天问 Heavenly Questions
序
东汉王逸的《楚辞章句》中写道：“《天問》者，屈原之所作也。何不言問天？天尊不可問，故曰天問也。屈原放逐，憂心愁悴。彷徨山澤，經歷陵陸。嗟號昊旻，仰天歎息。見楚有先王之廟及公卿祠堂，圖畫天地山川神靈，琦瑋僪佹，及古賢聖怪物行事。周流罷倦，休息其下，仰見圖畫，因書其壁，何而問之，以渫憤懣，舒瀉愁思。楚人哀惜屈原，因共論述，故其文義不次序云爾。”
屈复的《天问校正》提出，“帝降夷羿”以下十二句应移到“何以迁之”之后，表达才连贯。认为这一错误是因为捆简的绳断而导致简片错乱，本诗的结构出现了明显的问题。
游国恩写了《天问篡义》支持屈复的观点，并按照个人看法对《天问》部分语句的次序进行修改。
郭世谦《〈天问〉错简试探》整理复原本全篇分为三大部分，八段。第一部分26节，分为二段，问天地自然。
第一段问天，自天地宇宙形成至天体、天象（11节）；
第二段问地，问地理、四方奇怪之事以及诸自然神（15节）。
第二部分64节，分为五段，问人类社会历史。
第三段问上古史传说，自女娲造人、史前洪水至尧舜时代（4节）；
第四段问夏史，自鲧禹治水，启益斗争，夏启立国，夏初动乱至夏桀亡国（20节）；
第五段问商史，自简狄生契，王季、王亥、王恒、及上甲微四王西迁及与有扈部落的斗争，成汤与伊尹伐桀灭夏，至商纣亡国（18节）；
第六段问周史，自姜原生稷，文王、武王得姜尚辅佐伐纣灭商，昭、穆二王巩固周人统治，周幽失国，至春秋霸主齐桓、晋太子申生及吴王阖闾事（18节）；
第七段问楚先世诸邻邦，彭铿、蜂蛾、伯夷叔齐及秦太子鍼事（4节）。
第三部分5节，即第八段，问楚国时事。
第八段为结尾，犹如他篇的乱辞，以问题的形式叙楚国国运危急之实事、屈原当时的处境及本篇作意。
原文
- 曰遂古之初，谁传道之？上下未形，何由考之？冥昭瞢暗，谁能极之？冯翼惟象，何以识之？明明暗暗，惟时何为？阴阳三合，何本何化？圜则九重，孰营度之？惟兹何功，孰初作之？斡维焉系？天极焉加？八柱何当？东南何亏？九天之际，安放安属？隅隈多有，谁知其数？天何所沓？十二焉分？日月安属？列星安陈？出于汤谷，次于蒙汜，自明及晦，所行几里？夜光何德，死则又育？厥利维何，而顾菟在腹？女歧无合，夫焉取九子？伯强何处？惠气安在？何阖而晦？何开而明？角宿未旦，曜灵安藏？
- 不任汩鸿，师何以尚之？佥曰何忧，何不课而行之？鸱龟曳衔，鲧何听焉？顺欲成功，帝何刑焉？永遏在羽山，夫何三年不施？伯禹愎鲧，夫何以变化？纂就前绪，遂成考功。何续初继业，而厥谋不同？洪泉极深，何以寘之？地方九则，何以坟之？河海应龙，何尽何历？鲧何所营？禹何所成？
- 康回冯怒，墬何故以东南倾？九州安错⑩？川谷何洿？东流不溢，熟知其故？东西南北，其修孰多？南北顺椭，其衍几何？昆仑县圃，其尻安在？增城九重，其高几里？四方之门，其谁从焉？西北辟启，何气通焉？日安不到，烛龙何照？羲和之未扬，若华何光？何所冬暖？何所夏寒？焉有石林？何兽能言？
- 焉有虬龙，负熊以游？雄虺九首，倏忽焉在？何所不死？长人何守？靡蓱九衢，枲华安居？一蛇吞象，厥大何如？黑水玄趾，三危安在？延年不死，寿何所止？鲮鱼何所，鬿堆焉处？
- 羿焉彃日？乌焉解羽？
- 禹之力献功，降省下土四方。焉得彼嵞山女，而通之于台桑？闵妃匹合，厥身是继。胡为嗜不同味，而快朝饱？
- 启代益作后，卒然离孽。何启惟忧，而能拘是达？皆归射鞠，而无害厥躬。何后益作革，而禹播降？启棘宾商，《九辩》《九歌》。何勤子屠母，而死分竟地？
- 帝降夷羿，革孽夏民。胡射夫河伯，而妻彼雒嫔？冯珧利决，封狶是射。何献蒸肉之膏，而后帝不若？浞娶纯狐，眩妻爰谋。何羿之射革，而交吞揆之？
- 阻穷西征，岩何越焉？化为黄熊，巫何活焉？咸播秬黍，莆雚是营。何由并投，而鲧疾修盈？
- 白霓婴茀，胡为此堂？安得夫良药，不能固臧？
- 天式从横，阳离爰死。大鸟何鸣，夫焉丧厥体？蓱号起雨，何以兴之？撰体协胁，鹿何膺之？鳌戴山抃，何以安之？释舟陵行，何以迁之？
- 惟浇在户，何求于嫂？何少康逐犬，而颠陨厥首？女歧缝裳，而馆同爰止。何颠易厥首，而亲以逢殆？汤谋易旅，何以厚之？覆舟斟寻，何道取之？桀伐蒙山，何所得焉？妺嬉何肆，汤何殛然？
- 舜闵在家，父何以鱞？尧不姚告，二女何亲？
- 厥萌在初，何所亿焉？璜台十成，谁所极焉？登立为帝，孰道尚之？女娲有体，孰制匠之？
- 舜服厥弟，终然为害。何肆犬体，而厥身不危败？
- 吴获迄古，南岳是止。孰期去斯，得两男子？
- 缘鹄饰玉，后帝是飨。何承谋夏桀，终以灭丧？帝乃降观，下逢伊挚。何条放致罚，而黎服大说？
- 简狄在台，喾何宜？玄鸟致贻，女何喜？该秉季德，厥父是臧。胡终弊于有扈，牧夫牛羊？干协时舞，何以怀之？平胁曼肤，何以肥之？有扈牧竖，云何而逢？击床先出，其命何从？恒秉季德，焉得夫朴牛？何往营班禄，不但还来？昏微遵迹，有狄不宁。何繁鸟萃棘，负子肆情？
- 眩弟并淫，危害厥兄。何变化以作诈，后嗣而逢长？
- 成汤东巡，有莘爰极。何乞彼小臣，而吉妃是得？水滨之木，得彼小子。夫何恶之，媵有莘之妇？汤出重泉，夫何罪尤？不胜心伐帝，夫谁使挑之？
- 会鼍争盟，何践吾期？苍鸟群飞，孰使萃之？列击纣躬，叔旦不嘉。何亲揆发足，周之命以咨嗟？授殷天下，其德安施？反成乃亡，其罪伊何？争遣伐器，何以行之？并驱击翼，何以将之？昭后成游，南土爰底。厥利维何，逢彼白雉？穆王巧梅，夫何为周流？环理天下，夫何索求？妖夫曳衒，何号于市？周幽谁诛，焉得夫褒姒？
- 天命反侧，何罚何佑？齐桓九合，卒然身杀。
- 彼王纣之躬，孰使乱惑？何恶辅弼，谗谄是服？比干何逆，而抑沈之？雷开何顺，而赐封之？何圣人之一德，卒其异方？梅伯受醢，箕子佯狂。
- 稷维元子，帝何竺之？投之于冰上，鸟何燠之？何冯弓挟矢，殊能将之？既惊帝切激，何逢长子？伯昌号衰，秉鞭作牧。何令彻彼岐社，命有殷国？迁藏就岐，何能依？殷有惑妇，何所讥？受赐兹醢，西伯上告。何亲就上帝罚，殷之命以不救？师望在肆，昌何识？鼓刀扬声，后何喜？武发杀殷，何所悒？载尸集战，何所急？
- 伯林雉经，维其何故？何感天抑地？夫谁畏惧？
- 皇天集命，惟何戒之？受礼天下，又使至代之？
- 初汤臣挚，后兹承辅。何卒官汤，尊食宗绪。
- 勋阖梦生，少离散亡。何壮武厉，能流厥严？
- 彭铿斟雉，帝何飨？受寿永多，夫何长？中央共牧，后何怒？蜂蛾微命，力何固？惊女采薇，鹿何祐？北至回水，萃何喜？兄有噬犬，弟何欲？易之以百两，卒无禄。
- 薄暮雷电，归何忧？厥严不奉，帝何求？伏匿穴处，爰何云？荆勋作师，夫何长？悟过改更，我又何言？吴光争国，久余是胜。何环穿自闾社丘陵，爰出子文？吾告堵敖以不长，何试上自予，忠名弥彰？
天问排序
问天
曰：
'Tis said:
- 遂古之初，谁传道之？上下未形，何由考之？
At the beginning of remote antiquity, Who was there to transmit the tale? When above and below had not yet taken shape, By what means could they be examined?
- 冥昭瞢暗，谁能极之？冯翼惟象，何以识之？
When darkness and light were obscured, Who could fathom them? When primal matter was the only form, How could it be recognized?
