人之初，
性本善。
性相近，
习相远。
Man the breed,
Of good seed.
The same nature,
But varied nurture.
人在太初或刚出世时都是善良的，后天成长环境不一样，性情也就有了好与坏的差别。
Man was good in the beginning, or he is good at birth. Human nature deviates due to different nurtures.
苟不教，
性乃迁。
教之道，
贵以专。
With no education,
There'd be aberration.
To teach well,
You deeply dwell.
如果不好好教育孩子，善良的本性就会变坏。说到教育，最关键的问题就是要专心一致，精讲要义而不厌其烦。
If a child is not properly taught, he may go astray. In education, what is important is to be focused, dwelling on key points.
昔孟母，
择邻处，
子不学，
断机杼。
Then Mencius' mother
Chose her neighbor.
Mencius slackly learned;
Shuttles she overturned.
战国时，孟子的母亲曾三次搬家，是为了使孟子有个良好的学习环境。一次孟子逃学，孟母就割断织机的布来教子。
In the Warring State period, Mencius' mother moved three times for better environment for her son. Mencius once played truant, and she cut the cloth she was weaving to show her seriousness.
窦燕山，
有义方，
教五子，
名俱扬。
Dough, as hight,
Managed so right.
His five sons
Became famous ones.
五代十国时期，燕山人窦禹钧创办私塾，延聘名师。他教子有方，五个儿子都科举成名，很有成就。
In the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, Dough (Dou) founded a private school, hired famous teachers, and managed well in having his children taught. All his five sons passed the Imperial Examinations and lived very successful lives.
养不教，
父之过。
教不严，
师之惰。
What's a father?
A good teacher.
What's a teacher?
A strict preacher.
仅仅是供养儿女吃穿，而不好好教育，是父亲的过错。只是教育，但不严格要求就是做老师的懒惰了。
It is not enough to provide children with food and clothing. Education is important. To rear children without giving them good education is a father's fault; a teacher is considered lazy if he is not strict with the children he teaches.
子不学，
非所宜。
幼不学，
老何为？
An unschooled child
Will grow wild.
A poor-learning youth,
Will turn uncouth.
小孩子应该好好学习。一个人如果小时候不好好学习，到老的时候能有什么用呢？
A child should have proper education. If one does not do well, what will become of him when he is grown up?
玉不琢，
不成器。
人不学，
不知义。
A crude jade
Isn't finely made;
Not learning right,
One'll turn slight.
玉不打磨雕刻，不会成为精美的器物；人若是不学习，就不懂得礼仪，不能成才。
If a jade is not honed and carved, it will not be a fine piece of art; if one doesn't receive education, he will not be a gentleman, and will not be something.
为人子，
方少时，
亲师友，
习礼仪。
Son of man,
Mature you can.
Tutors you requite,
Learn the rite.
做儿女的，或如人子，终会长大成人。在成长过程中应学会亲近师友，当心存感激，不要轻慢无礼，要学一些为人处事的礼节。
As children, or son of man like Jesus, you will grow up. While young, you should approach and requite your models like teachers and friends, and learn good manners.
香九龄，
能温席。
孝于亲，
所当执。
Xiang, at nine,
Warmed bedding fine,
Follow this one,
This filial son.
东汉人黄香，九岁时就知道孝敬父亲，替父亲暖被窝。这是每个孝顺父母的人都应该实行和效仿的。
Xiang (Huang Xiang) in the Eastern Han Dynasty knew how to show kindness to his father at nine. He warmed bedding for his father. One should do like this, to be a filial son.
融四岁，
能让梨。
弟于长，
宜先知。
Aged four years,
Rong gave pears.
Bear in mind
You'd be kind.
汉代人孔融四岁时，就知道把梨让给哥哥吃，这种尊敬和友爱兄长的道理，是每个人从小就应该知道的。
Rong (Kong Rong) in the Han Dynasty offered his pears to his brother although he was only four. Everyone should learn this kind of respect for affinity.
首孝悌，
次见闻，
知某数，
识某文。
Stress piety more
Than your lore.
Learn some numeracy,
Know some literacy.
孝敬父母、爱护兄弟是首要的，其次接才是知识。至于知识，大家要学点算术和语文。
Piety is more important than knowledge. As for knowledge, one should learn some numeracy and literacy.
一而十，
十而百，
百而千，
千而万。
One to ten,
A hundred then,
One thousand more,
Ten thousand afore.
我国采用十进位算术方法：一到十是基本的数字，然后是一百、一千、一万……一直变化下去。
Decimalism is adopted in China: one to ten is primary, next is one hundred, then one thousand, ten thousand, and so on.
三才者，
天地人。
三光者，
日月星。
Three vitals, worth:
Man, heaven, earth;
Three lights, boon:
Sun, stars, moon.
还应该知道一些日常生活常识，如什么叫三才？三才指的是天、地、人三个方面。什么叫三光呢？三光就是太阳、月亮、星星。
And one should know some rudiments, such as what we call three vitals, Heaven, Earth, Man, and what we call three luminaries or lights, Sun, Moon and Stars.
三纲者，
君臣义
父子亲，
夫妇顺。
Three tenets always:
Subject Lord obeys;
Child Father reveres;
Wife Man endears.
人与人之间关系应该遵守的三个行为准则是什么呢？就是君王与臣子之间要合乎义理，父母子女之间要相亲相爱，夫妻之间要和顺相处。
What are the three tenets one should always follow? The king or emperor should be obeyed by his subjects, the father should be revered by his children, and the man endeared by his wife.
曰春夏，
曰秋冬，
此四时，
运不穷。
Spring and summer,
Autumn and winter.
These four seasons
Turn with reasons.
春、夏、秋、冬叫做四季。这四时季节按照一定的规律不断变化，春去夏来，秋去冬来，如此循环往复，永不停止。
We have four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. They alternate according to a certain law, round by round, never to end.
曰南北，
曰西东，
此四方，
应乎中。
South, north say,
West, east, hey.
These four ways
Upon center gaze.
