中国古代诗词英文翻译(3)

Propriety suggests reciprocity. It is not propriety not to give out but to receive, or vice versa.

两情若是长久时，又岂在朝朝暮暮。

If love between both sides can last for aye, why need they stay together night and day?

路漫漫其修远兮，吾将上下而求索。

The way ahead is long; I see no ending, yet high and low I’ll search with my will unbending.

民为贵，社稷次之，君为轻。

The people are the most important element in a state; next are the gods of land and grain; least is the ruler himself.

千丈之堤，以蝼蚁之穴溃；百尺之屋，以突隙之烟焚。

A long dike will collapse because of an ant-hole in it; a tall building will be burned down by a spark from a chimney’s chink.

锲而舍之，朽木不折，锲而不舍，金石可镂。

Carve but give up half way, even a decayed piece of wood will not break; carve without stop, even metal and stone can be engraved.

人有悲欢离合，月有阴晴阳缺，此事古难全。

People have sorrow and joy; they part and meet again. The moon dims or shines; it waxes or wanes. Nothing is perfect, not even in the olden days.

人之于文学也，犹玉之于琢磨也。

Learning and culture are to a person what polished and grinding are to jade.

三人行，必有我师焉。择其善者而从之，其不善者而改之。