- 明明暗暗，惟时何为？阴阳三合，何本何化？
Brightness became bright and darkness dark; What has caused them to be like this? Yin and yang commingle; What was basic, what transformed?
- 圜则九重，孰营度之？惟兹何功，孰初作之？
Round heaven with its nine layers, Who managed and measured it? What sort of achievement was this? Who was the first to make it?
- 斡维焉系，天极焉加？八柱何当，东南何亏？
How was the Cord tied to the Hub? How was the Heavenly Pole added to them? What did the Eight Pillars hold up? Why was there a gap in the southeast?
- 九天之际，安放安属？隅隈多有，谁知其数？
The borders of the ninefold heavens — Where do they stretch: where do they join? Many are their corners and angles — Who knows their number?
- 天何所沓，十二焉分？日月安属，列星安陈？
Upon what are the heavens folded? Where are the twelve stages divided? How are the sun and moon attached? How are the constellations arrayed?
- 出于汤谷，次于蒙汜？自明及晦，所行几里？
The sun emerges from the morning vale, It comes to rest on the crepuscular horizon. From dawn until dusk, How many miles does it travel?
- 夜光所德，死则又育？厥利维何，而顾菟在腹？
What virtue hath the moon, That it dies and then is reborn again? What benefit is there To harbor a bunny in its belly?
- 女岐无合，夫焉取九子？伯强何处，惠气安在？
The goddess of Nü Qi had no mate; How did she get nine sons? Where does the god Bo Qiang dwell? Where does the benign wind breathe?
- 何阖而晦，何开而明？角宿未旦，曜灵安藏？
What closes and brings darkness? What opens and brings light? Before the Horn rises in the east, Where does the numinous sunlight hide?
问地
- 羿焉彃日？乌焉解羽？康回冯怒，墬何故以东南倾？ （日、金乌承上文“耀灵”）
Why did Yi shoot down the suns? Why did crow feathers fall from them? Why, when the Wicked One was enraged, did the earth sink down toward the southeast?
- 九州安错，川谷何洿？东流不溢，孰知其故？
How were the nine continents laid out? Where were the stream beds sunk? They flow to the east but never fill the sea — Who knows the reason why?
- 东西南北，其修孰多？南北顺椭，其衍几何？
From east to west or from north to south, Which length is greater? The earth is elliptical from north to south — What is its breadth?
- 昆仑县圃，其尻安在？增城九重，其高几里？
The hanging gardens of K'un-lun, Where does their base lie? With nine layers of tiered Zeng City, How many li is its heights?
- 四方之门，其谁从焉？西北辟启，何气通焉？
The gates of the four directions — Who is it that passes through them? When the northeast gate opens, What air breezes through it?
- 日安不到，烛龙何照？羲和之未扬，若华何光？
Where does the sun not reach? Where does the incandescent dragon not shine? Before Hsi-ho, the solar charioteer, has risen, Whence cometh the light of the Jo flower?
- 何所冬暖？何所夏寒？焉有石林？何兽能言？（“能言兽”启下文怪兽、神人）
In what place is the winter warm? In what place is the summer cold? Where is the forest of stones? What beast can speak?
问神怪
- 焉有虬龙，负熊以游？雄虺九首，倏忽焉在？
Where is there a hornless dragonet, That roams about carrying a bear on its back? The horrible hydra with nine heads — Where does it flit about so swiftly?
- 何所不死？长人何守？靡蓱九衢，枲华安居？
Where is the place of immortality? What do the giants guard? The spreading nine-stemmed nuphar, And the cannabis flowers, where do they grow?
- 一蛇吞象，厥大何如？黑水玄趾，三危安在？
The snake that can swallow elephants — How big must it be? Black Waters, Dark Toes, And Three Dangers — where are they?