东、南、西、北，这叫作四方，是指各个方向的位置。这四个方位是相对的，必须有个中央位置对应才能把各个方位定出来。
We have four ways or directions called east, west, south, and north. These four ways are reciprocal, determined by a central position.
曰水火，
木金土，
此五行，
本乎数。
Water, fire, behold,
Earth, wood, gold.
These five materials
Accord to numerals.
所谓五行指的是金、木、水、火、土。这是中国古代用来指宇宙各种事物的抽象概念，是根据一、二、三、四、五这五个数字和组合变化而产生的。
The five basic materials or elements are gold, wood, water, fire, and earth. These represent various abstract ideas in the cosmos, depending on the combination and function of the numerals, that is, one, two, three, four, and five.
十干者，
甲至癸。
十二支，
子至亥 。
The ten trunks
Are great chunks.
The twelve wings
Are good things.
“十干”指的是甲、乙、丙、丁、戊、己、庚、辛、壬、癸，又叫“天干”；“十二支”指的是子、丑、寅、卯、辰、巳、午、未、申、酉、戌、亥，又叫“地支”，它们两两配对组成循环往复的“六十干支” 。
The ten Heaven Trunks are Crust (jia), Creep (yi), Flame (bing), Strong (ding), Rank (wu), Rise (ji), Wait (geng), New (xin), Bear (ren), Rear (gui); The twelve Earth Wings are Babe (zi), Sprout (chou), Spread (yin), Grow (mao), Mature (chen), Prime (si), Ripe (wu), Taste (wei), Grown (shen), Old (you), Sear (xu), End (hai). The combination of two elements respectively from the trunk and wing systems makes a recursive Chinese sexagenary cycle, also known as Trunks-and-Wings, that is, a cyclic numeral system of 60 combinations of the ten Heaven Trunks and the twelve Earth Wings.
曰黄道，
日所躔。
曰赤道，
当中权。
The Ecliptic line,
The Zodiacal sign.
And the Equator
Circling the center.
地球围绕太阳运转，太阳围绕银河系运转。地球围绕太阳运行的轨道叫“黄道”，在地球中央有一条假想的与地轴垂直的大圆圈，这就是赤道。
The earth revolves around the sun, and the sun revolves around the Milky Way. The track of the revolution of the earth is called ecliptic, and the imaginary circle vertical to the earth's axis is called equator.
赤道下，
温暖极。
我中华，
在东北。
Nowhere is hotter
Than the equator
China, the greatest
Lies in Northeast.
在赤道地区，温度最高，气候特别炎热，从赤道向南北两个方向，气温逐渐变低。我们国家是地处地球的东北边。
Along the equator, it is the hottest, and temperature drops gradually south and north of the equator. China is northeast on the earth.
寒燠均，
霜露改。
右高原，
左大海。
Temperature fiting you,
There's frosty dew.
Right, plateaus stand;
Left, seas expand.
我国气候冷暖匀称而有霜露。右边是高原，左边是大海。
China has a mild temperature, with frost and dew. On the right are plateaus, and on the left are great seas.
曰江河，
曰淮济。
此四渎，
水之纪 。
Longest and River,
Level and Ferra.
These rivers four
All along outpour.
中国是个地大物博的国家，直接流入大海的有长江、黄河、淮河和济水，这四条大河是中国河流的代表。
China has a vast and fertile territory. The four representative rivers, the Longest (the Yangtze River), the River (the Yellow River), the Level (the Huai River), and the Ferra (the Ji River) flow into the sea.
曰岱华，
蒿恒衡。
此五岳，
山之名。
Arch, Flora, Tower,
Scale, and Ever!
These high mountains
Are five chieftains.
中国的五大名山，称为“五岳”，就是东岳泰山、西岳华山、中岳嵩山、南岳衡山、北岳恒山，这五座山是中国大山的代表。
China has five famous representative mountains, called Five Mounts--Arch (Mount Tai) in the east, Flora (Mount Hua) in the west, Tower (Mount Song) at the center, Scale (Mount Heng) in the south, and Ever (Mount Heng) in the north.
曰士农，
曰工商。
此四民，
国之良 。
Officials and farmers,
Merchants and workers,
These four great,
Pillars of th' State
中国是世界上人口最多的国家。官员、农民、工人和商人称为四民，这是社会重要的组成部分。
China has the largest population in the world. Officials, farmers, workers, and merchants are the mainstay of the society.
曰仁义，
礼智信，
此五常，
不容紊。
Grace, trust, decency,
Wisdom, and honesty.
These constants five
Should keep alive.
为人处事当牢记仁、义、礼、智、信这五种不变的法则，以使社会永保稳定，祥和。
Everyone should bear in mind what we call five constants--grace, trust, decency, wisdom, and honesty so that the society can be stable and peaceful.
地所生，
有草木。
此植物，
遍水陆。
The earth's good
With grass 'nd wood.
These plants expand
Over the land.
地球上有花草树木，这些属于植物，在陆地上和水里到处都有。
There grow grass, flowers, and trees on earth. There are plants everywhere on land and in water.
有虫鱼，
有鸟兽。
此动物，
能飞走。
Fishes and birds,
Worms and herds.
These creatures cry,
Run or fly.
虫、鱼、鸟、兽属于动物，这些动物有的能在天空中飞，有的能在陆地上走，有的能在水里游。
Worms, fishes, birds, and herds make the fauna. Some can fly in the sky, some can walk over the land, and some can swim in water.
稻粱菽，
麦黍稷，
此六谷，
人所食。
Rice, sorghum, beans,
Wheat, millet, corns.
These grains main
Our life maintain.
稻子、小麦、豆类、小米、玉米和高梁是中国人的主食。
The staple food is from such crops as rice, wheat, beans, corns, millet, and sorghum.
马牛羊，
鸡犬豕，
此六畜，
人所饲。
Cows, sheep, equines,
Hens, dogs, swines.
These six breeds
Meet our needs.
在动物中有马、牛、羊、鸡、狗和猪，驯化而来，这叫六畜。
Cows, sheep, horses, chickens, dogs, pigs are six breeds that have been domesticated.
