禮魂: Offerings to the Spirits

Offerings to the Spirits Qu Yuan	禮魂 屈原
The ritual concluded as the drums are beat,	成禮兮會鼓
The dancers flourished while passing their flowers.	傳芭兮代舞
The ladies sang majestically around the altar.	姱女倡兮容與
Like the cycle of spring orchid and autumn chrysanthemum	春蘭兮秋菊
We shall return to offer forevermore.	長無絕兮終古

國殤: War Dead

War Dead Qu Yuan	國殤 屈原
Wielding the Wu Spear and wearing Rhino Armor, the chariots are rushing and the swords are crossing.	操吳戈兮被犀甲 車錯轂兮短兵接
The flags cover the sun and the enemies are numerous like the clouds, the arrows falling while the men all charge.	旌蔽日兮敵若雲 矢交墜兮士爭先
The enemy overruns our front-lines and tramples our soldiers, my chariot's left horse is dead and right is wounded.	凌余陣兮躐余行 左驂殪兮右刃傷
Burying the two wheels and trapping the four horses, beating the drum with my jade baton.	霾兩輪兮縶四馬 援玉枹兮擊鳴鼓
The sky is dark and the war god is angry, the indiscriminate killing leaves bodies piling on the ground.	天時懟兮威靈怒 嚴殺盡兮棄原野
Always charging forward even in the face of death, the plains are endless and the road is long.	出不入兮往不反 平原忽兮路遙遠
Holding a long sword and carrying a strong bow, even if beheaded the spirit still rages on.	帶長劍兮挾秦弓 首身離兮心不懲
You are truly a brave and strong soul, your stalwart defense allows no-one to invade.	誠既勇兮又以武 終剛強兮不可凌
Even if you've passed your spirit will live on, your soul will forever be a hero among ghosts.	身既死兮神以靈 魂魄毅兮為鬼雄

山鬼: Mountain Shade

Mountain Shade Qu Yuan	山鬼 屈原
As though someone has passed through the deep mountains, who wore fig as her coat and a vine as her belt.	若有人兮山之阿 被薜荔兮帶女羅
With a radiant smile and brilliant allure, and at the same time calm but very lovely and demure.	既含睇兮又宜笑 子慕予兮善窈窕
With a red puma for a ride and a fox in point. Magnolia was the chariot and sweet olive was the flag.	乘赤豹兮從文狸 辛夷車兮結桂旗
With wild orchid and ginger as the mantle, picking fresh flowers for you my beloved.	被石蘭兮帶杜衡 折芳馨兮遺所思
In the deep bamboo forest where the thick covering was enough to block out the sun, the difficult road made me late and alone.	余處幽篁兮終不見天 路險難兮獨後來
By myself I stood at the top of the mountain, watching the sea of storm-clouds roll by.	表獨立兮山之上 雲容容兮而在下
The mountains were covered by clouds and day was like the night, the east wind raged and the spirit rain poured.	杳冥冥兮羌晝晦 東風飄兮神靈雨
I resolutely waited for you to return and forgot to go home, growing old as my beauty faded.	留靈脩兮憺忘歸 歲既晏兮孰華予
I entered the mountains to pick the life-sustaining Lingzhi, the rocks piled up and the vines tangled each other.	采三秀兮於山間 石磊磊兮葛蔓蔓
Resenting you and forgetting to go home, but wondering if you thought of me but had no time to visit.	怨公子兮悵忘歸 君思我兮不得閒
This girl living in the mountain was as pure as the pollia, as I only drank from the mountain springs and wore the finest leaves.	山中人兮芳杜若 飲石泉兮蔭松柏
Did you love me, or love me not? (Note 1)	君思我兮然疑作
The thunder roared as the rain poured, the apes called as the night fell.	靁填填兮雨冥冥 猿啾啾兮又夜鳴
The wind screeched as the leaves fell, thinking of you I cried alone.	風颯颯兮木蕭蕭 思公子兮徒離憂

1. There's a phrase here lost to the sands of time.

河伯: River Spirit

River Spirit Qu Yuan	河伯 屈原
I swam in the nine rivers with you, riding the whirlwind and making great waves	與女遊兮九河 衝風起兮橫波
With lotus serving as the cover, my chariot rushed as two dragons pulled.	乘水車兮荷蓋 駕兩龍兮驂螭
I rose to Mt Kunlun to survey my surroundings, my heart surged with grandiose contentment.	登崑崙兮四望 心飛揚兮浩蕩
The sun had set but alas, I forgot to return, for my deepest desire is knowledge of the end of your realm.	日將暮兮悵忘歸 惟極浦兮寤懷
The fishscaled roof was decorated by dragon patterns, as violet clams formed your scarlet-painted palace.	魚鱗屋兮龍堂 紫貝闕兮朱宮
Oh, Spirit of the River, why are you in these waters, riding the Great White Turtle and accompanied by carp?	靈何為兮水中 乘白黿兮逐文魚
I swam in the great rivers with you, as your waters flowed ever to the east.	與女遊兮河之渚 流澌紛兮將來下
You bid me goodbye as you made your journey eastwards, as I accompanied you to the Southern coast.	子交手兮東行 送美人兮南浦
The waves rolled towards me in welcoming, as my guardian fish swim in formation.	波滔滔兮來迎 魚鱗鱗兮媵予