- 延年不死，寿何所止？鲮鱼何所，鬿堆焉处？
The years extend without death; What is the limit of longevity? Where does the merman live? Where does the monster bird dwell?
- 天式从横，阳离爰死。大鸟何鸣，夫焉丧厥体？
Heaven's framework spans the vertical and the horizontal; when the vital yang breath dissipates, death will ensue. Why did the great bird call? How did it lose its body?
- 蓱号起雨，何以兴之，撰体胁鹿，何以膺之？
The pluvial sprite causes rain to fall; how does he bring it about? The god of wind has a deer's head and a bird's body; how did he receive it?
- 鳌戴山拚，何以安之，释舟陵行，何以迁之？
When giant turtles bearing islands on their backs stir, how do they keep them steady? If one launches a boat to cross the land, by what means does it move?
问女娲
《天问》不提炎帝和皇帝，只提女娲。
- 厥萌在初，何所臆焉？璜台十层，谁所极焉？
There were portents at the beginning; By whom were they predicted? A jade terrace ten stories tall; By whom was it erected?
- 登立为帝，孰道尚之？女娲有体，孰制匠之？
Fu-hsi was established as Deus; By what principle was he raised up? Nü Wa was embodied with a serpent's tail; Who was it that created her?
问舜
舜与父瞽叟、异母弟象，尧嫁二女娥皇与女英
- 舜闵在家，父何以鱞？尧不姚告，二女何亲？
Shun was tormented at home; Why did his father let him remain a bachelor? If Yao did not inform Shun's father, How could he marry his two daughters to him?
- 舜服厥弟，终然为害。何肆犬豕，而厥身不危败？
Shun deferred to his younger stepbrother, Who harmed him nonetheless. How could the stepbrother unleash his brutish instincts, But never be endangered himself?
问有穷
夷羿射河伯、娶洛嫔、射封豨、献蒸肉之膏；寒浞与纯狐合谋杀夷羿，纯狐盗取不死之药。少康杀寒浇错杀女歧。少康联合斟灌氏和斟鄩氏灭寒浞
- 帝降夷羿，革孽夏民。胡射夫河伯，而妻彼雒嫔？
Deus sent down Yi of the East to remove the troubles of the Hsia people; why did Yi shoot the god of the Yellow River and take for wife the goddess of the Lo River?
- 冯珧利决，封豨是射。何献蒸肉之膏，而后帝不若？
With full-drawn pearl-inlaid bow and nimble thimble, Yi shot the great wild boar; when he presented the fat of the sacrificial meat, why was Lord Deus not pleased?
- 浞娶纯狐，眩妻爰谋，何羿之射革，而交吞揆之？
Cho married Sable Fox; Deluded by his wife, he plotted against Yi. How is it that Yi could shoot through leather, yet he was swallowed up by conspiracy?
- 白霓婴茀，胡为此堂，安得夫良药，不能固藏？
With white rainbow skirts and cloudlike adornments, what is she doing in this hall? Where did he get the excellent medicine that he could not hide securely?
- 惟浇在户，何求于嫂，何少康逐犬，而颠陨厥首？
When Ao stood before his sister-in-law's door, what was he seeking from her? Why did Shao-k'ang go in pursuit of him with hounds, But end up decapitating her?
- 女歧缝裳，而馆同爰止，何殿易厥首，而亲以逢殆？
The woman Ch'i sewed his lower garment, And he rested with her in the same house; How did the wrong head fall by mistake, When she herself met disaster?
- 汤谋易旋，何以厚之，覆舟斟寻，何道取之？
Ao planned to reorganize his troops; How did he strengthen them? After he capsized the boats of Chen-hsün, By what method was he taken?
问夏
自鲧禹治水，启益斗争，夏启立国，夏初动乱至夏桀亡国
- 不任汩鸿，师何以尚之？佥曰：何忧，何不课而行之？
Kun was incapable of controlling the flood; Why did the masses esteem him? Everyone said, " There's no need to worry. Why not let him try to carry it out? "
- 鸱龟曳衔，鲧何听焉？顺欲成功，帝何刑焉？
The linked hawk-turtles dragged along; What did Kun learn from them? He completed the work in accord with the will of the people; Why did Deus punish him?
- 永遏在羽山，夫何三年不施？伯禹愎鲧，夫何以变化？
Eternally imprisoned at Feather Mountain, Why did Kun's corpse not disintegrate after three years? Lord Yü was born from the belly of Kun; How did this transformation occur?
- 纂就前绪，遂成考功，何续初继业，而厥谋不同。
Taking up the thread of his predecessor, Yü thereupon completed the dead father's work; How did he continue the original enterprise, Even though his plan was different?
- 洪泉极深，何以填之？地方九则，何以坟之？
The floody abyss was extremely deep — How did he fill it in? Nine were the regions of square earth — How did he pile them up?
- 河海应龙，何画何历？鲧何所营，禹何所成？
What did the respondent dragon draw on the ground? Where were the lakes and rivers channeled off? What was it that Kun had managed? What was it that Yü completed? When the tumultuous thunder rumbled, Why did the earth tilt toward the southeast?
- 阻穷西征，岩何越焉？化为黄熊，巫何活焉？
Traveling westward on a perilous journey, How did he cross the mountain cliffs? When he was transformed into a yellow bear, How did the magus bring him back to life?
- 咸播秬黍，莆雚是营，何由并投，而鲧疾修盈？
Everyone sowed black millet, And exploited the rushes and reeds; For what reason did they scatter in all directions, And why was the enmity against Kun so long-lasting?
- 禹之力献功，降省下土四方。焉得彼涂山女，而通之于台桑？
Yü's energy was devoted to his work, Having descended to inspect the land below. How did he get that T'u mountain maid, And unite with her midst the terraced mulberries?
- 闵妃匹合，厥身是继。胡维嗜不同味，而快朝饱？
Yearning for a consort, he mated with her, From whose body was born a successor. Why did he crave different tastes, And feel satisfied with a morning's delight?
- 启代益作，后卒然离孽。何启惟忧，而能拘是达？
Ch'i replaced Yih as the lord, but suddenly encountered troubles. How did Ch'i suffer from sorrow, and yet avert his predicament?
- 皆归射鞠，而无害厥躬？何后益作革，而禹播降？
All returned to hunting and husbandry, So that no harm came to his person. Even though Yih made these reforms, why was it Yü's line that was passed down?
- 启棘宾商，九辨九歌？何勤子屠母，而死分竟地？
Ch'i paid court visit to Deus with lance dance and damsels, receiving from him the “Nine Disputations” and the “Nine Songs.” Why did the diligent son slay his mother, So that her stone corpse split upon the ground?
