三字经
Three-Character Canon
宋 王应麟 著
Written by Wang Yinglin
人之初， At the beginning of life,
性本善。
性相近，
习相远。
苟不教，
性乃迁。
教之道，
贵以专。
昔孟母，
择邻处。
子不学，
断机杼。
窦燕山，
有义方。
教五子，
名俱扬。
养不教，
父之过。 Man is good in nature. Human nature is alike, Habits make them different. For lack of education, The nature is in alteration. And the nurture of the young, Better be maintained for long. Once Mencius’s mother Chose the best neighborhood for her son; When her son played truant, She cut the threads on the loom. Another case is Dou Yanshan, Who was wise in family education. He raised his five sons, And all of them were blessed with fame. Rear children without instructing them, And the father should be blamed;
教不严， Teach in a slack and lazy way
师之惰。 And the teacher should be criticized. 子不学， If a pupil plays truant,
非所宜。 It proves to be improper.
幼不学， If a child fails to learn,
老何为？
玉不琢，
不成器。
人不学，
不知义。
为人子，
方少时。
亲师友，
习礼仪。
香九龄，
能温席。
孝于亲，
所当执。
融四岁，
能让梨。
弟于长，
宜先知。 What could he be when getting old? Without being carved and polished, A jade can’t be a work of art. If one does not learn, He ’ll not know human virtues. When one is young, He should make the best of his time, Associating with the good and the wise, And learning to stand on ceremony. When Huang Xiang was nine years old, He could warm the mat for his father. Whoever has love for their parents Should be as kind as such. When Kong Rong was four years old, He could offer his brothers the bigger pears. Even if one is quite young, One should love one’s brothers.
首孝悌， One should bear familial love from the outset, 次见闻。 Before he starts to learn,
知某数， Including counting and computing,
识某文。 As well as reading and writing.
一而十， One times ten is ten,
十而百，
百而千，
千而万。
三才者，
天地人。
三光者，
日月星。
三纲者，
君臣义；
父子亲，
夫妇顺。
曰春夏，
曰秋冬。
此四时，
运不穷。
曰南北，
曰西东。 Ten times ten is a hundred, A hundred times ten is a thousand, And a thousand times ten is ten thousand. There ’re three essential elements to know, They are heaven, earth and man. There are three kinds of light; They ’re from the sun, the moon and the stars. There are three ethical disciplines: That of loyalty between the king and his men, of love between father and son, And of harmony between husband and wife. There are Spring and Summer, And Autumn and Winter: They are the four seasons, Alternating all the year round. There are north and south, And east and west.
此四方， They are the four directions,
应乎中。 Laid out by central position.
曰水火， There are water and fire,
土木金。 And wood, metal, and earth:
此五行， They are five elements,
本乎数。
曰仁义，
礼智信。
此五常，
不容紊。
稻粱菽，
麦黍稷。
此六谷，
人所食。
马牛羊，
鸡犬豕。
此六畜，
人所饲。
曰喜怒，
曰哀惧；
爱恶欲，
七情具。 Related to the numerals. There are benevolence, righteousness, And courtesy, intelligence and loyalty. They are the five human norms, Which are regulated in certain terms. There are rice, sorghum and bean, And wheat, millet and corn: They are six kinds of grain For one to serve as food. There are the horse, the ox and the sheep, And the foul, the dog, and the pig: They are six kinds of livestock, Raised in herds by the farmers. There are joy and anger, And sorrow and fear, And love, hate and desire: They are seven human feelings altogether.
匏土革， There are gourd, pottery, leather,
木石金； And wood, stone, and metal,
丝与竹， Together with string and bamboo,
乃八音。 All these can be made into musical instruments. 高曾祖， From his great-great-grandfather, 父而身；
身而子，
子而孙；
自子孙，
至玄曾。
乃九族，
人之伦。
父子恩，
夫妇从；
兄则友，
弟则恭；
长幼序，
友与朋；
君则敬，
臣则忠。
此十义，
人所同。 To his great-grandfather, To his grandfather and father, To himself and his son, To his grandson and great-grandson, And to his great-great-grandson: Whoever is born into the world Will face the nine-layer relation. There should be affection between father and son, As well as love between husband and wife. Brothers should be kind to each other: The elder’s amiable, and the younger respectful. A harmony should be maintained Among families as well as friends. Even the king should be cordial, To whom the subjects can be loyal. These are called the Ten Doctrines That everyone in the world should follow.