曰喜怒，
曰哀惧，
爱恶欲，
七情具。
Say anger, happiness,
Say fear, sadness,
Love, hate, greed,
These feelings lead.
喜、怒、哀、惧、 爱、恶、欲，合起来叫七情。这是人生下来就有的七种感情。
Anger, happiness, fear, sadness, love, hate, and greed are seven leading emotions that humans are born with.
青赤黄，
及黑白。
此五色，
目所识。
Red, yellow, green,
Black 'nd white between,
These colors five
Set things alive.
青色、黄色、赤色、黑色和白色，这是中国传统中最重要的五种颜色，是人们的肉眼能够识别的。
Green, yellow, red, black, and white are the five main colors traditionally deemed important by the Chinese people. They are discernible to the naked eye.
酸苦甘，
及辛咸。
此五味，
口所含。
Sour, bitter, hot,
Sweet, salty. Tot,
These tastes five
Set dishes alive.
在我们平时所吃的食物中，全能用嘴巴分辩出来的，有酸、甜、苦、辣和咸，这五种味道。
In our everyday food, there are five tastes perceptible to the tongue, namely, sour, bitter, hotness,sweet, and salty.
膻焦香，
及腥朽。
此五臭，
鼻所嗅。
Muttony, burnt, balmy,
Fishy, and moldy,
These smells five
Make noses alive.
我们的鼻子可以闻出东西的气味，气味主要有五种，即羊膻味、烧焦味、香味、鱼腥味和腐朽味。
There are five main smells perceptible to the nose, namely, muttony, burnt, balmy, fishy, and moldy.
匏土革
木石金，
丝与竹，
乃八音。
Gourd, leather, clay
Wood we play,
Stone, metal, bamboo,
And string, too.
我国古代人把制造乐器的材料，分为八种，即匏瓜、粘土、皮革、木块、石头、金属、丝线与竹子，称为“八音”。
The Ancient Chinese people made musical instruments with eight kinds of materials, namely，gourd, clay, leather, wood, stone, metal, string, and bamboo, called "musical eight".
曰平上，
曰去入。
此四声，
宜调协。
Level, and bounce,
Fall, and in-nounce.
These four tones
Are tuned phones.
中国的古人把说话声音的声调分为平、上、去、入四种。这四个单音应该和谐悦耳。
Ancient Chinese spoke with four tones: level, bounce, fall, and in-nounce, and these four tones should be in tune.
高曾祖，
父而身，
身而子，
子而孙。
Grandparents, and Father,
Me and brother,
Children, and grandchildren
--kindred through semen.
由高祖父生曾祖父，曾祖父生祖父，祖父生父亲，父亲生我本身，我生儿子，儿子再生孙子。
Great-great grandparents beget great-grandparents, great-grandparents beget grandparents, grandparents beget father, and father begets son, etc.
自子孙，
至玄曾，
乃九族，
人之伦。
Grandchildren, and afore;
Grandparents, back more.
There're generations nine,
A genealogical line.
从高祖父到曾孙称为“九族”。这“九族”代表着家族血统的承续关系。
From great-great-grandfather to great-great-grandchildren, there are all together nine generations, forming a genealogical line.
父子恩，
夫妇从。
兄则友，
弟则恭。
Father loves son;
Man-wife is one.
Brothers are bland,
Hand in hand.
父亲与儿子有恩情，夫妻之间的感情要和顺，哥哥对弟弟要友爱，弟弟对哥哥则要尊敬。
A father should love his children and be loved by them, man and wife should be harmonious, and brothers should be kind--the older takes care of the younger and the younger shows respect to the older.
长幼序，
友与朋。
君则敬，
臣则忠。
Senior to young,
The ethical rung.
Lord loves subjects,
And enjoys respects.
年长和年幼之间当有长幼尊卑的次序；君主爱护臣子，以民为本，民则敬仰君主。
There should be an ethical rung--the old should be given priority; If a king loves his subjects, the latter will respect him, be loyal to him.
此十义，
人所同。
当师叙，
勿违背。
This you remember
For every member.
This you obey
For every day.
前面提到的十义人人都应遵守并广为宣传，千万不能违背。
The above mentioned should be borne in mind and be told to others, and should never be breached.
斩齐衰，
大小功。
至缌麻，
五服终。
Cuts and completes,
Merits and feats,
And linen, too
For funeral blue.
斩衰、齐衰、大功、小功和缌麻，这是中国古代亲族中不同的人死去时穿的五种孝服。
Cuts (cut coarsely), completes (complete with all parts), merits (to commemorate the merits of the dead ), feats (to commemorate the feats of the dead), and linen are the five kinds of funeral garments.
有古文，
大小篆。
隶草继，
不可乱。
Old characters, behold
Seals, lesser 'nd bold,
Straight and cursive,
Five scripts successive!
我国的文字演变出了古文、大篆、小篆、隶书、草书这五种主要形式，这一定要认清楚，不可搞乱了。
Chinese script styles developed from old characters, to bold seal, lesser seal, straight, and cursive. These styles should be distinguished each from the other.
若广学，
惧其繁。
但略说，
能知原。
To learn widely
Is seldom easy.
To study some,
Knowing you become.
假如你想广泛地学习知识，实在是不容易的事，但如能大体涉猎，还是能了解到许多基本的道理。
If you want to learn extensively, it is not an easy matter. If you study generally, you'll become knowing, with an acquisition of some basic facts.
礼乐射，
御书数。
古六艺，
今不具。
Rituals, calligraphy, shooting,
Music, mathematics, driving.
These six arts
Need devoted hearts.
礼法、音乐、射箭、驾车、书法和算数是古代读书人必须学习的六种技艺，这六种技艺需全身心投入，到现在很少有人能同时具备了。
Rituals, music, shooting, driving, calligraphy, and mathematics are the six arts the ancient people learned at school.They need to have devoted hearts, and now very few people can master them all.
惟书学，
人共遵。
既识字，
讲说文。
All calligraphy respect,
'nd other arts neglect.