- 桀伐蒙山，何所得焉？妺嬉何肆，汤何殛焉？
When Chieh attacked Meng-shan, What did he get thereby? How was Mo-hsi dissipated? Why did T'ang kill her?
- 缘鹄饰玉，后帝是飨。何承谋夏桀，终以灭丧？
From a tripod trimmed with swans and ornamented with jade, Lord Deus was feted; How did he receive the plans against Chieh of Hsia, Who was finally destroyed?
- 帝乃降观，下逢伊挚。何条放致罚，而黎服大说？
When Deus descended to survey the world, There below he encountered Yi Yin; When Chieh was banished to Ming-t'iao for his crimes, Why did the black-hairs rejoice so greatly?
问商
简狄因玄鸟生契，先祖王亥、王恒以及昏微，汤得伊挚开国，纣王失国
- 简狄在台，喾何宜？玄鸟致贻，女何喜？
Chien Ti was on a tall terrace; Why did K'u think that she was suitable? A dark bird made a gift to her; Why was the woman happy?
- 该秉季德，厥父是臧。胡终弊于有扈，牧夫牛羊？
Hai inherited Chi's virtues, For his father was a good man; Why was he finally murdered in the freehold of Yee, Where he pastured his cattle and sheep?
- 干协时舞，何以怀之？平胁曼肤，何以肥之？
When he danced for her with his shield, Why did she cherish him? With his smooth loins and sleek skin, How did he seduce her?
- 有扈牧竖，云何而逢？击床先出，其命何从？
In the freehold of Yee there were herdsmen; How did they encounter him? They struck the bed, but he went out first; Whose command were they following?
- 恒秉季德，焉得夫朴牛？何往营班禄，不但还来？
Heng inherited Chi's virtues; How could he have retrieved their docile cattle? Why was he concerned only with position and pay, And did not even come back for them?
- 眩弟并淫，危害厥兄。何变化以作诈，而后嗣逢长？
The deluded younger brothers were all profligate, And threatened the older brother; How did he transform them through deception, So that their descendants met with lasting success?
- 昏微循迹，有狄不宁。何繁鸟萃棘，负子肆情？
Meritorious Wei traced his father's footsteps, And the freehold at Yee had no peace; How numerous were his soldiers, like birds flocking to brambles, When the responsible son gave vent to his emotions?
- 成汤东巡，有莘爰极。何乞彼小臣，而吉妃是得？
T'ang the Achiever toured the east, And reached the freehold at Hsin; How is it that he requested a servant, But instead got an auspicious wife?
- 水滨之木，得彼小子。夫何恶之，媵有莘之妇？
From a tree by the water's edge, They got the little boy, Why, then, did they hate him, And send him away as an escort for the lady from Shen?
- 初汤臣挚，后兹承辅。何卒官汤，尊食宗绪？
At first, Yi Yin was T'ang's servant, But afterwards was accepted as councilor; How was he T'ang's minister to the very end, Later receiving offerings along with the ancestors of the Shang?
- 汤出重泉，夫何辠尤？不胜心伐帝，夫谁使挑之？
T'ang was released from the Double Springs prison; Now what was his crime? He overcame his inhibitions and attacked the monarch; Now who was it that incited him?
12.彼王纣之躬，孰使乱惑？何恶辅弼，谗谄是服？
Though Chow was of kingly stature, Who caused him to be foolish and deluded? Why did he hate his close councilors, While trusting in slanderers and flatterers?
- 比干何逆，而抑沈之？雷开何顺，而赐封之？
How did Pi Kan offend, So that he was suppressed? How did Lei K'ai truckle, So that he was enfeoffed?
14.何圣人之一德，卒其异方？梅伯受醢，箕子佯狂。
How can sages who are of equal virtue End up behaving so differently? Chow made mincemeat of Mei Po for his directness, Master Chi feigned madness to preserve his life.
问周
周始祖后稷，文王、武王、昭王、穆王至幽王
- 稷维元子，帝何竺之？投之于冰上，鸟何燠之？
King Millet was his firstborn: why did the high lord treat him so cruelly? When he was left out on the ice, how did the birds keep him warm?
- 何冯弓挟矢，殊能将之？既惊帝切激，何逢长之？
Drawing his bow to the full and grasping the arrow, how did he become a war-leader? After giving the high lord so great a shock, how did he come to have a glorious future?
- 伯昌号衰，秉鞭作牧。何令彻彼岐社，命有殷国？
The Earl of the West gave orders while Yin declined; He grasped a whip and acted as herdsman. Who ordered the transfer of the altar to the earth to Ch'i, To take over the mandate of the Yin state?
- 迁藏就岐，何能依？殷有惑妇，何所讥？
When the tribal elders moved to Ch'i, What made the people willing to follow them? In Yin there was a bewitching woman; How did she cause him to be censured?
- 受赐兹醢，西伯上告。何亲就上帝罚，殷之命以不救？
When Chow bestowed upon him the mincemeat of a vassal, The Earl of the West reported it to Heaven above. How did he personally deliver the punishment of Exalted Deus, So that the mandate of Yin could not be saved?
- 师望在肆，昌何识？鼓刀扬声，后何喜？
When Preceptor Wang was in the butchery, How did the Earl of the West recognize him? He drummed with his knife and raised his voice in song; Why was his lord so happy?
- 武发杀殷，何所悒？载尸集战，何所急？
When King Wu set forth to kill Chow of the Yin, What was it that made him so grieved? Carrying a corpse, he assembled his warriors; What was it that made him so hasty?
9 皇天集命，惟何戒之？受礼天下，又使至代之？
When August Heaven bestowed the mandate, What warning was given? One may receive control of all under heaven, Until another is caused to replace one.
- 会朝争盟，何践吾期？苍鸟群飞，孰使萃之？
They convened at dawn and swore fealty; How was this face-to-face appointment actualized? Like flocks of gray hawks they came flying; Who was it that caused them to assemble?
- 争遣伐器，何以行之？并驱击翼，何以将之？
They vied to mobilize their offensive weaponry; How was this carried out? They rushed forward together with their wings of attack, How were the troops led?
- 列击纣躬，叔旦不嘉。何亲揆发足，周之命以咨嗟？
When Chow's body was mutilated, Why was Uncle Tan unhappy? When Wu personally directed the operations, Why were there sighs of admiration?
- 授殷天下，其位安施？反成乃亡，其罪伊何？
To Yin was given all under heaven; How was the throne bestowed upon Chou? Yin had prospered but then was lost; What was Chow's crime?