凡训蒙， To enlighten the school children,
须讲究。 Good methods must be taken.
详训诂， The meaning must be correctly grasped, 明句读。 And the syntax clear in mind.
为学者， A pupil must start his learning
必有初。
小学终，
至四书。
论语者，
二十篇。
群弟子，
记善言。
孟子者，
七篇止。
讲道德，
说仁义。
作中庸，
子思笔。
中不偏，
庸不易。
作大学，
乃曾子。 From the very beginning. After he has learned the basics, He ’d learn the Four Books next. The first book is Confucius’ Analects, Composed of twenty chapters， Which were recorded by his disciples And put together as living doctrines. The second book is called Mencius, Consisting of seven sections, In which is highlighted moralities, As well as benevolence and righteousness. The third book is the Doctrine of the Mean, Written by Zi Si, Confucius’ grandson, Who poses all midway, In which the common truth exists. Zeng Zi wrote the Great learning, From which one can achieve a great deal.
自修齐， He demonstrated a way to self-improvement 至平治。 From the individual life to the social affairs. 孝经通， When one’s mastered the Filial Scripture, 四书熟。 Together with the four books.
如六经， The Six Confucian Scriptures
始可读。
诗书易，
礼春秋。
号六经，
当讲求。
有连山，
有归藏；
有周易，
三易详。
有典谟，
有训诰；
有誓命，
书之奥。
我周公，
作周礼。
著六官，
存治体。 Can be for him a new start. The Songs, the History, and the Changes, And the Annals and the Rituals： Are called the Six Confucian Scriptures, Which are needed to be studied thoroughly. There was Lianshan in the Xia Dynasty, Which was called Guizang in the Shang, And Zhouyi in the Zhou, All refer to the Book of Changes. With the records of the early sages’ deeds, And with the regulations and laws, As well as the decrees and rules The Book of History is hard to read. A sage is called the Duke of Zhou, Who drafted the rituals for the country. He appointed six ministers, By whom the nation was governed.
大小戴， Dai and his nephew were two scholars, 著礼记。 Who annotated the Book of Rituals.
述圣言， By digging from the sage’s words,
礼乐备。 The Book of Music came from the Ritual. 曰国风， With the National Morals,
曰雅颂。
号四诗，
当讽咏。
诗既亡，
春秋作。
寓褒贬，
别善恶。
三传者，
有公羊；
有左氏，
有谷梁。
经既明，
方读子。
撮其要，
记其事。
五子者，
有荀扬； And the Grace and the Paeans, The Book of Songs is divided into four sections, And each should be chanted and recited. When tradition of collecting folk songs is lost, The Book of History was compiled, Which sets the moral code for state officials, And which judges the good from the evil. Three commentaries have been given To the Book of History ever written: There are three commentary authors: Gong Yang, Zuo Qiuming and Gu Liang. After having grasped the classics, One can read the works of other schools, Not only drawing up the essentials, But also learning by heart the details. Five figures should be mentioned Of the great masters of thought:
文中子， They are named Xun Zi and Yang Zi,
及老庄。 And Wen Zhong Zi, Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi.
经子通， With a thorough understanding of the above mentioned, 读诸史。 One can proceed to historical works.
考世系， From each phase of historical evolution, 知始终。
自羲农，
至皇帝。
号三皇，
居上世。
唐有虞，
号二帝。
相揖逊，
称盛世。
夏有禹，
商有汤。
周文武，
称三王。
夏传子，
家天下。
四百载，
迁夏社。 One can learn the ups and downs of each reign. There lived Fu Xi and Shen Nong, As well as Xuan Yuan. They were called the Three Emperors, Living long before the good old days. Yao and Shun reigned in the later years, Who were called the Two Emperors. Both yielded the crown to capable men, And their reigns were called the heydays. There lived Yu in the Xia Dynasty, And there appeared Tang in the Shang; Together with King Zhou Wen and his son, They were called the Three Great Kings. After Yu was succeeded by his son, All under heaven were ruled by one family. And the Xia Dynasty lasted four centuries long, Till there were revolution in the country.