Words already learned,
Motivations are concerned.
在六艺中，现在只有书法现在还是每个人都推崇的。当一个人认识一些汉字之后，就可以去研究《说文解字》了。
Of the six arts, now only calligraphy is valued by everybody. When one has learned enough characters, it is necessary to inquire into the Motivations of the Characters.
凡训蒙，
须讲究，
详训诂，
名句窦。
While you teach,
Do deeply reach.
Go with explanation,
And guide punctuation.
当老师的教导刚入学的儿童，必须脚踏实地，每句话都要解释明白，并且使学童读书时懂得断句。
As a teacher of children, you should reach deeply, carefully explain what a sentence means and teach them how to use correct punctuation.
为学者，
必有初，
小学终，
至四书。
Now to learn,
Make a turn.
From school nooks
To Four Books.
学习者要有个良好的开端，求学初期要打好基础，循序渐进，才可以读“四书”。
A learner should have a good beginning. Only on a good foundation in primary school can a learner proceed to the classics, i.e. the Four Books.
论语者，
二十篇，
群弟子，
记善言。
The Analects--conversations
Has twenty sections.
Confucius and disciples
Gave off sparkles.
《论语》二十篇。是孔子的弟子们，以及弟子的弟子们，记载的有关孔子言论是一部书。
The Analects, consisting of twenty sections, is a book of sparkling dialogues between Confucius and his disciples.
孟子者，
七篇止，
讲道德，
说仁义。
Mencius, the sutras,
Has seven chapters.
These are counsels
Of virtues 'nd morals.
《孟子》这本书是孟轲所作，共分七篇。内容是有关品行修养、发扬道德仁义等方面的言论。
Mencius, named after the author, is divided into seven chapters, which are counsels of virtues and morals.
作中庸，
乃孔伋，
中不偏，
庸不易。
The Golden Mean,
Great it's been.
Kong Ji,the scholar
Is its author.
《中庸》这本书的作者是孔子的孙子孔伋，讲的始中庸，即不偏、不变的意思。
The Golden Mean was authored by Kong Ji, grandson of Confucius, which is about how to keep constant equilibrium.
作大学，
乃曾子，
自修齐，
至平治。
Great Learning, great,
Zengcius did create:
From personal perfection
To national progression.
作《大学》这本书的是曾参，他提出了修齐平治的主张，具体是"修身齐家治国平天下"。
Great Learning was written by Zengcius, who proposed the idea of personal perfection and national progression, to be specific, self-perfection, family harmonizing, state governing, and world pacification.
孝经通，
四书熟，
如六经，
始可读。
Piety learned ahead,
Four Books fully-read,
Six Classics now,
You should plough.
先学了《孝经》中的道理，再把《四书》读熟了，这样就可以去读《六经》这样深奥的书了。
After you have learned what is preached in Piety and get versed in Four Books, you can proceed to plough through Six Classics.
诗书易，
礼春秋，
号六经，
当讲求。
History, Changes, Odes,
Books of altitudes.
Spring 'nd Autumn, Rituals
Books for perusals.
《诗》、《书》、《易》、《礼》、《春秋》，再加上《乐》称作六经。这是中国古代儒家的经典，应当仔细阅读。
Odes, History, Changes, Spring 'nd Autumn, Rituals, and Music are collectively called Six Classes. These are important Confucian literatures to be read closely.
有连山，
有归藏，
有周易，
三易详。
Book of Ranges,
Book of Changes,
Book of Retreat,
Detailed and great.
《连山》、《归藏》、《周易》，是我国古代的三部书，这三部书合称“三易”，“三易”是用“卦”的形式来说明宇宙间万事万物循环变化的道理的书籍。
Book of Ranges, Book of Changes, Book of Retreat are three important books in Ancient China, collectively called three books of changes, in which divinatory symbols are used to predict the changes of things in the universe.
有典谟，
有训诰。
有誓命，
书之奥。
Canons, duties, plans,
Edicts, oaths, bans,
And imperial mandates
Are History's aggregates.
《书经》的内容包括立国的基本原则、治国计划、大臣的义务、国君的通告、起兵文告、国君的命令等内容。
History includes state documents such as canons, duties, plans, edicts, oaths, bans, and imperial mandates.
我周公，
作周礼。
著六官，
存治体。
Th' Prince of Zhough
Did Rituals bestow,
Regimen he designed
And government defined.
周公颁布了《周礼》，其中他设计了六宫的官制，规定了国家的体制。
The Prince of Zhou wrote Rituals, in which he designed the nuptial system of the court and defined the governmental system of the country.
大小戴，
注礼记。
述圣言，
礼乐备。
The Days gained,
with Rituals explained.
They paraphrased adages
Of those sages.
戴德和戴圣整理并且注释了《礼记》，传述和阐扬了前代的典章制度和有关礼乐，阐明了圣贤的精辟言论。
The Days, i.e. Day Deh and Day Shen, annotated Rituals, and illustrated the decrees, regulations, and etiquette rules of ancient times and paraphrased what had been written by the sages then.
曰国风，
曰雅颂。
号四诗，
当讽咏。
The Psalms say,
The Chants, hey,
And those airs
Of various affairs.
《国风》、《大雅》、《小雅》、《颂》，合称为四诗，构成《诗经》这部内容丰富的诗歌总集。
The four collections, i.e. Airs of the States, Psalms Major, Psalms Minor, and Chants constitute the Poems or Book of Odes, a rich resource of poems.
诗既亡，
春秋作。
寓褒贬，
别善恶。
With Poems lonesome;
Arose Spring 'nd Autumn
To criticize ill-doing,
And praise well-being.
后来由于周朝的衰落，诗经也就跟着被冷落了，所以孔子就作《春秋》，在这本书中隐含着对现实政治的褒贬以及对各国善恶行为的分辨。
As the Zhough House declined, the Book of Odes became lonesome, so Confucius compiled Spring 'nd Autumn to criticize the ill-doing, and praise the well-being, of the society.
