University of Virginia Library

O bright and high Heaven ,
Who enlightenest and rulest this lower world !
I marched on this expedition to the west ,
As far as this wilderness of Qiu .
From the first day of the second month ,
I have passed through the cold and the heat .
My heart is sad ;
The poison [of my lot] is too bitter .
I think of those [at court] in their offices ,
And my tears flow down like rain .
Do I not wish to return ?
But I fear the net for crime .

Formerly , when I set out ,
The sun and moon had renewed the year .
When shall I return ?
The year is now late .
I think how I am alone ,
While the affairs devolving on me are very many .
My heart is sad ;
And I am toiled without any leisure .
I think of those [at court] in their offices ,
Looking back to them with fond regard .
Do I not wish to return ?
But I am afraid of reproof and anger .

Formerly , when I set out ,
The sun and moon were giving a mild warmth .
When shall I return ?
The affairs of government are become more urgent .
It is late in the year ,
And we are gathering the southernwood , and reaping the beans .
My heart is sad ;
I give myself nothing but distress .
When I think of those [at court] in their offices ,
I rise and pass the night outside .
Do I not wish to return ?
But I am afraid of the vicissitudes of things .

Ah ! ye gentlemen !
Do not reckon on your rest being permanent .
Quietly fulfil the duties of your offices ,
Associating with the correct and upright .
So shall the Spirits hearken to you ,
And give you good .

Ah ! ye gentlemen !
Do not reckon on your repose being permanent .
Quietly fulfil the duties of your offices ,
Loving the correct and upright .
So shall the Spirits hearken to you ,
And give you large measures of bright happiness .