汤伐夏， The revolution against Xia was led by Tang, 国号商。 Who founded a new dynasty called Shang. 六百载， Six centuries had passed
至纣亡。 Before it was overthrown in the reign of Zhu. 文武王， Zhou Dynasty was founded by King Zhou Wu, 始诛纣。
八百载，
最长久。
周撤东，
王纲坠。
逞干戈，
尚游说。
始春秋，
终战国。
五霸强，
七雄出。
嬴秦氏，
始兼并。
传二世，
楚汉争。
高祖兴，
汉业建。 Who captured and beheaded cruel Zhu. The Zhou Dynasty lasted eight centuries, And it’s the longest dynasty in history. When the capital of Zhou was moved east, The whole state began to go downward. Seas of wars broke out everywhere, And politicians ran canvassing about. The East Zhou began with the Spring and Autumn, And ended with the Warring states. Five Dukes ruled in the former period, And seven powers dominated in the latter. Emperor Qin Shihuang appeared, And annexed all states into one empire. When he was succeeded by his evil son, The Chun and the Han began to fight for the crown. When Liu Bang won over Xiang Yu, He, as the founder of the Han Dynasty, was called Gao Zu.
至孝平， And during the reign of Emperor Xiao Ping, 王莽篡。 The Han collapsed with Wang Mang’s usurping. 光武兴， The throne was restored by Liu Xiu, 为东汉。 Who was crowned Emperor Guang Wu. 四百年， The later four-period is called the East Han, 终于献。 Ruined in the reign of Emperor Xian. 魏蜀吴， Three new states of Wei, Shu, and Wu, 争汉鼎。 Tussled fiercely for the throne of the Han. 号三国， They were called the Three States,
迄两晋。 To be replaced by two Jins in chains of was. 宋齐继， The Song and the Qi rose one after another, 梁陈承。 And the Liang and the Chen succeeded later. 为南朝， They were called the South Dynasties as a whole. 都金陵。 With their capitals in Jinling city.
北元魏， Yuan founded in the north a reign of Wei,
分东西。 Splitting into two sections, the east and the west. 宇文周， West Wei was renamed North Zhou by Yuwen Jue; 与高齐。East Wei was dominated by Gao Yang with the title of North Qi. 迨至隋， Not until the foundation of the Sui Dynasty 一土宇。 Was the whole country united.
不再传， The throne was succeeded by the son, 失统绪。 Who lost his life and his crown.
唐高祖， Li Yuan, with an imperial tile of Tang Gaozu, 起义师。 Rose up with his army.
除隋乱， He swept off the riots and chaos,
创国基。 And founded the Tang Dynasty.
二十传， With a succession of twenty emperors, 三百载。
梁灭之，
国乃改。
梁唐晋，
及汉周。
称五代，
皆有由。
炎宋兴，
受周禅。
十八传，
南北混。
辽与金，
皆称帝。
元灭宋，
绝宋世。
莅中国，
兼戎狄。 The Tang lasted for three hundred years. Before there rose the reign of the post Liang, Which replaced the reign of the Tang. The Post Liang, the Post Tang, and the Post Jin, Together with the Post Han and the Post Zhou, Are called the Five Dynasties altogether, Each replacing the former. General Zhao, stood out, noble and strong, And the emperor of the Zhou handed over his crown. Zhao founded the Song Dynasty, with eighteen successors, And the capital was moved southward in war riots. Two tribes called the Liao and the Jin, Respectively founded their imperial reigns. The latter was subverted by the Dynasty of Yuan, And the Song also ended in the Yuan’s invasion. The Yuan conquered the whole country, Together with the remote nationalities.
九十年， After a reign of ninety years,
国祚废。 The throne collapsed in rebellions.
太祖兴，When Zhu Yuanzhang distinguished himself during the uprising, 国大明。 He founded a new dynasty called the Ming. 号洪武， He got Hong Wu as his imperial title,
都金陵。
迨成祖，
迁燕京。
十六世，
至崇祯。
权阉肆，
寇如林。
至李闯，
神器焚。
清太祖，
膺景命。
靖四方，
克大定。
廿一史，
全在兹。
载治乱，
知兴衰。 With Jinling city to be the capital. During the reign of Emperor Cheng Zu, The capital was moved to Yanjing. There lasted sixteen successions Till the fatal end of Emperor Chong Zhen. With eunuch Wei abusing the royal power, Seas of rebels broke out. Among them rose the Chuang King, Who overthrown the Dynasty of Ming. Qing Taizu founded a new nation, To fulfill the missions from the heaven. He swept away all the enemies, And unified the whole country. The history of the twenty one dynasties Has all been mentioned above. Through the reigns in order or disorder, One can trace the ups and downs.