三传者，
有公羊，
有左氏，
有谷梁。
Companion authors three:
Zuo Qiu-ming, and he
Who was Gongyang,
And another, Goo Liang.
三传就是羊高所著的《公羊传》，左丘明所著的《左传》和谷梁赤所著的《谷梁传》，它们都是解释《春秋》的书。
The three companions to Spring 'nd Autumn were those written by Yang Gao (Gongyang Gao), Zuo Qiu-ming, and Goo Liang.
经既明，
方读子。
撮其要，
记其事。
Classics finished now
Read essays enow.
Make a list,
Get the gist.
经传都读熟了之后就可以读子书了。子书繁多，必须选择比较重要的来读，并且要记住每一事件的要点。
After finishing the classics, you can read sophistic essays. Since there are so many such books, you should make a list of important ones and try to get the gist of each.
五子者，
有荀扬。
文中子，
及老庄。
Five sophists then
Were great men:
Hsun, Wenzhong, Yang
Lao and Zhuang.
五子是指荀子、扬子、文中子、老子和庄子。
The five sophists refer to Hsuntzu, Yangtzu, Wenzhongtzu, Laotzu, and Zhuangtzu.
经子通，
读诸史。
考世系，
知终始。
After finishing these
Read histories please.
Do study genealogy
And know causality.
经书和子书读熟了以后，再读史书。读史时必须要考究各朝各代的世系，明白他们盛衰的原因，才能从历史中记取教训。
After you have finished the classic and sophistic books, you can read annals. When you do this, you must inquire into the genealogies of the dynasties, learn the causes of the vicissitudes, and draw lessons from them.
自羲农，
至黄帝。
号三皇，
居上世。
The legendary Fuxih,
Shennong and Huangdih
Were great forefathers,
Esteemed Three Emperors.
自伏羲氏、神农氏到黄帝，这三位上古时代的先驱，勤政爱民，开拓有功，被后人尊称为“三皇”。
Fuxih, Shennong and Huangdih, the forefathers who pioneered the land and took care of the masses, were esteemed Three Emperors.
唐有虞，
号二帝。
相揖逊，
称盛世。
Yao 'nd Shun,precursors,
Called Two Emperors.
Yao demised throne,
A heyday known.
黄帝之后，有唐尧和虞舜二位帝王，尧认为自己的儿子不肖，而把帝位传给了才德兼备的舜。在两位帝王治理下，天下太平，人人称颂。
After Hunagdih came two greatest figures of all times, Yao and Shun. Yao, unsatisfied with his son, demised his throne to the able Shun. Under their governance, there appeared a heyday.
夏有禹，
商有汤。
周文武，
称三王。
Xiah, Shang, Zhough,
Three dyansties, lo.
Yuh, Tang, Wuh,
Three kings true.
夏朝的开国君主是禹，商朝的开国君主是汤，周朝的开国君主是武王。这几个德才兼备的君王被后人称为“三王”。
Yuh founded Xiah, Tang founded Shang, and Wuh founded Zhough. These three figures were called Three Kings because of their great merits.
夏传子，
家天下。
四百载，
迁夏社。
Yuh, heredity begun,
Throned his son.
Th' four hundredth year
Saw Xiah sear.
禹把帝位传给自己的儿子，由此开启了世袭制。四百多年后，夏被汤所灭。
Yuh passed his throne on to his son, hence the hereditary system of the crown. More than four hundred years later, Xiah was annulled by Tang.
周武王，
始诛纣。
八百载，
最长久。
Wuh of Zhough
Triumphed over Chough.
Eight hundred years,
The longest cheers.
周武王灭掉商朝，杀死纣王，建立周朝。周朝的历史最长，前后延续了八百多年。
Wuh founded the Zhough Dynasty after having nullified the Sang Dynasty and killed Chough the king. Zhough lasted more than eight hundred years, the longest of all dynasties.
周辙东，
王纲坠。
逞干戈，
尚游说。
Zhough moved east,
'nd controlled the least.
There arose militance;
Valued was eloquence.
自从周朝东迁国都之后，对诸侯的控制力就越来越弱了。诸侯国之间时常发生战争，而游说之士也开始大行其道。
After moving its capital east, Zhough had less and less control over its vassals. There were often wars among the vassal states, and lobbyists held sway.
始春秋，
终战国。
五霸强，
七雄出。
Spring 'nd Autumn began,
Warring States then.
Five became strong;
Then Seven sprung.
东周分为两个阶段，一是春秋时期，一是战国时期。春秋时的齐恒公、宋襄公、晋文公、秦穆公和楚庄王号称五霸。战国的七雄分别为齐楚燕韩赵魏秦。
The Eastern Zhough was divided into two periods, the Spring 'nd Autumn period and the Warring State period. Huan of Qih, Xiang of Song, Wen of Jin, Muh of Qin, and Zhuang of Chuh became predominant, called Five Hegemons. The seven powers in the Warring States period were the State of Qih, the State of Chuh, the State of Yan, the State of Han, the State of Weigh, and the State of Qin.
嬴秦氏，
始兼并。
传二世，
楚汉争。
Emperor the First
Other states burst.
Generations but two,
Arose Han 'nd Chuh.
战国末年，秦国的势力日渐强大，秦王赢政兼并六国，建立了统一的秦朝，自称始皇帝。秦传到二世，天下又开始大乱，最后，形成楚汉相争的局面。
At the end of the Warring State period, the State of Qin's strength increased. Under the king who termed himself as Emperor the First, Qin annexed other six powers, and founded the unitary Qin Dynasty. At the second reign of the dynasty, the country was thrown into a turmoil, hence the contention between Chuh and Han.
高祖兴，
汉业建。
至孝平，
王莽篡。
With Liu Bang then
Arose Great Han.
Xiao Ping was bayed;
So Wang Mang swayed.
汉高祖刘邦获胜，建立了汉朝。汉朝历时两百余年,到了孝平皇帝，被王莽篡了位。
The Han Dynasty arose with Liu Bang's victory over his opponent.The dynasty lasted more than two hundred years until Wang Mang usurped the throne of Emperor Xiao Ping.