- 昭后成游，南土爰底。厥利惟何，逢彼白雉？
Lord Chao embarked on a royal tour, Journeying all the way to the southern land. What benefit did he receive By meeting that white pheasant?
- 慕王巧梅，夫何为周流，环理天下夫何索求？
King Mu was cunningly covetous; What was his purpose in traveling all around? When he made a circuit of all under heaven, For what was he seeking?
- 妖夫曳衒，何号于市？周幽谁诛焉，得夫褒姒？
A strange couple dragged along their wares; What were they hawking in the market? Who executed King Yu? How did he obtain Pao Ssu?
问诸侯
问楚国诸邻邦，彭铿、吴泰伯和仲雍、蜂蛾、伯夷叔齐及晋太子申生、吴王阖闾、齐恒公、秦太子鍼事
- 吴获迄古，南岳是止。孰期去斯，得两男子？（泰伯、仲雍奔吴）
Wu's heritage reaches into the past, Having been founded among the southern peaks; Who would have expected that, fleeing to this place, Two princes Wu would gain?
- 伯林雉经，维其何故？何感天抑地？夫谁畏惧？（晋公子申生自缢新城）
Kuan Shu hung himself in the arbor vitae grove; What was the reason for that? How was Heaven moved and the earth agitated? Who was frightened by this?
- 勋阖梦生，少离散亡。何壮武历，能流厥严？（吴王阖庐）
Ho the Valiant was the grandson of Meng; As a youth, he met with rejection. How did he gain military might in his prime, So that he could spread his prowess across the land?
- 彭铿斟雉，帝何飨？受寿永多，夫何久长？（彭铿擅長烹飪野雞湯）
Progenitor P'eng cooked a pheasant; How did Deus partake of it? He received lasting longevity; How could he exist so long?
- 中央共牧，后何怒？蜂蛾微命，力何固？(周厉王为国人所逐，共和执政事)
They pastured their livestock together in the center; Why was the lord angry? Their lives were slight as those of bees and ants; How could their power persist?
- 惊女采薇，鹿何佑？北至回水，萃何喜？（伯夷、叔齐）
The goddess was startled to see them picking ferns; How did a deer protect them? North they traveled to the bend in the river; Why were they happy to congregate there?
- 天命反侧，何罚何佑？齐桓九会，卒然身杀。（齐桓公）
The mandate of Heaven shifts from side to side; Whom does it punish, whom protect? Duke Huan of Ch'i nine times convened his vassals, Yet even he was murdered in the end.
- 兄有噬犬，弟何欲？易之以百两，卒无禄？（秦景公与其弟铖）
The elder brother possessed Dog Mound; Why did the younger brother desire it? In exchange, he was offered a hundred chariots, And ended up losing his entitlements.
自问楚
- 薄暮雷电，归何忧？厥严不奉，帝何求？
Midst evening thunder and lightning, Why was he afraid to return? His majesty could not be maintained; What was Deus seeking?
- 伏匿穴处爰何云？荆勋作师，夫何长？
He hid away in caves; How can his predicament be described? Illustrious Ch'u raised armies; How did it take the lead?
- 悟过改更我又何言？吾告堵敖以不长，
Recognizing the errors of his predecessor, he corrected them; What more can be said? It was reported that Du Ao would not reign long;
- 吴光争国，久余是胜。何环闾穿社以及丘陵？是淫是荡爰出子文？
Prince Guang of Wu vied to conquer our state; Long was he victorious over us. She circled round the village gates and passed through the altars to the earth, Till she reached the burial mounds. She was licentious, she was wanton, And consequently gave birth to Tzu-wen
- 何试上自予，忠名弥彰？何试上自予，忠名弥彰？
How did Tzu-wen chasten his superior and renounce himself, Thereby making his loyal name all the more illustrious?
--- Translated by Victor H. Mair
The Riddle (Yang Hsien-yi)
Ere creation, who could tell All the changes that befell? What strange arts can be employed To know what passed when all was void? Ere light and darkness merged in space, Who can fathom what took place? Things impalpable that swarmed, Who can tell how they were formed? How can it be that day and light Can be born of dark and night? Female power, power male, By what force did they prevail? Vast the firmament nine-sphered, By what craftsman was it reared? Who conceived a scheme so grand? What was the creator's hand That great axle could suspend? Whereon does the dome depend? Whereon are earth's pillars set? Why slopes down the Southeast yet? Whereon are the nine spheres rolled? What divisions do they hold? Who the planets' course defines? Or who chose the zodiac signs? Set the sun and moon on high? Constellations hung nearby? From the east rides up the sun, In the west its course is done; From pale dawn till all is black, Who can measure out its track? Say what virtue has the moon, That it wanes then waxes soon? Of what service is its toad? What the gift on it bestowed?
Whence did she, all mates denied, Get the nine sons by her side? Whence come pestilence and bane? Whence the air that keeps men sane? Who binds up the sun at night, Lets it out to shed its light? Tell me how the sprite of rain Causes showers to fall amain? How is it the whirlwind sprite Races like a stag in flight? How can mountains carried be By tortoises beneath the sea? How, when these were lured away, Still floating did the mountains stay?
How were the nine continents laid, Stream beds sunk and valleys made? Why, since all streams eastward go, Do no oceans overflow? North and south, are they as far As east and west divided are? Hanging gardens hover fair, What supports them in the air? Who can measure them aright? What the nine-tiered Kunlun's height? Who defends its portals great What wind passed the Northwest Gate? Is there any place at all Where the sun's rays never fall? In that realm of pitchy night Does the dragon shed his light? Ere the rising of the sun, By what tree is brightness spun? Where does winter seem to blaze, Summer show but chilly days? Stony Forest how to reach, Or the beasts with human speech? Where do savage cobras stay, With nine heads that dart and play? Where the race that never dies? What is it the giants prize? Where does the great flower grow With its nine-hued blooms aglow? Snakes that elephants devour, What must be their size and power? There's a land with murky streams Where a dark-foot people teems; Since from death they are secure, How long must their lives endure? Whither has the mermaid fled? Griffin too with hoary head? Who shot nine suns from the sky? Where did moulted plumage lie?
Who was it that paved the way For the first king to hold sway? Who made the Nu Wa, once a snake, Every hour new features take? Shun by music won the field, Forced barbarians to yield. How could this have come about? What meat made the tribesmen stout?