读史者， In studies of historical works,
考实录。 One should delve into the actual records. 通古今， By which to grasp the history on the whole, 若亲目。 As if shown before one’s own eyes.
口而诵， One can learn by reading and chanting, 心而惟。
朝于斯，
夕于斯。
昔仲尼，
师项橐。
古圣贤，
尚勤学。
赵中令，
读鲁论。
彼既仕，
学且勤。
披蒲编，
削竹简。
彼无书，
且知勉。
头悬梁，
锥刺股。 And by way of meditation. one should indulge in studies From morning till night. Confucius set a good example, Who once followed Xiang Tuo as a disciple. All sages and nobles in ancient times Would work hard at their studies. A prime minister called Zhao Pu Lost himself in the study of the Analects. Though he had a high post in the government, He was still a diligent learner. Lu Wenshu copied books on grass weave, And Gongsun Hong wrote on bamboo chips. The poor guys had no books of their own, Yet they had such means to try. Sun Jing fastened his hair to the beam, And Su Qin stabbed his thighs with an awl.
彼不教， Why both of them did such strange deeds? 自勤苦。 They took pains to learn of themselves.
如囊莹， Che Yin read under the light of glow worms, 如映雪。 And Sun Kang read against the white snow. 家虽贫， Though they came from poor families, 学不辍。
如负薪，
如挂角。
身虽劳，
犹苦卓。
苏老泉，
二十七。
始发愤，
读书籍。
彼既老，
犹悔迟。
尔小生，
宜早思。
若梁灏，
八十二。
对大廷，
魁多士。 They never stopped their studies. Zhu Maichen tried reading in firewood cutting, And Li Mi held his book in cattle herding. Though they were tired out at work, They were still learning hard. Sun Xun didn’t start to learn Until he was twenty seven. Though it was late for him to learn, Yet he finally had much to attain. When he became old, He still felt repentant. Young pupils, all of you, Better start learning sooner. Liang Hao was acclaimed At the age of eighty two: He stood out from the scholars, And was listed top in Court Examination.
彼既成， Only after he had been a success, 众称异。 Could others hail to him in surprise. 尔小生， Young pupils, all of you,
宜立志。 Better decide what to do.
莹八岁， When Zu Ying was eight years old, 能咏诗。
泌七岁，
能赋棋。
彼颖悟，
人称奇。
尔幼学，
当效之。
蔡文姬，
能辨琴。
谢道韫，
能咏吟。
彼女子，
且聪敏。
尔男子，
当自警。
唐刘晏，
方七岁。 He could recite many poems. And when Liu Mi was seven, He could compose a chess ode. Such boys with unusual talents Always surprise the other people. Young pupils, all of you, Better imitate what they’ve done. Cai Wenji was such a gifted girl That she was expert at the organ. And Xie Daoyun, a bright young lady, Could show her poetic gift on a snowy day. There were many girls as such, Who were clever and smart. All of you, pupil boys, Should be aware of yourselves. When Liu Yan, a figure of the Tang Dynasty, Was at the age of seven,
举神童， He was called a child sage,
作正字。 In charge of proofreading books for the government, 彼虽幼， Young as he was,
身已仕。 He became an official.
尔幼学， All of you, young learners,
勉尔致。
有为者，
亦若是。
犬守夜，
鸡司晨。
苟不学，
曷为人？
蚕吐丝，
蜂酿蜜。
人不学，
不如物。
幼而学，
壮而行。
上致君，
下泽民。
扬名声，
显父母。 Can also achieve the same. Whoever hold such ambition Will also succeed like this. A dog can keep watch at night, And a cock can crow at dawn. If a person fails to learn, How can he be a successful person? A silkworm can make silk, And a honeybee can make honey. If a person fails to learn, He ’ll be good for nothing. If a child learns a lot, He ’ll succeed in his adulthood, Not only serving the country, But also benefiting the people. He ’ll run into great fame, Which brings honors to his parents.
光于前， All his ancestors will enjoy the glory,
裕于后。 And all his offerspring will benefit from his victory. 人遗子， People usually bequeath their children 金满籯。 With boxes of golden bars;
我教子， And what I leave to my son
惟一经。
勤有功，
戏无益。
戒之哉，
宜勉力。
Is nothing but this scripture. Study hard, and you’ll succeed; Play truant, and you’ll fail. Be aware of all this, behold! And work harder and harder.