光武兴，
为东汉。
四百年，
终于献。
With Guang Wuh began
The Eastern Han.
Th' four hundredth year
Saw Hanxian's tear.
王莽篡权，天下大乱。刘秀推翻更始帝，恢复国号为汉，史称东汉光武帝，东汉延续四百年，到汉献帝的时候灭亡。
Wang Mang's usurpation threw the world into upheavals. Liu Xiu, i.e. Emperor Guang Wuh, overthrew Emperor Gengshih and restored the Han Dynasty, hence the Eastern Han, which lasted four hundred years, until Emperor Hanxian died.
魏蜀吴，
争汉鼎。
号三国，
迄两晋。
Shuh, Woo, Weigh
Struggled their way.
Three kingdoms reared;
Two Jins appeared.
东汉末年，魏国、蜀国、吴国争夺天下，形成三国相争的局面。后来魏灭了蜀国和吴国，但被司马懿篡夺了帝位，建立了晋朝，晋又分为东晋和西晋两个时期。
In the last years of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Weigh, Shuh, and Woo fought against each other, hence the Three Kingdom period. At last, Weigh annulled Shuh and Woo, but it was soon superseded by the Jin Dynasty when Sih Ma-Yih usurped the throne. Jin included two periods, the Western Jin and the Eastern Jin.
宋齐继，
梁陈承。
为南朝，
都金陵。
Song, Qih, Liang,
And Chen clung.
The Southern Regals,
Nanking as capitals.
晋朝王室南迁之后，不久就衰亡了，继之而起的是南北朝时代。南朝包括宋齐梁陈。国都建在南京。
Soon after the Jin House moved south, it died out. Then came the Southern and Northern Dynasties period. The Southern Dynasties include Song, Qih, Liang, and Chen, all seated in Nanking.
北元魏，
分东西。
宇文周，
兴高齐。
Northern Court, pressed,
Divided east 'nd west.
Yuhwen founded Zhough,
Qih followed though.
北朝则指的是元魏。元魏后来也分裂成东魏和西魏，西魏被宇文觉篡了位，建立了北周；东魏被高洋篡了位，建立了北齐。
The Northern Court was divided into the Eastern Weigh and the Western Weigh. The former was usurped by Yuhwen, who established the Northern Zhough, and the latter was usurped by Gao-Yang, who established the Northern Qih.
迨至隋，
一土宇。
不再传，
失统绪。
Suih, so grand,
United the land.
It did bloom
Before its doom.
杨坚重新统一了中国，建立了隋朝。他的儿子隋炀帝杨广即位后，荒淫无道，隋朝很快就灭亡了。
Yang Jian established the Suih Dynasty,and China was united again.Before soon it was superseded by the Tang Dynasty,due to the debauchery of Emperor Suih Yang, Yang Jian's son.
唐高祖，
起义师。
除隋乱，
创国基。
Li Yuan's uprising now
Swept Suih enow.
Th' Tang Empire rose
At Suih's close.
唐高祖李渊起兵反隋，他战胜了各路反隋义军，取得天下，建立起了唐朝。
Li-Yuan raised troops against Suih, defeated many opponents, and set up the Tang Dynasty as Suih was finished.
二十传，
三百载。
梁灭之，
国乃改。
Three century's gains
Made twenty reigns.
The dynasty ceased,
By Liang erased.
唐朝的统治近三百年，总共传了二十位皇帝。唐哀帝被朱全忠篡位，建立了梁朝，唐朝从此灭亡。为和南北朝时期的梁相区别，历史上称为后梁。
The Tang Dynasty reigned for nearly three hundred years, with twenty emperors in all. Emperor Tang-Ai was usurped by Zhu Quanzhong, who founded the Liang Dynasty, termed the Latter Liang to be distinguished from the earlier Liang.
梁唐晋，
及汉周。
称五代，
皆有由。
Thus started Liang,
Jin and Tang,
Han and Zhough.
Five empires,ho.
后梁之后或期间，还有后唐、后晋、后汉和后周，这段时间历史上称作五代。
After and concurrent with the Latter Liang, there were the Latter Tang, the Latter Jin, the Latter Han, and the Latter Zhough, and this period is called the Five Dynasties.
炎宋兴，
受周禅。
十八传，
南北混。
Then Song, aglow,
Succeeded to Zhough.
Emperors counted eighteen.
Then invasions keen.
赵匡胤接受了后周“禅让”的帝位，建立了宋朝。宋朝相传了十八个皇帝之后，北方的少数民族南下侵扰，结果又成了南北混战的局面。
Zhao Kuangyin, accepting the demised throne of the Latter Zhough, founded the Song Dynasty. At the eighteenth emperor's reign, the ethnics from the north invaded the land, hence scuffles between the north and the south.
辽与金，
皆称帝。
元灭金，
绝宋世。
Liao and Jin
Both broke in.
The Mongol throng
Wiped out Song.
北方的辽人、金人和蒙古人都建立了国家，自称皇帝，最后蒙古人灭了金朝和宋朝，建立了元朝，重又统一了中国。
Liao, Jin, and Mongols in the north established their polities and their chieftains claimed to be emperors. In the end, the Mongols annulled Jin and Song and set up the Yuan Dynasty, hence the reunification of China.
舆图广，
超前代。
九十年，
国祚废。
The territory vast
Exceeded all past.
Ninety years elapsed;
The empire collapsed.
元朝的疆域很广大，所统治的领土，超过了以前的任何一个朝代。然而它只维持了短短九十年，就被农民起义推翻了。
The Yuan Dynasty had a territory larger than any other previous dynasties. However, it lasted only ninety years before it was overthrown by a peasant uprising.
太祖兴，
国大明。
号洪武，
都金陵。
Taizuh by name
Won his fame,
By founding Ming,
Seated in Nanking
元朝末年，明太祖朱元璋起义，最后推翻元朝统治，建立大明，国号洪武。他自己当上了皇帝，定都在金陵。
At the end of the Yuan Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang's peasant uprising overthrew the reign of the Mongolian Empire. Zhu founded the Ming Dynasty, coronated himself as its first emperor, with its capital seated in Nanking.
