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The flowers of the cherry tree -- |
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Are they not gorgeously displayed? |
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Of all the men in the world, |
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There are none equal to brothers. |
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On the dreaded occasions of death and burial, |
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It is brothers who greatly sympathize. |
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When fugitives are collected on the heights and low grounds, |
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They are brothers who will seek one another out. |
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There is the wagtail on the level height; -- |
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When brothers are in urgent difficulties, |
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Friends, though they may be good, |
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Will [only] heave long sighs. |
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Brothers may quarrel inside the walls, |
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But they will oppose insult from without, |
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When friends, however good they may be, |
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Will not afford help. |
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When death and disorder are past, |
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And there are tranquillity and rest; |
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Although they have brothers, |
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[Some] reckon them not equal to friends. |
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Your dishes may be set in array, |
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And you may drink to satiety; |
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But it is when your brothers are all present, |
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That you are harmonious and happy, with child-like joy. |
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Loving union with wife and children, |
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Is like the music of lutes; |
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But it is the accord of brothers, |
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Which makes the harmony and happiness lasting. |
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For the ordering of your family, |
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For your joy in yor wife and children, |
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Examine this and study it; -- |
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Will you not find that it is truly so? |