三字经
Three-Character Canon
宋 王应麟 著
Written by Wang Yinglin
人之初， At the beginning of life,
性本善。
性相近，
习相远。
苟不教，
性乃迁。
教之道，
贵以专。
昔孟母，
择邻处。
子不学，
断机杼。
窦燕山，
有义方。
教五子，
名俱扬。
养不教，
父之过。 Man is good in nature. Human nature is alike, Habits make them different. For lack of education, The nature is in alteration. And the nurture of the young, Better be maintained for long. Once Mencius’s mother Chose the best neighborhood for her son; When her son played truant, She cut the threads on the loom. Another case is Dou Yanshan, Who was wise in family education. He raised his five sons, And all of them were blessed with fame. Rear children without instructing them, And the father should be blamed;
教不严， Teach in a slack and lazy way
师之惰。 And the teacher should be criticized. 子不学， If a pupil plays truant,
非所宜。 It proves to be improper.
幼不学， If a child fails to learn,
老何为？
玉不琢，
不成器。
人不学，
不知义。
为人子，
方少时。
亲师友，
习礼仪。
香九龄，
能温席。
孝于亲，
所当执。
融四岁，
能让梨。
弟于长，
宜先知。 What could he be when getting old? Without being carved and polished, A jade can’t be a work of art. If one does not learn, He ’ll not know human virtues. When one is young, He should make the best of his time, Associating with the good and the wise, And learning to stand on ceremony. When Huang Xiang was nine years old, He could warm the mat for his father. Whoever has love for their parents Should be as kind as such. When Kong Rong was four years old, He could offer his brothers the bigger pears. Even if one is quite young, One should love one’s brothers.
首孝悌， One should bear familial love from the outset, 次见闻。 Before he starts to learn,
知某数， Including counting and computing,
识某文。 As well as reading and writing.
一而十， One times ten is ten,
十而百，
百而千，
千而万。
三才者，
天地人。
三光者，
日月星。
三纲者，
君臣义；
父子亲，
夫妇顺。
曰春夏，
曰秋冬。
此四时，
运不穷。
曰南北，
曰西东。 Ten times ten is a hundred, A hundred times ten is a thousand, And a thousand times ten is ten thousand. There ’re three essential elements to know, They are heaven, earth and man. There are three kinds of light; They ’re from the sun, the moon and the stars. There are three ethical disciplines: That of loyalty between the king and his men, of love between father and son, And of harmony between husband and wife. There are Spring and Summer, And Autumn and Winter: They are the four seasons, Alternating all the year round. There are north and south, And east and west.
此四方， They are the four directions,
应乎中。 Laid out by central position.
曰水火， There are water and fire,
土木金。 And wood, metal, and earth:
此五行， They are five elements,
本乎数。
曰仁义，
礼智信。
此五常，
不容紊。
稻粱菽，
麦黍稷。
此六谷，
人所食。
马牛羊，
鸡犬豕。
此六畜，
人所饲。
曰喜怒，
曰哀惧；
爱恶欲，
七情具。 Related to the numerals. There are benevolence, righteousness, And courtesy, intelligence and loyalty. They are the five human norms, Which are regulated in certain terms. There are rice, sorghum and bean, And wheat, millet and corn: They are six kinds of grain For one to serve as food. There are the horse, the ox and the sheep, And the foul, the dog, and the pig: They are six kinds of livestock, Raised in herds by the farmers. There are joy and anger, And sorrow and fear, And love, hate and desire: They are seven human feelings altogether.
匏土革， There are gourd, pottery, leather,
木石金； And wood, stone, and metal,
丝与竹， Together with string and bamboo,
乃八音。 All these can be made into musical instruments. 高曾祖， From his great-great-grandfather, 父而身；
身而子，
子而孙；
自子孙，
至玄曾。
乃九族，
人之伦。
父子恩，
夫妇从；
兄则友，
弟则恭；
长幼序，
友与朋；
君则敬，
臣则忠。
此十义，
人所同。 To his great-grandfather, To his grandfather and father, To himself and his son, To his grandson and great-grandson, And to his great-great-grandson: Whoever is born into the world Will face the nine-layer relation. There should be affection between father and son, As well as love between husband and wife. Brothers should be kind to each other: The elder’s amiable, and the younger respectful. A harmony should be maintained Among families as well as friends. Even the king should be cordial, To whom the subjects can be loyal. These are called the Ten Doctrines That everyone in the world should follow.