東君: Orient Lord

Orient Lord Qu Yuan	東君 屈原
The Dawn Sun rises in the east, as our chariot's handrail reflects its divine light.	暾將出兮東方 照吾檻兮扶桑
Where will our horses lead us? To that place yet covered by night.	撫余馬兮安驅 夜晈晈兮既明
As we rode the thunder dragon atop the sky, the clouds formed our parade flags.	駕龍輈兮乘雷 載雲旗兮委蛇
I sighed as I rose up to the zenith, as my heart is still thinking of the Great Earth below.	長太息兮將上 心低佪兮顧懷
This spectacle roused the people's hearts, as they all raised the head to watch above.	羌聲色兮娛人 觀者憺兮忘歸
The se played, silk-like, as the drums beat. The bells tolled on their jade perch.	緪瑟兮交鼓 簫鍾兮瑤簴
The yu and the chi both sounded off as the men and women prayed for protection.	鳴箎兮吹竽 思靈保兮賢姱
The green birds circled the ground as people sang and danced.	翾飛兮翠曾 展詩兮會舞
Along its beat and rhythm, the arriving spirits obscured the sun.	應律兮合節 靈之來兮蔽日
Adorned by clothes of the blue clouds and white halo, I fired upon Sirius with my longbow.	青雲衣兮白霓裳 舉長矢兮射天狼
I then put the bow away and returned to my chariot, drinking nectar from the Great Dipper.	操余弧兮反淪降 援北斗兮酌桂漿
I commanded my horses to fly away again, and returned to the East in the approaching nightfall.	撰余轡兮高駝翔 杳冥冥兮以東行

少司命: Lesser Fate

Lesser Fate Qu Yuan	少司命 屈原
There was orchid of autumn and the narrow leaves of the rhizome, scattered in the courtyard in front of the temple.	秋蘭兮麋蕪 羅生兮堂下
The green leaves concealed the little white flowers, its fragrance flew towards our noses.	綠葉兮素華 芳菲菲兮襲予
People all have their beloved children, so why do you worry so?	夫人自有兮美子 蓀何以兮愁苦
The orchid of autumn grows lush, its tender green leaves hold the purple stems of flowers.	秋蘭兮青青 綠葉兮紫莖
The beautiful women filled the court, all of whom sent me their kindest regards.	滿堂兮美人 忽獨與余兮目成
I greet not nor do I bid farewell, rising with the whirlwind to raise my flag of mist and clouds.	入不言兮出不辭 乘回風兮載雲旗
There is no sadness greater than being forced apart, nor is there happiness greater than meeting new people.	悲莫悲兮生別離 樂莫樂兮新相知
With clothes of lotus petals and sashes of sweet grass, greeting and parting come as quick as they go.	荷衣兮蕙帶 儵而來兮忽而逝
Camping outside in the suburbs of the Imperial City at night, who are you waiting for alone in the deep clouds?	夕宿兮帝郊 君誰須兮雲之際
I swam in the nine rivers with you, riding the whirlwind and making great waves (Note 1)	與女遊兮九河 衝風至兮水揚波
I washed my hair with you in the salt pools where the sun itself sets, drying my hair at where the sun rose in the east.	與女沐兮咸池 晞女髮兮陽之阿
Looking at the distant beauties that would never come, I sang my resentment and sadness into the wind.	望美人兮未來 臨風怳兮浩歌
With a chariot that has a roof was adorned with peacock plumage and a flag made of bird feathers, you rose to the heavens to sweep away the comets. (Note 2)	孔蓋兮翠旍 登九天兮撫彗星
Holding a sword in one hand and a child in the other, only you are most fit to command men's fates! (Note 3)	竦長劍兮擁幼艾 蓀獨宜兮為民正

1. This is a line from "河伯:　River Spirit", the next poem, which may have been misplaced here sometime in the ages.
2. Comets are ill omens in Ancient China, and this signifies Lesser Fate's defense of mankind which makes her worthy of worship.
3. Lesser Fate is the Goddess of Childbirth, arguably the most important deity in the lives of the Chu people who placed posterity before all, thus.

大司命: Greater Fate

Greater Fate Qu Yuan	大司命 屈原
Open wide the Gates of Heaven, as I ride in my chariot of the storm-clouds rolling by.	廣開兮天門 紛吾乘兮玄雲
I commanded the raging whirlwind to open my way, and the roaring deluge to clear my path.	令飄風兮先驅 使涷雨兮灑塵
You circled the place before descending down, and I flew past Mount Kongsang to be with you.	君迴翔兮以下 踰空桑兮從女
What a great and populous Earth this is, whose life and death does not rest in my hands?	紛總總兮九州 何壽夭兮在予
We cruised into the high clouds, riding the spirit winds and the yin and yang.	高飛兮安翔 乘清氣兮御陰陽
You and I respectfully welcomed the Elder God, directing Him onto the earth.	吾與君兮齋速 導帝之兮九坑
Our divine vestments fluttered in the wind, and our jade pendants shone brightly.	靈衣兮被被 玉佩兮陸離
The Yin changes into Yang and vice versa, but the other gods know not of what we do.	壹陰兮壹陽 衆莫知兮余所為
Picking the verdant jade-white flowers, to give to the one I'm bidding farewell to.	折疏麻兮瑤華 將以遺兮離居
As the arrow of time ever flies forward, your favor for me will eventually disintegrate.	老冉冉兮既極 不寖近兮愈疏
You're riding your cackling dragon chariot, into the great skies where you belong.	乘龍兮轔轔 高駝兮沖天
I braided the cassia as I stood alone, the more I thought of you, the more I worried.	結桂枝兮延竚 羌愈思兮愁人
But what can worry do? Wish that love can remain like it is without ever decreasing.	愁人兮柰何 願若今兮無虧
Human life's lengths are already fated, who can decide who stays together and who drifts apart?	固人命兮有當 孰離合兮可為

