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O bright and high Heaven, |
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Who enlightenest and rulest this lower world! |
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I marched on this expedition to the west, |
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As far as this wilderness of Qiu. |
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From the first day of the second month, |
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I have passed through the cold and the heat. |
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My heart is sad; |
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The poison [of my lot] is too bitter. |
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I think of those [at court] in their offices, |
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And my tears flow down like rain. |
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Do I not wish to return? |
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But I fear the net for crime. |
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Formerly, when I set out, |
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The sun and moon had renewed the year. |
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When shall I return? |
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The year is now late. |
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I think how I am alone, |
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While the affairs devolving on me are very many. |
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My heart is sad; |
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And I am toiled without any leisure. |
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I think of those [at court] in their offices, |
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Looking back to them with fond regard. |
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Do I not wish to return? |
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But I am afraid of reproof and anger. |
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Formerly, when I set out, |
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The sun and moon were giving a mild warmth. |
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When shall I return? |
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The affairs of government are become more urgent. |
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It is late in the year, |
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And we are gathering the southernwood, and reaping the beans. |
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My heart is sad; |
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I give myself nothing but distress. |
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When I think of those [at court] in their offices, |
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I rise and pass the night outside. |
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Do I not wish to return? |
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But I am afraid of the vicissitudes of things. |
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Ah! ye gentlemen! |
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Do not reckon on your rest being permanent. |
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Quietly fulfil the duties of your offices, |
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Associating with the correct and upright. |
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So shall the Spirits hearken to you, |
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And give you good. |
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Ah! ye gentlemen! |
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Do not reckon on your repose being permanent. |
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Quietly fulfil the duties of your offices, |
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Loving the correct and upright. |
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So shall the Spirits hearken to you, |
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And give you large measures of bright happiness. |