Why, when Kun had shown no skill, Was he sent the flood to still? Why let the mob this choice decide, And send him out as yet untried? When tortoises his work effaced, Why was Kun the one disgraced? Why, when he might win success, Was he plunged in such distress? How, when sent far off to die, Did he cross the cliffs so high? What witch raised him from the dead To become a bear instead? He bade men sow millet seeds, Clear the undergrowth and weeds; Why was banishment his fate? Why did he incur men's hate? Three years in the feathered hill, Dead, he stayed unrotted still. From Kun's loins great Yu did spring; Was he destined change to bring? Kun's task fell to Yu his son, In his work success he won; But what was his different plan When his labours he began? Heavy floods had swept the plain, How did he the water drain? Nine great mountains stood upright; How did he rear up their height? What chart did the dragon draw To lead rivers to the shore? Whence the dragon with no horn On whose back the bear was borne? What great task did Kun begin? What successes did Yu win? And why did the warrier grim Tilt the earth's southeastern rim? God sent Yu to earth below, Bitter trials to undergo; Why should he with mountain maid In soft dalliance have stayed? Offspring of their union came: Why did they think lust no shame?
Chi usurped the throne of Yi, Killed his former enemy; All his former failures past, How did he succeed at last? Why could Prince Yi not prevail, Why was he condemned to fail? Proper reverence Chi showed, Sacrificed with dance and ode; His mother turned to stone one morn; How then was their infant born?
Heaven sent down the Archer King To drive out each evil thing. Why shoot the God? What was his pride, Or hope to make the nymph his bride? With huge bow and arrows keen He shot boars in the ravine. Was the Heavenly Emperor wroth At his sacrifice of broth? When his concubine and slave Planned to kill the Archer brave, Why did he deserve defeat? And his flesh why did they eat? The rainbow maiden, is it true That she was his consort too? Whence did she the elixir steal? And why not herself steal?
Great Nature's laws all change defy, Life runs its course and all must die. How was the slayer, executed, Transformed into a bird which hooted?
Why did Chiao lead a wanton life? Why should he seek his brother's wife? And who was it let loose his hound, And smote Chiao's head down to the ground? The wicked whore his garments made, The guilty pair together stayed. Whose hand at last the woman slew? How did she meet disaster too? Why did the slave, rebellious then, Show kindness to the Archer's men? When hostile vessels Chiao capsized, How was his stratagem devised?
When Chieh quelled the mountain men, What two women found he then? Wherefore did his queen betray him? Why should Tang atempt to slay him? Offering a cup of jade, Sacrifice to God he made. As King of Hsia he ruled so long, Why was he subdued by Tang? When God came to scan the earth, And discerned a man of worth, What was Chieh's punishment? Were the people well content?
Had the prince some secret power To tempt the princess in the tower? The phoenix brought two eggs to earth: Did this cause the virgin birth?
Shun was married. Why should he Always know as wifeless be? Why did Yao two girls present, Nor obtain his sire's consent? Shun had lent his brother aid, Yet a plot the traitor laid. Why should one so like a beast Not have suffered in the least? Coveting his brother's wife, He conspired to take Shun's life. Why should his posterity Know such great prosperity?
King Hai, like his sire humane, Lost his cattle and was slain. How were cowherds to him led? Who destroyed him on the bed? Heng his brother had a herd But, unlike King Hai, he erred. Why did he seek selfish gain, Nor avenge his brother slain? When Wei learned his wicked ways, Yi's land fell on evil days. Why did he give rain to lust, When his foes lay in the dust? Tang went to an eastern land, All the realm of Hsin he scanned. An able man was all he sought, Why was a helpmate to him brought? By a stream that gently wound, In a tree a child was found. Why was he believed a knave? Given to the bride as slave? Who can tell the fault of Tang, That he was imprisoned long? What coercion could compel One so reluctant to rebel? As Tang's man Yi Yin began, Left him to become Chieh's man: But when back to Tang he came, Why did he attain such fame?
Why did the last king of Shang Listen to the slandering throng? How did men foresee his fall? Who raised up his tower tall? Why should loyal men be slain, Flatterers rewards obtain? Why should holy sages two Such divergent paths pursue? One feigned madness, saved his life; One was butchered with the knife. How did all men meet that day? Why flocked birds of plumage grey? The Duke of Chou, though loath to fight, Quelled with ease the foeman's might. Why did Heaven bestow so long Kingship on the House of Shang? What transgression caused Shang's fall? Why rose up his subjects all? Who led troops in their attack, Beat the enemy forces back?
Though the first-born, little Ji, Won his father's enmity, Why to avert his sacrifice, Did birds shield him on the ice? How did he, an archer then, Live to be a chief of men? If he angered God on high, How did he win prosperity?
King Wen, in cowherd's costume clad, Had herded cattle as a lad. How did his influence extend Till Shang was conquered in the end? What made aupporters rally still When he moved up upon the hill? Why should men blame the king of Shang, Whose passion for his wife was so strong? Mincemeat was made of King Wen's son, Wen prayed that vengeance should be done; How did his angry prayers and hate Move Heaven at last to seal Shang's fate? Finding the butcher in the throng, Why did Wen smile to hear his song? Why should King Wu have sighed that day When slain his adversary lay? And when to join the fight he sped, Why did he bear his father dead? Cheo hanged himself to escape disgrace, Was it for fear he veiled his face? Did Heaven decree that this be done? Or why are kingdoms lost or won?
King Chao upon a journey went, For southern regions he was bent. But could the army prosper, say, That met white peasants on the way?
Mu was a grasping monarch too, Why did he rove the whole world through? He toured his realm from east to west: What was the object of his quest?
What was the merchandise so rare, Sold by the stranger at the fair? By whom was King Yiu's blood spilt? Why was his favourite charged with guilt?
Idly mortals' fates are spelt, Life or death are idly dealt. The duke was made the baron's head, Till an assassin struck him dead.
Did Peng find favour in God's eyes For pheasant broth as sacrifice? And if he lived eight hundred years, What reason did he have for tears? Does Heaven decree that states shall fight? Why do small things possess such might?
Two princes lived on herbs alone, Till scoffed by a maid unknown; But how then, as they wandered here, Were they both suckled by a deer? North to the stream they made their way, What joy did meeting hold that day?
What looked the prince with envious eyes? His brother's hound why should he prize? He offered chariots in its stead, But at the last he lost his head.
Two princes sought a southern sky, Why did they their country fly? How did the young prince, exiled long, Win great renown when he was strong?
Where did the young prince lie concealed, Who later quelled us on the field? And how did she, the wanton one, Give birth to a heroic son? A brother struck the monarch down, How, guilty, could he win renown?
Returning now with grief I sigh, As lightning cleaves the evening sky. No prayers to Heaven can avail, If our self-respect should fail. Pround kings are all on conquest bent; If they repent, I'll rest content.