湘夫人: Lady Xiang

Lady Xiang Qu Yuan	湘夫人 屈原
My Lady landed on the Northern Delta, to my infinite worry and missing for her.	帝子降兮北渚 目眇眇兮愁予
The cool autumn breeze blows towards my face, as Lake Dongting's waves and leaves roll.	嫋嫋兮秋風 洞庭波兮木葉下
Rise to a wildflower bed terrace to look afar, we had a promised meeting in this lovely place.	登白薠兮騁望 與佳期兮夕張
Why then, do I only see the birds singing in the reeds, and only the fishing net hanging on the trees?	鳥萃兮蘋中 罾何為兮木上
The Yuan River has angelica and the Li River has orchid, I thought of her but I didn't dare say.	沅有茝兮澧有蘭 思公子兮未敢言
I looked out to an empty expanse, only the clear water rolls away.	荒忽兮遠望 觀流水兮潺湲
Why do the wild Milu seek for food in courtyards, and why are the dragons of the abyss beached on the riverbank?	麋何食兮庭中 蛟何為兮水裔
In the morning I rode on the side of the River, at night I crossed already to the western bank.	朝馳余馬兮江臯 夕濟兮西澨
As though I had heard my love calling out to me, I wished I could ride my chariot to meet her immediately.	聞佳人兮召予 將騰駕兮偕逝
We shall build a palace in the river, and hide it between the lotus leaves.	築室兮水中 葺之兮荷蓋
We shall paint the walls with iris and adorn it with purple shells, and dried bell-pepper powder will be the perfume.	蓀壁兮紫壇 播芳椒兮成堂
Cinnamon will be the beam and magnolia the shingle, liliflora will be the gate and angelica the decoration.	桂棟兮蘭橑 辛夷楣兮葯房
We shall weave the fig into the screen, and put the sweet grass on the roof.	罔薜荔兮為帷 擗蕙櫋兮既張
White Jade will be our seat, as we spread the wild orchid's fragrance out.	白玉兮為鎮 疏石蘭兮為芳
Around the angelica-adorned lotus leaf roof, is the ginger grass wrapped.	芷葺兮荷屋 繚之兮杜衡
Collect a hundred plants in our courtyard, in order to let their sweetness spread forevermore.	合百草兮實庭 建芳馨兮廡門
The gods of the Jiuyi Mountains all welcomed me, they flew towards me together like the rolling clouds.	九嶷繽兮並迎 靈之來兮如雲
I threw my coat into the Yangtze, and left my shirt next the Li River.	捐余袂兮江中 遺余褋兮醴浦
In the river delta I plucked pollia, and I wanted to give it to my love faraway.	搴汀洲兮杜若 將㠯遺兮遠者
The time lost can never return, so I'll slow my pace down and wander forevermore.	時不可兮驟得 聊逍遙兮容與

湘君: Lord Xiang

Lord Xiang Qu Yuan	湘君 屈原
My Lord, you're not here, why did you leave me here in the middle of the river?	君不行兮夷猶 蹇誰留兮中洲
For you, I've prepared my finest appearance, and rode my boat in the rushing eaves.	美要眇兮宜修 沛吾乘兮桂舟
I commanded the Yuan River and the Xiang River to remain calm, and the Yangtze to slow down to a trickle.	令沅湘兮無波 使江水兮安流
I waited for you to come but you did not show, I played my xiao as I longed for you.	望夫君兮未來 吹參差兮誰思
Ride my dragon boat towards the north, until we've entered the beautiful Lake Dongting.	駕飛龍兮北征 邅吾道兮洞庭
With the fig as curtain and the sweet grass as screen, sweet bamboo is my oar and Magnolia is my banner.	薜荔柏兮蕙綢 蓀橈兮蘭旌
Peering across the north bank of the Cen river, even the great Yangtze couldn't stop my fluttering heart.	望涔陽兮極浦 橫大江兮揚靈
My fluttering heart has nowhere to rest, as my handmaidens sighed at the sight of my plight.	揚靈兮未極 女嬋媛兮為余太息
Tears flowed and rolled down my cheeks, as my heart ached thinking of you.	橫流涕兮潺湲 隱思君兮陫側
With Cinnamon as my long oar and magnolia as my short, I labored across the water as though cutting through ice.	桂櫂兮蘭枻 斲冰兮積雪
I wanted to pick the fig from the water, and pluck the lotus from its watery tips.	采薜荔兮水中 搴芙蓉兮木末
The two hearts are not one despite the matchmaker's efforts, if love is not deep then passion will surely fade.	心不同兮媒勞 恩不甚兮輕絕
The clear water flowed rapidly across the rocky beach, the dragon boat quickly swept across the river.	石瀨兮淺淺 飛龍兮翩翩
This unfaithful romance will only deepen my resentment, since you broke our agreement and dismissed it by saying you have no time.	交不忠兮怨長 期不信兮告余以不閒
I rushed across the riverbank in the morning, and parked my chariot on the north-side at dusk.	鼂騁騖兮江臯 夕弭節兮北渚
The birds rested on top of the roof as the water whirled in front of my home.	鳥次兮屋上 水周兮堂下
I threw my jade circlet into the Yangtze, and left my pendants next the Li River.	捐余玦兮江中 遺余佩兮醴浦
In the river delta I plucked pollia, and I will bestow it to my attendants for their time serving.	采芳洲兮杜若 將以遺兮下女
The time lost can never return, so I'll slow my pace down and wander forevermore.	旹不可兮再得 聊逍遙兮容與

