂逅？子兮子兮，如此邂逅何？
Fodder is bound tightly in a bundle, and the Three Stars are in the corner. What night is this tonight, that I meet this unexpected one? You, oh you, what will you do with this unexpected one?
綢繆束楚，三星在戶。今夕何夕，見此粲者？子兮子兮，如此粲者何？
Thorn branches are bound tightly in a bundle, and the Three Stars are at the door. What night is this tonight, that I see this radiant one? You, oh you, what will you do with this radiant one?
有杕之杜，其葉湑湑。獨行踽踽。豈無他人？不如我同父。嗟行之人，胡不比焉？人無兄弟，胡不佽焉？
There is one lone red crab-apple tree, its leaves thick and lush. Walking alone, I am forlorn. Are there no other people? None is like my brothers of the same father. Alas, you travelers, why do you not draw near? A man without brothers, why do you not help him?
有杕之杜，其葉箐箐。獨行睘睘。豈無他人？不如我同姓。嗟行之人，胡不比焉？人無兄弟，胡不佽焉？
There is one lone red crab-apple tree, its leaves dense and rich. Walking alone, I am friendless and uneasy. Are there no other people? None is like those of my own clan. Alas, you travelers, why do you not draw near? A man without brothers, why do you not help him?
羔裘豹祛，自我人居居。豈無他人？維子之故。
Lambskin coat with leopard cuffs, you are haughty toward us. Are there no other people? It is only because of your old affection.
羔裘豹褎，自我人究究。豈無他人？維子之好。
Lambskin coat with leopard cuffs, you are harsh toward us. Are there no other people? It is only because of your fondness.
肅肅鴇羽，集於苞栩。王事靡盬，不能蓺稷黍。父母何怙？悠悠蒼天，曷其有所？
The bustards flap their wings, settling on the clustered oak trees. The king’s service has no end, so we cannot plant millet and sorghum. What will our parents rely on? Far-off blue Heaven, when shall we have a place to settle?
肅肅鴇翼，集於苞棘。王事靡盬，不能蓺黍稷。父母何食？悠悠蒼天，曷其有極？
The bustards flap their wings, settling on the clustered jujube trees. The king’s service has no end, so we cannot plant sorghum and millet. What will our parents eat? Far-off blue Heaven, when shall there be an end?
肅肅鴇行，集於苞桑，王事靡盬，不能蓺稻梁。父母何嘗？悠悠蒼天，曷其有常？
The bustards in rows, settling on the clustered mulberry trees. The king’s service has no end, so we cannot plant rice and millet. What will our parents eat? Far-off blue Heaven, when shall things be in order?
豈曰無衣七兮？不如子之衣，安且吉兮！
Do you say I have no robe of seven emblems? It is not as good as your robe, so comfortable and auspicious!
豈曰無衣六兮？不如子之衣，安且燠兮！
Do you say I have no robe of six emblems? It is not as good as your robe, so comfortable and warm!
有杕之杜，生於道左。彼君子兮，噬肯適我？中心好之，曷飲食之？
There is one lone red crab-apple tree, growing on the left of the road. That gentleman, would he be willing to come to me? My heart delights in him; what could I give him to eat and drink?
有杕之杜，生於道周。彼君子兮，噬肯來遊？中心好之，曷飲食之？
There is one lone red crab-apple tree, growing at the bend of the road. That gentleman, would he be willing to come and visit? My heart delights in him; what could I give him to eat and drink?
葛生蒙楚，蘞蔓於野。予美亡此，誰與？獨處？
The kudzu grows and covers the thorn bushes, the creeper spreads over the wilds. My beloved is no longer here; with whom does he stay? Does he dwell alone?
葛生蒙棘，蘞蔓於域。予美亡此，誰與？獨息？
The kudzu grows and covers the jujube trees, the creeper spreads over the graveyard. My beloved is no longer here; with whom does he stay? Does he rest alone?
角枕粲兮，錦衾爛兮。予美亡此，誰與？獨旦？
The horn pillow is bright and shining, the brocade quilt is splendid. My beloved is no longer here; with whom does he stay? Is he alone until dawn?
夏之日，冬之夜。百歲之後，歸於其居。
The long days of summer, the long nights of winter. After a hundred years, I will return to his dwelling.
冬之夜，夏之日。百歲之後，歸於其室。
The long nights of winter, the long days of summer. After a hundred years, I will return to his tomb chamber.
采苓采苓，首陽之巔。人之為言，苟亦無信。舍旃舍旃，苟亦無然。人之為言，胡得焉？
Gathering licorice, gathering licorice, on the top of Mount Shouyang. The words that others make up, for now do not believe them. Drop them, drop them, for now do not think them true. The words that others make up, what can one gain from them?