Inquiries of Heaven (Zhuo Zhen-ying)
(Inquiries into the Universe)
Qu Yuan
(Warring State period of China)
Canto I Whoever has convey’d to us Stories of the remotest past? Who can verify the shapeless Beginning time has overcast? Who can confirm the world had been A mass without darkness and light? If th’ universe was but chaos, What evidence is there in sight? And then, how was it arranged That there came to be Night and Day? ’Mongst th’ yin, th’ yang and th’ ether that make Things, th’ vital role which one does play? If the heaven did have nine domes, Who’d done th’ survey of such a scale? Could the construction of th’ project Turn out to be merely a tale? What ties up the handle of th’ Plough? Th’ rest for Cosmos what can provide? What sustains th’ eight pillars of th’ vault? Why does th’ earth in th’ southeast subside? What constitutes the basements for Th’ edges of the nine vaults of skies? The number of th’ turns and twists of Th’ circumferences who supplies? Where do the heavens meet the earth? Why should twelve hours make up a day? How can the sun and th’ moon hang high? How do the stars themselves array? If th’ sun set at th’ River of Meng And from th’ Sun Valley it did mount, Then from the morning till th’ evening What distance would its journey count? What virtue has the minor light, Which makes it wax after its wane? What’s the use to have a tiger In th’ belly for it to sustain? How comes it that Lady Nuqi Had got nine sons without a spouse? Where dwells Boqiang, the God of Gales, And whence do the Breezes arouse? What closes when day darkens up? What opens when it becomes bright? Before it dawns at the Gate Posts, Where is hiding the Major Light?
CantoII If Gun was unfit to tame th’ floods, Why was he commended for th’ task? It’d have been wise to let him try First, but such questions none did ask! How could Gun allow th’ tortoises And owls to tug the stones and sand? Why did th’ king send him to exile When completion was near at hand? Without judgment he’d been detain’d In Mount Yu for many a year, And ’tis said Yu was by him borne: Aren’t all those tales baseless and queer? Yu succeeded his sire in th’ post And managed the floods to tame. Why were th’ approaches adopted By father and son were not th’ same? With what did Yu the waters stem, Since the flood was so vast and deep? He classifi’d into nine kinds Th’ soil, but what standard did he keep? Where did the Winged Dragons trench With their tails the waters to drain? What had Gun achiev’d in the works? What had Yu done in th’ great campaign? How could Kanhui’s wrath have caused The earth in th’ southeast to subside? What has made rills and vales so deep? How have th’ Nine Domains their divide? The rivers keep surging to th’ seas, But why’s it that th’ seas o’erflow ne’er? With the Meridian how does The Parallel in length compare? What is Earth’s ellipticity If it is an oval upright? If th’ Garden in the Air does lie In Kunlun, where’s its exact site? If the Garden in the Air has Nine walls, their heights whoe’er can tell? And what are th’ beings who commute Through its four gates and in it dwell? When Heaven’s northwest gate opens, What wind is then allow’d to screech? Why’s th’ Torch Dragon needed in th’ north When nothing is out of th’ sun’s reach? Before Xihe raises his whip, How can th’ Ruomu Tree’s flowers glow? Where lies the place in winter warm? Where do chill winds in summer blow? How can there be Forest of Jade? What beasts can their own language use? Where are Hornless Dragons with bears On their backs, which themselves amuse? Where is the Nine-Headed He-Snake Which, like lightning, flashes about? Where lies th’ Immortality Land? Th’ Giants’ place who can find out? Where can nine-branch’d duckweeds be found? Where do hemps as tall as trees grow? What’s the size of th’ serpent of Ba, Which gulps down an elephant at a go? Where’s the Black Stream, which dyes th’ wader’s Toes? Where does Mount Three Perils lie? Men there are said to have long life, But when, if ever, will they die? Where does the bull-size’d Land Carp live? Where’s the Huge Bird with a white head? Where did Yi shoot down the nine suns? Where did th’ Suns’ Crows their plumes shed?
Canto III When fighting th’ floods with might and main, Yu inspected th’parts under th’ sway. Could he have made love to th’ Lass Of Tushan in th’ woods out of th’ way? To leave offspring in their wake men And women themselves tie and bind. Could Yu had sought a moment’s joy With the girl of a varied kind? In th’ attempt to usurp Yi’s throne, Qi was thwarted and sent to jail. How did he escape when he should Have been put to death without fail? The foes turn’d over their arrows, And Qi did thus the strife survive. Why did Yi lose his crown? How did Th’ exploits of Yu help Qi to thrive? Qi offer’d God three belles so that Nine Hymns and Nine Songs he could take. Why should Yu have begot the son And let th’ petrifi’d mother break? To salvage th’ folks of Xia from woe God had sent Yi down from the sky Why did Yi lure th’ Lady of Luo And shot Count of th’ River in th’ eye? What with his strong bow and his skill He took the life of the Huge Boar. When he offer’d the steamed pork, Why did God want to show him th’ door? Hanzhuo seduc’d Yi’s wife Chunhu, And they conspir’d towards Yi’s fall. With arrows that cut through armor, Why couldn’t Yi resist at all? Gun had been banned to go west: How did he th’ rocky mounts transverse? He had been turn’d into a bear: How could th’ wizard free him from th’ curse? Gun taught the folks how to make use Of cattails and th’ black rice to strew. Both exil’d, why did his wife get Plumper when he much thinner grew? In her brilliant Rainbow Array With what in th’ hall would Chunhu deal? Why didn’t Yi th’ Life Remedy In a securer place conceal? It is Nature’s irresistible law: One dies when th’ sap of life runs out. Since God had kill’d him, how could Gu Become a bird heralding drought? Pinghao can at will summon rain, But howe’er does he operate? And how does Lord of Wind, the deer With a bird’s head, coordinate? The Turtles bearing th’ mountains stir, But how can th’ mountains steady stand? What impetus propel’d his ship When Han Ao sail’d on solid land? What did Ao pursue when he call’d On Nuqi, his sister-in-law? How did Shaokang manage to kill Him during his life out-of-door? Nuqi took care of Ao’s trousers, And in the same room they did lodge. Taken for Ao she lost her head. Why couldn’t Nuqi her fate dodge? ’Twas hard to make his army strong: How did Shaokang his goal attain? And how did he restore the Xia, Which fell after th’ Zhenxun Campaign? From th’ raucous war against Mengshan What was th’ booty that Jie obtain’d? What justifi’d the banishment Of Moxi that Tang had ordain’d? Unwed, Shun was laden with cares: Why did his sire leave him alone? Why did Yao decide to marry His daughters to Shun on his own? He’s wise who predicts the future Of a thing in th’ bud by a sign. Who foretold that the ten-story Tower would lead to Shang’s decline? Nuwa was crowned, but who had Supported her with a good grace? Who had conjured her odd form — A serpent with a human face? Shun was kind to his brother Xiang, Who with hatred did love requite. Why could that black sheep go at large, Whose evil had caus’d public spite? The State of Wu, which lies around Nanyue, has surviv’d for ages. Where lies the subtlety of th’ case? Just because it’d had two sages? The taste of goose pleas’d Jie, the goose Which Yi Yin dress’d in a jade plate. How did Tang rely on Yi Yin And topple down Jie’s sovereign state? In his inspection of the land Tang found that Yi had a mind bright. When he banish’d Jie from Mingtiao, Why did th’ folk hail it with delight?