雲中君: Cloud Ruler

Cloud Ruler Qu Yuan	雲中君 屈原
After taking a bath in orchid my body smells sweet, I put on my finest robes of magnolia. Your lordship circled the sky as your divine light shone brilliantly upon us.	浴蘭湯兮沐芳 華采衣兮若英 靈連蜷兮既留 爛昭昭兮未央
We lived peacefully within this grand palace in the clouds, with a halo as bright as the sun and the moon. We rode our Dragon Carriage with our imperial robes, flying across the sky towards the ends of the earth.	蹇將憺兮壽宮 與日月兮齊光 龍駕兮帝服 聊翱遊兮周章
Your lordship's brilliance descended towards me, but in a flash it returned to beyond the clouds.	靈皇皇兮既降 猋遠舉兮雲中
We looked over all of China with our divine eyes, across the four seas beyond their infinite expanse.	覽冀州兮有餘 橫四海兮焉窮
We think of your lordship as we sighed, as we desperately pleaded for your lordship's rain.	思夫君兮太息 極勞心兮憧憧

東皇太一: The Supreme East Emperor

The Supreme East Emperor Qu Yuan	東皇太一 屈原
It is a fortuitous day and time indeed, and we shall entertain the Lord Emperor with our solemn offerings.	吉日兮辰良 穆將愉兮上皇
We swept the jade hangings on our long swords, as our pendants clanged into a crisp sound.	撫長劍兮玉珥 璆鏘鳴兮琳琅
The luxurious feast are prepared with our jade seats set, as the flowers emanated a sweet atmosphere.	瑤席兮玉瑱 盍將把兮瓊芳
The spices wrapped the offering meat as the offering wine smelled of cinnamon.	蕙肴蒸兮蘭藉 奠桂酒兮椒漿
Raising the drumsticks as the singers sang, the se and the yu complemented their grandiose hymns.	揚枹兮拊鼓 疏緩節兮安歌 陳竽瑟兮浩倡
The priestesses danced with their extravagant clothes, as the smell of incense filled the temple.	靈偃蹇兮姣服 芳菲菲兮滿堂
Music emanated from all over the chamber, as we hope your lordship will be happy and give us prosperity.	五音紛兮繁會 君欣欣兮樂康