採苦採苦，首陽之下。人之為言，苟亦無與。舍旃舍旃，苟亦無然。人之為言，胡得焉？
Gathering bitter greens, gathering bitter greens, at the foot of Mount Shouyang. The words that others make up, for now do not agree with them. Drop them, drop them, for now do not think them true. The words that others make up, what can one gain from them?
採葑採葑，首陽之東。人之為言，苟亦無從。舍旃舍旃，苟亦無然。人之為言，胡得焉？
Gathering turnips, gathering turnips, east of Mount Shouyang. The words that others make up, for now do not follow them. Drop them, drop them, for now do not think them true. The words that others make up, what can one gain from them?
有車鄰鄰，有馬白顛。未見君子，寺人之令。
Carriages rumble along, and horses with white foreheads. I have not yet seen my lord, and must wait for the eunuch to relay the order.
阪有漆，隰有栗。既見君子，並坐鼓瑟。今者不樂，逝者其耋。
On the slope there are lacquer trees, in the lowland there are chestnuts. Having seen my lord, we sit side by side and play the zither. If we are not merry now, those of the past will soon grow old.
阪有桑，隰有楊。既見君子，並坐鼓簧。今者不樂，逝者其亡。
On the slope there are mulberry trees, in the lowland there are poplars. Having seen my lord, we sit side by side and blow the reed pipes. If we are not merry now, those of the past will soon be gone.
駟驖孔阜，六轡在手。公之媚子，從公於狩。
The four black horses are tall and stout, and six reins are held in the hand. The one the duke favors follows the duke to hunt.
奉時辰牡，辰牡孔碩。公曰左之，舍拔則獲。
They present the seasonal male beasts, and the seasonal male beasts are fat and large. When the duke says go left, an arrow is loosed and the game is taken.
遊於北園，四馬既閒。輶車鸞鑣，載獫歇驕。
Roaming in the northern garden, the four horses are already well trained. The light carriage’s bells ring at the bits, carrying long-snouted and short-snouted dogs.
小戎俴收，五楘梁輈。遊環脅驅，陰靷鋈續。文茵暢轂，駕我騏馵。
The small war chariot has a shallow box, with five bundles of leather straps wound around the shaft. The sliding ring and flank-guard, and the trace bound with white bronze. A tiger-skin mat, long hubs, and drawn by my black-and-blue horse and white-hoofed horse.
言念君子，溫其如玉。在其板屋，亂我心曲。
I think of my lord, gentle as jade. He is in that wooden house, and troubles the depths of my heart.
四牡孔阜，六轡在手。騏騮是中，騧驪是驂。龍盾之合，鋈以觼軜。
The four stallions are tall and stout, and six reins are held in the hand. The black-and-blue horse and the red horse are in the middle, the yellow horse and the black horse on the sides. The dragon shields are joined together, and a white bronze ring fastens the inner rein.
言念君子，溫其在邑。方何為期？胡然我念之！
I think of my lord, gently in the town. When will be the time of return? Why do I think of him like this!
俴駟孔群，厹矛鋈錞。蒙伐有苑，虎韔鏤膺。交韔二弓，竹閉緄縢。
The armored four horses are well matched, and the three-edged spears have white bronze butts. The shields are patterned, the tiger-skin bow case is engraved with breast ornaments. Two bows are fitted crosswise, with bamboo frames bound with cord.
言念君子，載寢載興。厭厭良人，秩秩德音。
I think of my lord, I lie down and then get up again. A leisurely good man, whose virtuous voice is orderly and clear.
蒹葭蒼蒼，白露為霜。所謂伊人，在水一方。溯洄從之，道阻且長。溯游從之，宛在水中央。
The reeds are green and thick, and the white dew has turned to frost. The one I speak of is on the other side of the water. Going upstream along the winding course to seek him, the road is blocked and long. Going downstream along the straight current to seek him, he seems to be in the middle of the water.
蒹葭萋萋，白露未晞。所謂伊人，在水之湄。溯洄從之，道阻且躋。溯游從之，宛在水中坻。
The reeds are lush and green, and the white dew has not yet dried. The one I speak of is at the water’s grassy edge. Going upstream along the winding course to seek him, the road is blocked and I must climb. Going downstream along the straight current to seek him, he seems to be on a little islet in the water.
蒹葭采采，白露未已。所謂伊人，在水之涘。溯洄從之，道阻且右。溯游從之，宛在水中沚。
The reeds are bright and vivid, and the white dew has not yet ended. The one I speak of is at the water’s bank. Going upstream along the winding course to seek him, the road is blocked and bends to the right. Going downstream along the straight current to seek him, he seems to be on a small sandbar in the water.