凡训蒙， To enlighten the school children,
须讲究。 Good methods must be taken.
详训诂， The meaning must be correctly grasped, 明句读。 And the syntax clear in mind.
为学者， A pupil must start his learning
必有初。
小学终，
至四书。
论语者，
二十篇。
群弟子，
记善言。
孟子者，
七篇止。
讲道德，
说仁义。
作中庸，
子思笔。
中不偏，
庸不易。
作大学，
乃曾子。 From the very beginning. After he has learned the basics, He ’d learn the Four Books next. The first book is Confucius’ Analects, Composed of twenty chapters， Which were recorded by his disciples And put together as living doctrines. The second book is called Mencius, Consisting of seven sections, In which is highlighted moralities, As well as benevolence and righteousness. The third book is the Doctrine of the Mean, Written by Zi Si, Confucius’ grandson, Who poses all midway, In which the common truth exists. Zeng Zi wrote the Great learning, From which one can achieve a great deal.
自修齐， He demonstrated a way to self-improvement 至平治。 From the individual life to the social affairs. 孝经通， When one’s mastered the Filial Scripture, 四书熟。 Together with the four books.
如六经， The Six Confucian Scriptures
始可读。
诗书易，
礼春秋。
号六经，
当讲求。
有连山，
有归藏；
有周易，
三易详。
有典谟，
有训诰；
有誓命，
书之奥。
我周公，
作周礼。
著六官，
存治体。 Can be for him a new start. The Songs, the History, and the Changes, And the Annals and the Rituals： Are called the Six Confucian Scriptures, Which are needed to be studied thoroughly. There was Lianshan in the Xia Dynasty, Which was called Guizang in the Shang, And Zhouyi in the Zhou, All refer to the Book of Changes. With the records of the early sages’ deeds, And with the regulations and laws, As well as the decrees and rules The Book of History is hard to read. A sage is called the Duke of Zhou, Who drafted the rituals for the country. He appointed six ministers, By whom the nation was governed.
大小戴， Dai and his nephew were two scholars, 著礼记。 Who annotated the Book of Rituals.
述圣言， By digging from the sage’s words,
礼乐备。 The Book of Music came from the Ritual. 曰国风， With the National Morals,
曰雅颂。
号四诗，
当讽咏。
诗既亡，
春秋作。
寓褒贬，
别善恶。
三传者，
有公羊；
有左氏，
有谷梁。
经既明，
方读子。
撮其要，
记其事。
五子者，
有荀扬； And the Grace and the Paeans, The Book of Songs is divided into four sections, And each should be chanted and recited. When tradition of collecting folk songs is lost, The Book of History was compiled, Which sets the moral code for state officials, And which judges the good from the evil. Three commentaries have been given To the Book of History ever written: There are three commentary authors: Gong Yang, Zuo Qiuming and Gu Liang. After having grasped the classics, One can read the works of other schools, Not only drawing up the essentials, But also learning by heart the details. Five figures should be mentioned Of the great masters of thought:
文中子， They are named Xun Zi and Yang Zi,
及老庄。 And Wen Zhong Zi, Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi.
经子通， With a thorough understanding of the above mentioned, 读诸史。 One can proceed to historical works.
考世系， From each phase of historical evolution, 知始终。
自羲农，
至皇帝。
号三皇，
居上世。
唐有虞，
号二帝。
相揖逊，
称盛世。
夏有禹，
商有汤。
周文武，
称三王。
夏传子，
家天下。
四百载，
迁夏社。 One can learn the ups and downs of each reign. There lived Fu Xi and Shen Nong, As well as Xuan Yuan. They were called the Three Emperors, Living long before the good old days. Yao and Shun reigned in the later years, Who were called the Two Emperors. Both yielded the crown to capable men, And their reigns were called the heydays. There lived Yu in the Xia Dynasty, And there appeared Tang in the Shang; Together with King Zhou Wen and his son, They were called the Three Great Kings. After Yu was succeeded by his son, All under heaven were ruled by one family. And the Xia Dynasty lasted four centuries long, Till there were revolution in the country.