顯志賦: A Rhapsody Showing Ambition

"A Rhapsody Showing Ambition" Feng Yan	顯志賦 馮衍
Master Feng has virtues of noble character, and thus he doesn't deign to be the common jade, nor does he condescend to be the banal stone. (Note 1)	馮子以為夫人之德 不碌碌如玉 落落如石
With the rush of wind clouds will rise, sometimes a dragon will take the form of a snake, the Great Way is the path we take to soar, and the Opportune Time is the point we change, thus, how can a man stay constant throughout his life?	風興雲蒸 一龍一蛇 與道翱翔 與時變化 夫豈守一節哉
"If one was appointed to a position of power, then he should show his full talents; if one were ignored by those in power, then he should hide his abilities"; one's advancement and recession is uncontrollable, and thus one must conform and attune at will. (Note 2)	用之則行 舍之則臧 進退無主 屈申無常
Thus, they say that, "The existence of a law is not enough to make it the absolute law, for it is the temperament of the times that judges its value; The existence of a rule is not enough to make it the absolute rule, for it is the situation of the ruled that must accommodate it." (Note 3)	故曰 有法無法 因時為業 有度無度 與物趣舍
"One should seek true fortune in the practice the Way, rather than to seek fame in mundanity; one should ignore the irrelevant rituals, and be unrestrained by the business of mortals. (Note 4)	常務道德之實 而不求當世之名 闊略杪小之禮 蕩佚人間之事
To walk with my head held high, calmly doing as I pleased." (Note 5)	正身直行 恬然肆志
Even though he loved such transcendent advice, the Times do not allow him to live it for himself; thus he can only sigh, paining for not living at the right time.	顧嘗好俶儻之策 時莫能聽用其謀 喟然長嘆 自傷不遭
For a long time he was stuck in this lowly position, and was unable to show his true abilities.	久棲遲於小官 不得舒其所懷
He thus had to restrain his heart and break his pride, despite his mind being trapped in loneliness and his spirit in sorrow.	抑心折節 意悽情悲
They say those who are noble would not linger on the profits of a pig or chicken; those who are affluent would not barter for a beggar's single coin.	夫伐冰之家 不利鷄豚之息 委積之臣 不操市井之利
But even though he served the government and collected its salary for twenty-odd years, his treasury only dwindled, and his residence grew more destitute.	況歷位食祿二十餘年 而財產益狹 居處益貧
But if a man of virtue has been appointed to rule, then he must act accordingly to the Great Way.	惟夫君子之仕 行其道也
Those who worry about worldly affairs cannot truly show their virtue, and those who seek only for themselves cannot expect any true accomplishment.	慮時務者不能興其德 為身求者不能成其功
He had left his home and returned many times, and traveled across the several prefectures.	去而歸家 復羈旅於州郡
The higher his position became, the poorer his family became.	身愈據職 家彌窮困
He was never able to escape the torment of hunger, and suffered the calamity of losing his firstborn son.	卒離飢寒之災 有喪元子之禍
His ancestor was a general that was buried close to the Wei Tomb, in his sorrow of the death of Emperor Yuan, and he converted it into a residence. (Note 6)	先將軍葬渭陵 哀帝之崩也 營之以為園
Thus he now lived East of Xinfeng, the highlands of Hongmen, between Shouan, where the land is wide, and roads lead in all directions.	於是以新豐之東 鴻門之上 壽安之中 地埶高敞 四通廣大
To the south he could see Mount Li, to the North he could see the Rivers Jing and Wei, to the East he could see the Yellow River, North of the Dragon Gate, with roads leading to the former Wei, Zhao and Han, (Note 7) to the west he could see the ancient cities of Feng and Hao, the past glories of Zhou and Qin, (Note 8) as a stranger he viewed the ruins, extending his sight out thousands of miles away, to survey the ancient capital, and finalized his decision to live here.	南望酈山 北屬涇渭 東瞰河華 龍門之陽 三晉之路 西顧鄷鄗 周秦之丘 客觀之墟 通視千里 覽見舊都 遂定塋焉
Now he had retired, as the loyal retainer that must cry in pain viewing the ruins of the lands of his lord, as the filial son that must sigh in sorrow upon entering the old chamber of his father.	退而幽居 蓋忠臣過故墟而歔欷 孝子入 舊室而哀嘆
Often he remembered his ancestors, who have created greatness before him, and bestowed accomplishments for their posterity; but due to the calamity of the Times, their graves are now overgrown with weed, their fire of offering have died out long ago, and their steles are no longer properly arrayed.	每念祖考 著盛德於前 垂鴻烈於後 遭時之禍 墳墓蕪穢 春秋蒸嘗 昭穆無列
With his life waning away into old age, he was saddened at his lack of achievement, thus he farmed and herded in the western fields, to raise livestock, to fulfill his filial piety, to construct his ancestral temple, and to sacrifice for his ancestors.	年衰歲暮 悼無成功 將西田牧肥饒之野 殖生產 修孝道 營宗 廟 廣祭祀
He then began instructing others in the way of virtue, to survey the thoughts of Confucius and Laozi, to live the fortunes of the transcendents. (Note 9)	然後闔門講習道德 觀覽乎孔老之論 庶幾乎松喬之福
He ascended the slopes, and climbed the plateaus, to allow his spirit to wander the universe, and his eyes to survey the earth.	上隴阪 陟高岡 遊精宇宙 流目八紘
He observed the mountains and rivers of all of China, and chased the bygones of the ancient days.	歷觀九州山川之體 追覽上古得失之風
He decried the loss of the Way, and the destruction of the Virtues.	湣道陵遲 傷德分崩
A man must return to the beginning to understand the end, thus heaven preserved those men to speak of the Way.	夫睹其終必原其始 故存其人而詠其道
As he arrayed the fields beneath him, he commanded the mountains nearby, with that he began thinking of ascending to above the clouds. (Note 10)	疆理九野 經營五山 眇然有思陵雲之意
Thus he composed this rhapsody (Note 11) to encourage himself, and named it "Showing Ambition".	乃作賦自厲 命其篇曰 顯志
What "Showing Ambition" speaks of is his desire to glorify the common decency, and manifest his truly marvelous thoughts.	顯志者 言光明風化之情 昭章玄 妙之思也
His words are:	其辭曰
"It is the springtime of a new year, and the flowers have not bloomed still.	開歲發春兮 百卉含英
It is the morning of conquest, and I hurriedly advanced towards the west. (Note 12)	甲子之朝兮 汩吾西征
I departed towards Xifeng, and wandered near the ancient capital of Hao.	發軔新豐兮 裴回鎬京
I sighed as I ascended Feilian, and I sorrowed as I climbed Pingyang.	陵飛廉而太息兮 登平陽而懷傷
I pained at the hardships of this time of trouble, and I sorrowed at the ever-changing tastes of the world.	悲時俗之險阨兮 哀好惡之無常
For it discarded the measure in favor of estimation, and it swayed without principle with fate.	棄衡石而意量兮 隨風波而飛揚
Many crowded towards power and fortune, and it favored sycophants and hated dissidence;	紛綸流於權利兮 親雷同而妒異
For those who are righteous and favored the ancient ways, how can the current times favor them?	獨耿介而慕古兮 豈時人之所憙
They profaned the words of the ancient sages, and beatified the ways of the current philosophy, (Note 13)	沮先聖之成論兮 ⤧名賢之高風
They ignored the beauty of Virtue, and focused on the pleasures of affluence."	忽道德之珍麗兮 務富貴之樂耽
I wandered along the great Way, and I trod the depths of Confucius's virtue;	遵大路而裴回兮 履孔德之窈冥
As for those it dazzled the unlearned, how can I ignore it completely?	固眾夫之所眩兮 孰能觀於無形
To be embroiled in misfortune despite my righteousness, it is not something unknown to my forefathers;	行勁直以離尤兮 羌前人之所有
Upon reflection I remain without regret, and thus I settled on my ambition without possibility of change.	內自省而不慙兮 遂定志而弗改
Happiness is the sages whom I accompanied in their way, but pitiful is the difficulty of my life; (Note 14)	欣吾黨之唐虞兮 湣吾生之愁勤
Thus I devoted myself to show my spirit, to dispel the worry within my heart.	聊發憤而揚情兮 將以蕩夫憂心
One cannot reach for those already gone, and one cannot plan for a meeting with those yet to come;	往者不可攀援兮 來者不可與期
I censured this endless impropriety, but I can find no reason to leave."	病沒世之不稱兮 願橫逝而無由