終南何有？有條有梅。君子至止，錦衣狐裘。顏如渥丹，其君也哉！
What is there on Zhongnan Mountain? There are mountain catalpas and plum trees. The gentleman has arrived here, in brocade robe and fox fur. His face is like painted cinnabar; truly he is a lord!
終南何有？有紀有堂。君子至止，黻衣繡裳。佩玉將將，壽考不忘！
What is there on Zhongnan Mountain? There are medlars and crab-apples. The gentleman has arrived here, in embroidered robe and skirt. His jade pendants tinkle clearly; may his long life never be forgotten!
交交黃鳥，止於棘。誰從穆公？子車奄息。維此奄息，百夫之特。
The yellow birds call jiao-jiao, settling on the jujube tree. Who followed Duke Mu into the grave? Ziche Yanxi. This Yanxi was the finest among a hundred men.
臨其穴，惴惴其栗。彼蒼者天，殲我良人！如可贖兮，人百其身！
Facing that tomb pit, he trembles with dread. That blue-gray Heaven is destroying our good man! If he could be ransomed, people would give a hundred bodies for his.
交交黃鳥，止於桑。誰從穆公？子車仲行。維此仲行，百夫之防。
The yellow birds call jiao-jiao, settling on the mulberry tree. Who followed Duke Mu into the grave? Ziche Zhonghang. This Zhonghang was a bulwark for a hundred men.
臨其穴，惴惴其栗。彼蒼者天，殲我良人！如可贖兮，人百其身！
Facing that tomb pit, he trembles with dread. That blue-gray Heaven is destroying our good man! If he could be ransomed, people would give a hundred bodies for his.
交交黃鳥，止於楚。誰從穆公？子車針虎。維此針虎，百夫之御。
The yellow birds call jiao-jiao, settling on the thorn bushes. Who followed Duke Mu into the grave? Ziche Zhenhu. This Zhenhu was a defense for a hundred men.
臨其穴，惴惴其栗。彼蒼者天，殲我良人！如可贖兮，人百其身！
Facing that tomb pit, he trembles with dread. That blue-gray Heaven is destroying our good man! If he could be ransomed, people would give a hundred bodies for his.
鴥彼晨風，鬱彼北林。未見君子，憂心欽欽。如何如何，忘我實多！
The morning-wind bird flies swiftly, and the northern forest is thick and dark. I have not seen my lord, and my heart is sorrowful and uneasy. What shall I do, what shall I do; he has forgotten me so much!
山有苞櫟，隰有六駮。未見君子，憂心靡樂。如何如何，忘我實多！
On the mountain there are clustered oaks, in the lowland there are piebald trees. I have not seen my lord, and my heart has no joy. What shall I do, what shall I do; he has forgotten me so much!
山有苞棣，隰有樹檖。未見君子，憂心如醉。如何如何，忘我實多！
On the mountain there are clustered cherry trees, in the lowland there are wild pears. I have not seen my lord, and my heart is as if drunk. What shall I do, what shall I do; he has forgotten me so much!
豈曰無衣？與子同袍。王於興師，修我戈矛。與子同仇！
Do you say I have no clothes? I will share a war robe with you. When the king raises the army, I will mend my lance and spear. I will share the same enmity with you!
豈曰無衣？與子同澤。王於興師，修我矛戟。與子偕作！
Do you say I have no clothes? I will share an undergarment with you. When the king raises the army, I will mend my spear and halberd. I will take the field together with you!
豈曰無衣？與子同裳。王於興師，修我甲兵。與子偕行！
Do you say I have no clothes? I will share a lower garment with you. When the king raises the army, I will mend my armor and weapons. I will march together with you!
我送舅氏，曰至渭陽。何以贈之？路車乘黃。
I see off my maternal uncle, going as far as the north bank of the Wei. What shall I give him? A great carriage and four yellow horses.
我送舅氏，悠悠我思。何以贈之？瓊瑰玉佩。
I see off my maternal uncle, my longing long and deep. What shall I give him? Jade pendants of fine gem.
於我乎，夏屋渠渠，今也每食無餘。于嗟乎，不承權輿！
As for me, in the past the great house was deep and spacious, and now at each meal there is nothing left over. Alas, I cannot continue what was begun!
於我乎，每食四簋，今也每食不飽。于嗟乎，不承權輿！
As for me, in the past there were four bowls at each meal, and now at each meal I am not filled. Alas, I cannot continue what was begun!
子之湯兮，宛丘之上兮。洵有情兮，而無望兮。
How you wander about, up on Wanqiu. Truly there is feeling, but there is no hope.
坎其擊鼓，宛丘之下。無冬無夏，值其鷺羽。
Thump, thump goes the drum, at the foot of Wanqiu. Winter or summer, they hold up egret feathers.