汤伐夏， The revolution against Xia was led by Tang, 国号商。 Who founded a new dynasty called Shang. 六百载， Six centuries had passed
至纣亡。 Before it was overthrown in the reign of Zhu. 文武王， Zhou Dynasty was founded by King Zhou Wu, 始诛纣。
八百载，
最长久。
周撤东，
王纲坠。
逞干戈，
尚游说。
始春秋，
终战国。
五霸强，
七雄出。
嬴秦氏，
始兼并。
传二世，
楚汉争。
高祖兴，
汉业建。 Who captured and beheaded cruel Zhu. The Zhou Dynasty lasted eight centuries, And it’s the longest dynasty in history. When the capital of Zhou was moved east, The whole state began to go downward. Seas of wars broke out everywhere, And politicians ran canvassing about. The East Zhou began with the Spring and Autumn, And ended with the Warring states. Five Dukes ruled in the former period, And seven powers dominated in the latter. Emperor Qin Shihuang appeared, And annexed all states into one empire. When he was succeeded by his evil son, The Chun and the Han began to fight for the crown. When Liu Bang won over Xiang Yu, He, as the founder of the Han Dynasty, was called Gao Zu.
至孝平， And during the reign of Emperor Xiao Ping, 王莽篡。 The Han collapsed with Wang Mang’s usurping. 光武兴， The throne was restored by Liu Xiu, 为东汉。 Who was crowned Emperor Guang Wu. 四百年， The later four-period is called the East Han, 终于献。 Ruined in the reign of Emperor Xian. 魏蜀吴， Three new states of Wei, Shu, and Wu, 争汉鼎。 Tussled fiercely for the throne of the Han. 号三国， They were called the Three States,
迄两晋。 To be replaced by two Jins in chains of was. 宋齐继， The Song and the Qi rose one after another, 梁陈承。 And the Liang and the Chen succeeded later. 为南朝， They were called the South Dynasties as a whole. 都金陵。 With their capitals in Jinling city.
北元魏， Yuan founded in the north a reign of Wei,
分东西。 Splitting into two sections, the east and the west. 宇文周， West Wei was renamed North Zhou by Yuwen Jue; 与高齐。East Wei was dominated by Gao Yang with the title of North Qi. 迨至隋， Not until the foundation of the Sui Dynasty 一土宇。 Was the whole country united.
不再传， The throne was succeeded by the son, 失统绪。 Who lost his life and his crown.
唐高祖， Li Yuan, with an imperial tile of Tang Gaozu, 起义师。 Rose up with his army.
除隋乱， He swept off the riots and chaos,
创国基。 And founded the Tang Dynasty.
二十传， With a succession of twenty emperors, 三百载。
梁灭之，
国乃改。
梁唐晋，
及汉周。
称五代，
皆有由。
炎宋兴，
受周禅。
十八传，
南北混。
辽与金，
皆称帝。
元灭宋，
绝宋世。
莅中国，
兼戎狄。 The Tang lasted for three hundred years. Before there rose the reign of the post Liang, Which replaced the reign of the Tang. The Post Liang, the Post Tang, and the Post Jin, Together with the Post Han and the Post Zhou, Are called the Five Dynasties altogether, Each replacing the former. General Zhao, stood out, noble and strong, And the emperor of the Zhou handed over his crown. Zhao founded the Song Dynasty, with eighteen successors, And the capital was moved southward in war riots. Two tribes called the Liao and the Jin, Respectively founded their imperial reigns. The latter was subverted by the Dynasty of Yuan, And the Song also ended in the Yuan’s invasion. The Yuan conquered the whole country, Together with the remote nationalities.
九十年， After a reign of ninety years,
国祚废。 The throne collapsed in rebellions.
太祖兴，When Zhu Yuanzhang distinguished himself during the uprising, 国大明。 He founded a new dynasty called the Ming. 号洪武， He got Hong Wu as his imperial title,
都金陵。
迨成祖，
迁燕京。
十六世，
至崇祯。
权阉肆，
寇如林。
至李闯，
神器焚。
清太祖，
膺景命。
靖四方，
克大定。
廿一史，
全在兹。
载治乱，
知兴衰。 With Jinling city to be the capital. During the reign of Emperor Cheng Zu, The capital was moved to Yanjing. There lasted sixteen successions Till the fatal end of Emperor Chong Zhen. With eunuch Wei abusing the royal power, Seas of rebels broke out. Among them rose the Chuang King, Who overthrown the Dynasty of Ming. Qing Taizu founded a new nation, To fulfill the missions from the heaven. He swept away all the enemies, And unified the whole country. The history of the twenty one dynasties Has all been mentioned above. Through the reigns in order or disorder, One can trace the ups and downs.