"I reached the altar of heaven in my wandering, and I passed Lueyang without return.	陟雍畤而消搖兮 超略陽而不反"
I sorrowed at my life nearing its end, and I grieved at my relations leaving me further behind.	念人生之不再兮 悲六親之日遠
I climbed the Nine Zong Mountains to witness their jagged height, and I heard the waves of the Rivers Jing and Wei.	陟九嵕而臨Ḛ嶭兮 聽涇渭之波聲
Tears rolled down my cheek as I surveyed Hongmen, as I cried for my loneliness and early withering.	顧鴻門而歔欷兮 哀吾孤之早零
I asked for the reason for the pollution of the Way of Heaven, as it has punished my lineage so?	何天命之不純兮 信吾罪之所生
I hurt for the innocence of honesty and good heart, and that feeling I send to the Abyss along with this hate.	傷誠善之無辜兮 齊此恨而入冥
I sighed at my short-sighted thoughts, how could I regret my defeat like this?	嗟我思之不遠兮 豈敗事之可悔
Even in certain death I dare not rest, for I feared that calamity remains still around me.	雖九死而不眠兮 恐餘殃之有再
My tears flowed like the rain gathering, and sorrow condensed like a cloak of clouds.	淚汍瀾而雨集兮 氣滂浡而雲披
Rage gathered in my heart until I could no longer release, and my spirit is repressed by the sorrow within."	心怫鬱而紆結兮 意沈抑而內悲

"I watched the steepness of the Taihang Mountains, and viewed the height of the Hukou pass;	瞰太行之嵯峨兮 觀壺口之崢嶸
I pained at my ancestral tomb overgrown with weed, and I regretted their steles now in disarray.	悼丘墓之蕪穢兮 恨昭穆之不榮
As time flies by I grow older, and gradually my life fades away;	歲忽忽而日邁兮 壽冉冉其不與
I was ashamed that I made no accomplishments, and I returned to my ancestor's plains in solitude.	恥功業之無成兮 赴原野而窮處
In the olden days Yi Yin served his lord Tang, but only until the age of 70 was he accepted into council. (Note 15)	昔伊尹之幹湯兮 七十說而乃信
Gao Yao fished at the great Thunder Marsh, and it was Shun's lordship that brought him to power. (Note 16)	皋陶釣於靁澤兮 賴虞舜而後親
I didn't have the fortune of these two men, and thus I am not in the imperial court despite my talents;	無二士之遭遇兮 抱忠貞而莫達
Thus I must farm with my wife and son, forsaking my talent and not praise it. (Note 17)	率妻子而耕耘兮 委厥美而不伐
The Great Hound is repressed and unable to roam, and the Legendary Horse is trapped and unable to gallop; (Note 18)	韓廬抑而不縱兮 騏驥絆而不試
I alone in high spirits surveyed the distance, and I see what no unlearned can understand.	獨慷慨而遠覽兮 非庸庸之所識
I belittled Zigong's materialism, and I valued Yanhui's literary desires;	卑衛賜之阜貨兮 高顏回之所慕
I valued my ancestor's great accomplishments, and thus I finished my life on their path.	重祖考之洪烈兮 故收功於此路
I followed the Seasons as they changed, and I discerned the transmutation of the elements; (Note 19)	循四時之代謝兮 分五土之刑德
I identified the creatures that lived in the wilderness, and I researched the inhabitants of the rivers and springs.	相林麓之所產兮 嘗水泉之所殖
I practiced the original craft of the Agricultural God, and I studied the methodologies of the Ancestral Lord; (Note 20)	修神農之本業兮 採軒轅之奇策
I pieced together the remaining teachings of the Zhou Sages, and I unearthed the arcana of the Merchant Sage. (Note 21)	追周棄之遺教兮 軼範蠡之絕跡
I climbed Mt. Long to look even further, and I was able to see all of China and beyond;	陟隴山以隃望兮 眇然覽於八荒
As the wind screeched and grew greater, my heart's sorrow followed its trend.	風波飄其並興兮 情惆悵而增傷
I watched the greatness of the Yellow River and Mount Hua, and I sought out the lost realms of Qin and Jin.	覽河華之泱漭兮 望秦晉之故國
I raged at the failure of my ancestor Feng Ting's plan, and I angered at the unjust slaying of my ancestor Feng Quji." (Note 22)	憤馮亭之不遂兮 慍去疾之遭惑