迨成祖，
迁燕京。
十六世，
至崇祯。
Chengzuh from Nanking
Moved to Peking.
Sixteen emperors past,
Chongzhen the last.
到明成祖即位后，把国都由金陵迁到燕京。明朝共传了十六个皇帝，直到崇祯皇帝为止，明朝就灭亡了。
After his coronation, Chengzuh moved the capital from Nanking to Peking. There were sixteen emperors in the Ming Dynasty, Chongzhen being the last.
阉祸后，
寇内讧。
闯逆变，
神器终，
The eunuch power
Made all cower.
King of Spurt,
Did Ming subvert.
明朝末年，宦官专权，天下大乱，老百姓纷纷起义，以闯王李自成为首的起义军攻破北京，明朝最后灭亡。
In the last years of the Ming Dynasty, eunuch officials abused their power to such an extent that there were uprisings in many places. Li Zicheng, the so-called King of Spurt broke into Peking (Beijing) and subverted the Ming Dynasty.
古今史，
全在兹。
载治乱，
知兴衰。
History is here,
Until this year.
You know all,
Rise and fall.
以上叙述的是从三皇五帝直到今天的历史。从中大家可以了解各朝各代的治乱兴衰，学会很多有用的东西。
What has been talked above is the history from antiquity up to now, from which one can learn lessons from the rise and fall of all the dynasties.
史虽繁，
读有次。
史记一，
汉书二。
History so complex
May you perplex.
History Book foremost,
Han Annals juxtaposed.
中国历史浩繁复杂，应循序而读，先读《史记》，再读《汉书》。
Since Chinese history is so complicated, you should read it in good order, History Book first, then the Han Annals.
后汉三，
国志四。
兼证经，
参通鉴。
Next Eastern Han,
Three Kingdoms then.
Read the authorized
With Mirrors supplied.
第三读《后汉书》，第四读《三国志》，读的同时，还要参照经书，参考《资治通鉴》，这样我们就可以更好地了解历史的治乱兴衰了。
You can proceed to read the Eastern Han and the Three Kingdoms. While you study these authorized books, you can consult the Mirrors so that you can have a better idea of what happened in Chinese history.
读史者，
考实录。
通古今，
若亲目。
As past's explored,
Check every record.
You'll know how
Then became now.
读历史的人应该更进一步地去翻阅历史资料，了解古往今来的前因后果，就好象是自己亲眼所见一样。
Those who are interested in history can check historical records to go through the incidents as if you see them happen yourself.
口而诵，
心而惟。
朝于斯，
夕于斯。
Read and think
And pieces link
From early morning
To late evening.
读书时，还要用心去思考。只有早早晚晚都把心思用到学习上，才能真正学好。
When you read, you should contemplate. Only when you are devoted to this can you learn well.
昔仲尼，
师项橐。
古圣贤，
尚勤学。
Confucius, of yore
Studied, studied more,
From Tuo learned,
As he yearned.
从前，孔子是个十分好学的人，当时鲁国有一位神童名叫项橐，孔子就曾向他学习。像孔子这样伟大的圣贤，尚不忘勤学，何况我们普通人呢？
Confucius was a good learner. Once he met a prodigy called Xiang Tuo in the Luh State and consulted him. Even a sage like Confucius was so intent on his studies, shouldn't we follow suit?
赵中令，
读鲁论。
彼既仕，
学且勤。
Zhao Puh of Song
Read Analects long
This premier crack
Was never slack.
宋朝宰相赵普，尽管身居要职，天天还手不释卷地阅读论语。
Zhao Puh, the famous premier of the Song Dynasty, studied the Analects intensively everyday although he was in such a high position.
披蒲编，
削竹简。
彼无书，
且知勉。
Using cattail tips
And bamboo slips,
Wenshu and Hong
Studied all along.
西汉时路温舒把文字抄在蒲草上阅读。公孙弘将春秋刻在竹子削成的竹片上。他们两人都很穷，买不起书，但还不忘勤奋学习。
In the Western Han Dynasty, Lu Wenshu copied words on cattail tips for reading, and Gongsun Hong carved the Spring 'nd Autumn on bamboo slips. They, both poor, couldn't afford to buy books, but they pressed on to study.
头悬梁，
锥刺股。
彼不教，
自勤苦。
Head hung high!
Needled his thigh!
Why push him,
He'd abundant vim.
晋朝时的孙敬和战国时的苏秦都发奋读书。为了不犯困，一个把头发悬挂在屋梁上，一个用锥子刺自己的大腿。
Sun Jing in the Jin Dynasty and Soo Qin in the Warring State period were serious with their study, one keeping his hair hung from a beam, another needling his thigh lest they should feel sleepy.
如囊萤，
如映雪。
家虽贫，
学不辍。
Fire-worms as light,
Reflected snow white,
Poor, having none,
They studied on.
晋朝时车胤读书时把萤火虫放在纱袋里采光照明，还有一位叫孙光的则以雪的反光来看书。他们的生活条件如此艰苦却能持之以恒地读书。
Che Yin in the Jin Dynasty kept fireworms in a gauze bag, and Sun Guang made use of the reflection from snow to have light for their reading. They could carry on with their study even in such unfavorable conditions.
如负薪，
如挂角。
身虽劳，
犹苦卓。
Reading, bearing thorns,
Books on horns,
They, making time,
Employed their prime.
汉朝的朱买臣，以砍柴为生，往往一边担柴一边读书。隋朝的李密把书挂在牛角上，一有时间就读。
Zhu Maichen in the Han Dynasty chopped firewood for a living. He kept reading while carrying firewood on his back. And Li Mi hung his book on a horn of his cow and made time to read it.
苏老泉，
二十七。
始发愤，
读书籍。
Suh, twenty seven
Hadn't studied even.
Now this lad
Read like mad.