读史者， In studies of historical works,
考实录。 One should delve into the actual records. 通古今， By which to grasp the history on the whole, 若亲目。 As if shown before one’s own eyes.
口而诵， One can learn by reading and chanting, 心而惟。
朝于斯，
夕于斯。
昔仲尼，
师项橐。
古圣贤，
尚勤学。
赵中令，
读鲁论。
彼既仕，
学且勤。
披蒲编，
削竹简。
彼无书，
且知勉。
头悬梁，
锥刺股。 And by way of meditation. one should indulge in studies From morning till night. Confucius set a good example, Who once followed Xiang Tuo as a disciple. All sages and nobles in ancient times Would work hard at their studies. A prime minister called Zhao Pu Lost himself in the study of the Analects. Though he had a high post in the government, He was still a diligent learner. Lu Wenshu copied books on grass weave, And Gongsun Hong wrote on bamboo chips. The poor guys had no books of their own, Yet they had such means to try. Sun Jing fastened his hair to the beam, And Su Qin stabbed his thighs with an awl.
彼不教， Why both of them did such strange deeds? 自勤苦。 They took pains to learn of themselves.
如囊莹， Che Yin read under the light of glow worms, 如映雪。 And Sun Kang read against the white snow. 家虽贫， Though they came from poor families, 学不辍。
如负薪，
如挂角。
身虽劳，
犹苦卓。
苏老泉，
二十七。
始发愤，
读书籍。
彼既老，
犹悔迟。
尔小生，
宜早思。
若梁灏，
八十二。
对大廷，
魁多士。 They never stopped their studies. Zhu Maichen tried reading in firewood cutting, And Li Mi held his book in cattle herding. Though they were tired out at work, They were still learning hard. Sun Xun didn’t start to learn Until he was twenty seven. Though it was late for him to learn, Yet he finally had much to attain. When he became old, He still felt repentant. Young pupils, all of you, Better start learning sooner. Liang Hao was acclaimed At the age of eighty two: He stood out from the scholars, And was listed top in Court Examination.
彼既成， Only after he had been a success, 众称异。 Could others hail to him in surprise. 尔小生， Young pupils, all of you,
宜立志。 Better decide what to do.
莹八岁， When Zu Ying was eight years old, 能咏诗。
泌七岁，
能赋棋。
彼颖悟，
人称奇。
尔幼学，
当效之。
蔡文姬，
能辨琴。
谢道韫，
能咏吟。
彼女子，
且聪敏。
尔男子，
当自警。
唐刘晏，
方七岁。 He could recite many poems. And when Liu Mi was seven, He could compose a chess ode. Such boys with unusual talents Always surprise the other people. Young pupils, all of you, Better imitate what they’ve done. Cai Wenji was such a gifted girl That she was expert at the organ. And Xie Daoyun, a bright young lady, Could show her poetic gift on a snowy day. There were many girls as such, Who were clever and smart. All of you, pupil boys, Should be aware of yourselves. When Liu Yan, a figure of the Tang Dynasty, Was at the age of seven,
举神童， He was called a child sage,
作正字。 In charge of proofreading books for the government, 彼虽幼， Young as he was,
身已仕。 He became an official.
尔幼学， All of you, young learners,
勉尔致。
有为者，
亦若是。
犬守夜，
鸡司晨。
苟不学，
曷为人？
蚕吐丝，
蜂酿蜜。
人不学，
不如物。
幼而学，
壮而行。
上致君，
下泽民。
扬名声，
显父母。 Can also achieve the same. Whoever hold such ambition Will also succeed like this. A dog can keep watch at night, And a cock can crow at dawn. If a person fails to learn, How can he be a successful person? A silkworm can make silk, And a honeybee can make honey. If a person fails to learn, He ’ll be good for nothing. If a child learns a lot, He ’ll succeed in his adulthood, Not only serving the country, But also benefiting the people. He ’ll run into great fame, Which brings honors to his parents.
光于前， All his ancestors will enjoy the glory,
裕于后。 And all his offerspring will benefit from his victory. 人遗子， People usually bequeath their children 金满籯。 With boxes of golden bars;
我教子， And what I leave to my son
惟一经。
勤有功，
戏无益。
戒之哉，
宜勉力。
Is nothing but this scripture. Study hard, and you’ll succeed; Play truant, and you’ll fail. Be aware of all this, behold! And work harder and harder.