"I wandered the five cardinal mountains to widen my view, and I circled between Jieshi and Dongting; (Note 23)	流山嶽而周覽兮 徇碣石與洞庭
I floated on the Great Yellow and Yangtze into the Great Sea, and I fought against the current up the Rivers Huai and Ji.	浮江河而入海兮 泝淮濟而上征
I saw the ancient dwellings of the States Yan and Qi, and I passed by the famed capitals of the States Song and Chu;	瞻燕齊之舊居兮 歷宋楚之名都
I was saddened at the lack of sacrifice from their descendants, and I pained at them being reduced to ruins.	哀羣後之不祀兮 痛列國之為墟
As I rushed past all of China rising and falling with the slopes, the roads became curved and difficult to navigate;	馳中夏而升降兮 路紆軫而多艱
I spread the wisdom of the sages, but my heart raged at the dissent returning to me.	講聖哲之通論兮 心愊憶而紛紜
The Way of Heaven is one true path, but the rulers all take a different way;	惟天路之同軌兮 或帝王之異政
The Sage Kings Yao and Shun showed that path brilliantly, and the Great Yu takes the crown amongst peace.	堯舜煥其蕩蕩兮 禹承平而革命
Night and Day I pondered in seclusion, but I can only live in fear and worry;	並日夜而幽思兮 終悇憛而洞疑
The beauty of the Sage King Gaoyang's rule is so transcendent, what on earth could possibly speak of it? (Note 24)	高陽⤧其超遠兮 世孰可以論茲
I interrogated King Qi of Xia in the sweet rain, as I pained for the fall of the ruler's grace, (Note 25)	訊夏啓於甘澤兮 傷帝典之始傾
I praised the virtue-laden reigns of Kings Cheng and Kang of Zhou, as the notes of "South Wind" rang with my song. (Note 26)	頌成康之載德兮 詠南風之歌聲
I remember the kindness of the Sage Kings Yao and Shun, and I besought for the friendship of the Sage Lords Ji and Xie; (Note 27)	思唐虞之晏晏兮 揖稷契與為朋
Their lineages grow and prospered, until their final ascension as Kings Tang of Shang and Wu of Zhou.	苗裔紛其條暢兮 至湯武而勃興
Even though these great lineages are all beatified now, they suffered calamity at the end of each age;	昔三後之純粹兮 每季世而窮禍
I prayed for the Xia lineage that ended at Tyrant Jie's grave at Nanchao, as I cried for the Shang lineage that ended at Tyrant Zhou's defeat at Muye. (Note 28)	弔夏桀於南巢兮 哭殷紂於牧野
I offered to the Great Minister Yiyin at Bojiao, as I sacrificed for the Great Commander Jiang Ziya at Fengzhou, (Note 29)	詔伊尹於亳郊兮 享呂望於鄷州
Their accomplishments are as brilliant as the sun and moon, and their fame is as well-known as the Three Sage Kings themselves."	功與日月齊光兮 名與三王爭流