宋朝的苏老泉，即苏洵，二十七岁时才立志读书，发奋图强而成为学问大家，名列唐宋八大家。
Suh Laoquan, i.e. Suh Xun didn't make his mind to study until he was twenty seven. He finally succeeded as a famous scholar, one of the eight greatest men of letters in the Tang and the Song Dynasties.
彼既老，
犹悔迟。
尔小生，
宜早思。
This man, behold,
Started when old.
You'd make time
While in prime.
苏老泉成年之后才认识到读书的重要性。我们年轻人难道不应该抓紧时间好好学习吗？
Only when he was a grown-up did he realize the importance of learning. Don't we need to make use of our time to study while we are young?
若梁灏，
八十二。
对大廷，
魁多士。
A wizard true,
When eighty two,
passed imperial examinations,
Beating his companions.
宋朝有个梁灏，在82岁时才考中状元，在金銮殿上对皇帝的提问能够对答如流，其他生员皆不如他。
Liao Hao in the Song Dynasty passed the Imperial Examination at the age of 82. He defended himself so well when the emperor questioned him at the court that he was better than all other examinees.
彼既成，
众称异。
尔小生，
宜立志。
His great success
Did everyone impress.
While you're young,
Make wills strong.
梁灏如此高龄，尚能获得成功，让众人感到诧异。我们趁着年轻，难道不该立志向学吗？
Liang Hao succeeded at such an advanced age, surprising everybody. Shouldn't we make up our mind to learn while we are young?
莹八岁，
能咏诗。
泌七岁，
能赋棋。
Ying, so great,
Versified at eight.
Mih, at seven,
Rhymed chess even.
北齐有个叫祖莹的人八岁就能写诗，唐朝的李密七岁就能以象棋为题赋诗。
Zhu Ying in the North Qih Dynasty could compose poems at eight,and Li Mih in the Tang Dynasty could even rhyme chess playing at seven.
彼颖悟，
人称奇。
尔幼学，
当效之。
They, so smart,
Won everyone's heart.
For success winsome,
Learn from them.
他们两人的聪明才智让世人羡慕，称奇，我们也当效法他们，及早地努力学习。
They were so admired for their talents and performance.We should follow suit to start as early as possible.
蔡文姬，
能辩琴。
谢道韫，
能咏吟。
Cai could discern
A good zithern.
Xieh could prose,
Or poems compose.
中国古代还有一些出色的女才子，如东汉末年的蔡文姬能听出琴声的好坏，晋朝的谢道韫则能出口成章，即兴作诗。
And there were some talented girls in ancient China, for example, Cai Wenjih could discern the quality of a zithern by the ear, and Xieh Daowen could prose or compose poems at short notice.
彼女子，
且聪敏。
尔男子，
当自警。
They, though women,
Were very keen.
Man thou art,
Be likely smart!
女孩子都如此聪慧多才，身为好男儿更应当自强。
Girls like them could be so accomplished,as men you should sustain yourselves.
唐刘晏，
方七岁。
举神童，
作正字。
Yan, thine joy,
A seven-year-old boy.
The proof-reading post
Suited him most.
唐玄宗时，有一个名叫刘晏的小孩子，才只有七岁，就被推举为神童，并且做了负责刊正文字的官。
In the era of Tang Xuanzong, a boy named Liu Yan, was promoted to be an imperial censor at seven.
彼虽幼，
身已仕。
有为者，
亦若是。
Young as he,
An official already.
To be known,
Follow him soon.
刘晏年纪这么小就做了官，担当国家给他的重任。只要勤奋好学，大家也可以和刘晏一样名扬后世。
Young as Liu Yan was, he was given an important position. If one works hard, he can be as famous as Liu Yan.
犬守夜，
鸡司晨。
苟不学，
曷为人。
Dogs thieves bite;
Cocks dawning invite.
Do something learn,
Useful you'll turn.
狗在夜间守家门，鸡在天亮时报晓，人如果不能用心学习而糟蹋时光，还有什么资格称为人呢。
Dogs keep the door at night, and cocks crow to tell good morning. If one loafs around, doing nothing, how can he be called man?
蚕吐丝，
蜂酿蜜。
人不学，
不如物。
Silkworms silk educe;
Bees honey produce.
From them learn,
Or receive spurn.
蚕吐丝以供我们做衣料，蜜蜂可以酿蜜，供人们食用。人如果不懂得学习，以自己的知识、技能来服务社会，那还不如小动物呢。
Silkworms provide us with silk, and bees provide us with honey. If one does not acquire knowledge to serve the society, he is not as worthwhile as such small things.
幼而学，
壮而行，
上致君，
下泽民。
Learn while young;
Act while strong.
Benefit each one
Under the sun.
幼年时我们就当努力学习，积累知识，长大后才能够学以致用，替国家效力，为人民谋福利。
We should start early to learn and improve ourselves so that when we grow up we can serve the country and people.
扬名声，
显父母。
光于前，
裕于后。
Your parents' fame
succeeds your name.
Ancestors you glorify;
Offspring you dignify.
如果你能有益于社会，人民就会颂扬你，父母也会感到荣耀，给连祖先增添了光彩，也给下代留下了好的榜样。
If you have done your bit for the society, you will be remembered for that, and your parents and even ancestors will share your glory, and your descendants can follow your example.
人遗子，
金满赢。
我教子，
唯一经。
For children hold
Silver and gold?
Here's my bequest:
Learn your best.
很多人给子孙后代积攒钱财，而我并不这样，我留给他们的遗产只是教诲：希望他们能精于读书学习，好好做人。
Many people save money for their children. But I don't do this. My bequest for them is the teaching that they should try their best to learn.
勤有功，
戏无益。
戒之哉，
宜勉力。
Good is diligence;
Poor is negligence.
Trials you breast,
Work with zest.
凡是勤奋上进的人，都会有好的收获，而只顾贪玩，浪费了大好时光是一定要后悔的。大家应当戒除懒惰的诱惑，勉力向前。
No pains, no gains. If one squanders time, he will regret later on. We should guard against laziness, and go ahead with fortitude.