Canto IV Jiandi stay’d high up in th’ tower: How court to her could Ku pay? How could the swallow’s egg gulp’d down Put her in the family way? Hai should have model’d himself on His sire, who to virtues did keep. Why did he, in th’ course of his stay In Youyi, lost his life and sheep? How did he, by means of shield dance, Seduce the dazzling beauty there? What food and drink had made the dame Appear to be buxom and fair? How did th’ herdsman chance to find out That they were making love in bed? The herdsman drew his sword, but how Did Hai manage to save his head? If what Heng inherited were Virtues, where did he th’ cattle earn? And why did he go to Youyi For rank and gain, ne’er to return? Wei follow’d suit and he depriv’d Youyi of peace with troops abus’d. Like incestuous owls in th’ woods His late uncle’s love he seduc’d. By seducing his love th’ brazen Inflicted on his brother pain. How can this vicious family Its continuity sustain? On his journey of inspection Tang arriv’d in Youshen’s domain. He coveted th’ humble slave, but How did he also th’ belle obtain? Born by th’ mulberry tree on th’ stream, Th’ slave had been adopted by th’ lord. Though given as dowry, could he Turn out to be what Tang ador’d? Tang was jail’d in the Water Cell: Had he committed any crime? Hadn’t Tang wish’d to rise ’gainst Shang, Who could have entic’d him at th’ time? How could the peers keep tryst with th’ Duke of Zhou , who their forces had brought? At whose command were th’ warriors Who like eagles charged and fought? The Duke stabb’d the corpse of the king, Upon which his brother Dan frown’d. Why did Dan sigh when he had help’d His brother his kingdom to found?
Canto V Whate’er were the reasons by which God had mandated to Shang th’ crown? What was th’ sin that had caus’d the throne Before long to be toppl’d down? How were the soldiers organiz’d, Who with valor their weapons pli’d? In th’ flank attack, who commanded The forces fighting side by side? An expedition to the south King Zhao of Zhou manag’d to make. Was it for th’ promis’d pheasants white That he put his own life at stake? Why did King Mu rove the land, who Gather’d wealth by hook or by crook? Before he hasted back to save Th’ dynasty, for what did he look? The man and wife appear’d in the street: What were being peddled by th’ pair? By whom was King You of Zhou kill’d? How had he procur’d Baosi th’ fair? How capricious is the Mandate! And who knows God’s to laugh or cry? Duke Huan, who’d hosted peer meetings Nine times, a tragic death did die! Who had allur’d King Zhou of Shang To th’ abyss of folly and lust? Why did he hate so much th’ loyal? And why did he in th’ toadies trust? He kill’d Bigan only because He had pled out of loyalty, And gave Leikai wealth and peerage Merely for his servility! Oh, th’ sagely share the same virtues, But end up in vari’d ways sad: Th’ duke Mei was minc’d for his advice; Prince Ji pretended to be mad. Why did King Ku abandon Ji, His first-born son, after his birth? How did th’ birds protect him from cold when he was thrown on th’ icy earth? When grown up, Ji could bend strong bows And command of troups he could take. Ku’d been ill at ease at Ji’s birth, Why a name did he help him make? When the Shang was on the decline, The peers Duke of th’ West rose to lead How could th’ replacement of th’ altar Of the Shang’s have been a real deed? When Zhou’s capital was moved to Mount Qi, why could people comply? King Zhou of Shang bewitch’d by th’ belle, Oughtn’t remonstrators feel shy? When Zhou serv’d him his son’s minc’d meat, Appeal to God did Duke of th’ West. Zhou having been punish’d by God, Why couldn’t Shang’s fate be redress’d? There was talent in the butcher Wang. But how could Chang see it through? When Chang saw him clanking his knife, Why was it that happy he grew? When Ji Fa cut off King Zhou’s head, Why did fire of hate in him leap? Why did he make haste to launch th’ war Wherein he was still in mourn deep? Wherefore was hanged King Zhou’s corpse On the cypress when he did die? Who was stricken with fear in th’ war, Which seem’d to shake the Earth and th’Sky? What commandments had Providence Made with th’ Yins over the ordain? Why should th’ Ji’s have substituted For Shou in the course of his reign?
Canto VI Yi Yin started from a low rank, But Tang’s Premier he became. With th’ royal ancestors how could He share sacrificial rites th’ same? Helu, grandson of Shoumeng th’ King, Had been thwarted and push’d aside. How could he grow up courageous And become renown’d far and wide? Peng Keng cook’d the soup of pheasant, At which God was pleas’d and elate. He was bless’d with longevity, Why was he still disconsolate? Why did King Li rage at it when The duke He the regent became? Why do small creatures like the bees And th’ ants to life make a strong claim? The princes Yi and Qi fled north And on th’ Hui Rill they gladly stay’d. Mock’d by th’ maid, they stopp’d picking vetch, But how did th’ doe come to their aid? Why should Qian envy his brother, The Duke Jing of Qin, his nice hound? He offer’d for it one hundred Carts, and rankless he himself found.
Canto VII What is the hurry to return When at dusk thunders me besiege? Oh, what can God expect of Chu Now it hardly holds its prestige? Oh, Banish’d deep in the mountains What say have I ’bout state affairs? How can Chu last long since only For grandeur through warfare th’ king cares? Why need I to warn and advise If the king could ever repent? King of Wu has got th’ upper hand Of Chu: What disgrace to lament! May Ziwen be found of today, Be he in th’ wilderness or near; May Xiong Yun, who did justly slay Th’ fatuous, in Chu reappear: Or Chu is doom’d to fall — I fear! ——Tanslated by Zhuo Zhen-ying(Zhejiang Normal University, China)