Confucius Confucius

Ye locusts, winged tribes,
Gather in concord fine; Well your descendants may
In numerous bright hosts shine! Ye locusts, winged tribes,
Your wings in flight resound; Well your descendants may

Our chariots were well-built and firm,
Well-matched our steeds, and fleet and strong. Four, sleek and large, each chariot drew,
And eastward thus we drove along. Our hunting cars were light and good,
Each with its team of noble…

He lodged us in a spacious house,
And plenteous was our fare.  But now at every frugal meal
There's not a scrap to spare.  Alas! alas that this good man  Could not go on as he began!

Hark! from the islet in the stream the voice Of the fish-hawks that o'er their nests rejoice! From them our thoughts to that young lady go, Modest and virtuous, loth herself to show. Where could be found to share our prince's state, So fair, so…

Careful he sets his rabbit-nets all round;
Chang-chang_ his blows upon the pegs resound. Stalwart the man and bold! his bearing all Shows he might be his prince's shield and wall. Careful he is his rabbit-nets to place Where many paths of…

The Master said, "It is by the Odes that the mind is aroused."It is by the Rules of Propriety that the character is established."It is from Music that the finish is received." The Master said, "The people may be made to…

High and compressed, the Southern trees
No shelter from the sun afford. The girls free ramble by the Han,
But will not hear enticing word. Like the broad Han are they,
Through which one cannot dive; And like the Keang's long…

I climbed the barren mountain,
And my gaze swept far and
For the red-lit eaves of my father's home,
And I fancied that he sighed:

A russet pear-tree rises all alone, But rich the growth of leaves upon it shown! I walk alone, without one brother left, And thus of natural aid am I bereft. Plenty of people there are all around, But none like my own father's sons are found. Ye…

Thin cloth of dolichos supplies the shoes,
In which some have to brave the frost and cold. A bride, when poor, her tender hands must use,
Her dress to make, and the sharp needle hold. This man is wealthy, yet he makes his…

O sweet maiden, so fair and retiring,
At the corner I'm waiting for you; And I'm scratching my head, and inquiring
What on earth it were best I should do. Oh! the maiden, so handsome and coy,
For a pledge gave a slim rosy reed. Than…

As the feet of the _lin_, which avoid each living thing, So our prince's noble sons no harm to men will bring.
They are the _lin!_ As the front of the _lin_, never forward thrust in wrath, So our prince's noble grandsons of love tread the…

Graceful and young the peach-tree stands;
How rich its flowers, all gleaming bright! This bride to her new home repairs;
Chamber and house she'll order right. Graceful and young the peach-tree stands;
Large crops of fruit it soon will…

Men of superior mind busy themselves first getting at the root of things; when they succeed, the right course is open to them.

The sun is ever full and bright,
The pale moon waneth night by night.
Why should this be?
My heart that once was full of

The royal Wan now rests on high, Enshrined in brightness of the sky. Chow as a state had long been known, And Heaven's decree at last was shown. Its lords had borne a glorious name; God kinged them when the season came. King Wan ruled well when…

Sweet was the scene.
The spreading dolichos Extended far, down to the valley's depths, With leaves luxuriant.
The orioles Fluttered around, and on the bushy trees In throngs collected--whence their pleasant notes Resounded far in…

Though small my basket, all my toil
Filled it with mouse-ears but in part. I set it on the path, and sighed
For the dear master of my heart. My steeds, o'er-tasked, their progress stayed,
When midway up that rocky height. Give me a…

To govern simply by statute and to maintain order by means of penalties is to render the people evasive and devoid of a sense of shame.

The woodmen's blows responsive ring,
As on the trees they fall; And when the birds their sweet notes sing,
They to each other call. From the dark valley comes a bird,
And seeks the lofty tree.

IA pretty girl at time o'
Hath whispered me to go and meet
Without the city gate.
I love her, but she tarries coming.

As when the north winds keenly blow, And all around fast falls the snow, The source of pain and suffering great, So now it is in Wei's poor state. Let us join hands and haste away,
My friends and lovers all. 'Tis not a time will brook…

Gently and soft the east wind blows,
And then there falls the pelting rain. When anxious fears pressed round you close,
Then linked together were we twain. Now happy, and your mind at rest, You turn and cast me from your breast. Gently…