"Yangzhu cried on the open street, and Mozi sobbed into his white silk;	楊朱號乎衢路兮 墨子泣乎白絲
For they knew that constant influence will eventually alter, and they resented Creation's mishandling of such things.	知漸染之易性兮 怨造作之弗思
I beatified the greater meaning behind the Poem Guanju, and I decried the collapse of the Regal Way;(Note 30)	美關雎之識微兮 湣王道之將崩
I promoted the great virtue of King Kang of Zhou, as I collected the tarnished accomplishments of Dukes Huan of Qi and Wen of Jin.(Note 31)	拔周唐之盛德兮 捃桓文之譎功
I raged at the endless calamities of the Warring States, and I hated ministers of power abusing their authority;	忿戰國之遘禍兮 憎權臣之擅彊
I annulled the title of the Viscount of Chu at his southern capital of Ying, and I captured Minister Wu of the Zhao Clan at his meeting in Xiuliang.(Note 32)	黜楚子於南郢兮 執趙武於溴梁
I praised loyalty and trustworthiness that righted the Times, and I hated the trickery that polluted it;	善忠信之救時兮 惡詐謀之妄作
I visited Shenshu at the borders of the States Chen and Cai, and I captured Xunxi in the outskirts of the states Yu and Guo. (Note 33)	聘申叔於陳蔡兮 禽荀息於虞虢
I condemned Li Chu's hindrance of Confucius in Lu, and I attacked the ignorance of Zang Cang; (Note 34)	誅犁鋤之介聖兮 討臧倉之愬知
I mocked Zifan's foolishness at Pengcheng, and I rewarded Guan Zhong with a normal ceremony. (Note 35)	ᢀ子反於彭城兮 爵管仲於夷儀
I decried at the continued spread of the fires of war, and I pained at the growth of belligerency;	疾兵革之寖滋兮 苦攻伐之萌生
I drowned Sun Tzu in the five lakes, and I beheaded Bai Qi at Changping. (Note 36)	沈孫武於五湖兮 斬白起於長平
I hated the tricks and stratagems that disrupted the peace of the world, and I decried the School of Diplomacy annihilating the ancient traditions; (Note 37)	惡叢巧之亂世兮 毒縱橫之敗俗
I exiled Su Qin to the River Huan, and I imprisoned Zhang Yi in the Gui Valley. (Note 38)	流蘇秦於洹水兮 幽張儀於鬼谷
I saw clearly the weakening of the rule of Virtue, and I saw the strengthening of law and punishment; (Note 39)	澄德化之陵遲兮 烈刑罰之峭峻
I burned the laws of Shang Yang, and I charred the theories of Han Fei. (Note 40)	燔商鞅之法術兮 燒韓非之說論
I condemned the tyranny of the First Emperor, and I banished Li Si to the end of the earth; (Note 41)	誚始皇之跋扈兮 投李斯於四裔
They destroyed the sacred rules of the Sage Kings, and they only caused endless calamity.	滅先王之法則兮 禍寖淫而弘大
I reinforced the ancient sages towards the center of power, and I corrected the haughtiness and wastefulness of the two Lords;	援前聖以制中兮 矯二主之驕奢
I invited Nǚ Qi to a feast at the Jiang Terrace, and I hosted Jiao Ju at Zhanghua. (Note 42)	饁女齊於絳臺兮 饗椒舉於章華
I released the light of virtue all across the land, to dispel the dark winds of a decaying world;	摛道德之光耀兮 匡衰世之眇風
I praised the Duke Xiang of Song's mercy at Hong Valley, and I beatified Ji Zha at Yanling. (Note 43)	裦宋襄於泓谷兮 表季劄於延陵
I raised the essence of benevolence and intelligence, to embolden the waves within the disrupted state.	摭仁智之英華兮 激亂國之末流
I watched the gentlemen of Zheng at the Rivers Zheng and Wei, and I visited Yan Ying at Yingqiu. (Note 44)	觀鄭僑於溱洧兮 訪晏嬰於營丘
As the sun set and night falls, I grew increasingly annoyed in the city;	日曀曀其將暮兮 獨於邑而煩惑
In the endless expanse of the Nine Realms, how can I not find North and South?	夫何九州之博大兮 迷不知路之南北
I mounted a white dragon to rush across the world, and the lush clouds accompanied me on my trip.	駟素虯而馳騁兮 乘翠雲而相佯
I stopped at the residence of Boyi, and I received enlightenment from Wu Guang. (Note 45)	就伯夷而折中兮 得務光而愈明
I saw Zigao tending the middle of his fields, and it was him, Bocheng, that calmed my thinking. (Note 46)	欸子高於中野兮 遇伯成而定慮
I admired the sacredness of their virtue, and it made me unwilling to leave.	欽真人之德美兮 淹躊躇而弗去
As I lingered around not knowing what to do, I waited for the whirlwind hesitantly;	意斟愖而不澹兮 俟回風而容與
I sought out the residence of Shan Juan, and I encountered Xu You at Fushu. (Note 47)	求善卷之所存兮 遇許由於負黍
I stopped my chariot at Qi Yang, and fed my horse at Ying Hu.	軔吾車於箕陽兮 秣吾馬於潁滸
As I finally heard the sacred words and understood them, I rushed in my desire to return home."	聞至言而曉領兮 還吾反乎故宇

"As I surveyed the arcana of Heaven and Earth, I controlled the grand plan for everything in creation.	覽天地之幽奧兮 統萬物之維綱
I had understood the transformation of Yin and Yang, and I have shown the radiance of the Five Elements.	究陰陽之變化兮 昭五德之精光
As the Green Dragon rose from the sea, I kept the White Tiger in the Gold Mountain.	躍青龍於滄海兮 豢白虎於金山
I carved my residence into the ancient stones, and with its height and sunshine I began my transcendence.	鑿巖石而為室兮 託高陽以養仙
The divine sparrow flew above the infinite heights, as the great turtle nested in the abyss;	神雀翔於鴻崖兮 玄武潛於嬰冥
As I stood on the red pagoda to survey my surroundings, I collected the essence of the Lingzhi.	伏朱樓而四望兮 采三秀之華英
As I inherited the behavior of my ancient sages, I showed the accomplishment of the long past,	篡前修之誇節兮 曜往昔之光勳
I wore the finest raiment of the seasons, and I radiated the aura of Qu Yuan. (Note 48)	披綺季之麗服兮 揚屈原之靈芬
I wore the tallest crown, and I had the longest belt;	高吾冠之岌岌兮 長吾佩之洋洋
I drank the essence of the six essences, and I tasted the blossoms of the five Lizhi." (Note 49)	飲六醴之清液兮 食五芝之茂英

"Raise that orange sixfold fence, and build the home of sweet grass; (Note 50)	揵六枳而為籬兮 築蕙若而為室
Sow those fragrant flowers in the courtyard, and array the gardens with wild ginger. (Note 51)	播蘭芷於中庭兮 列杜衡於外術
Gather the lily along with the parsley, and collect the magnolia along with the wood-orchid; (Note 52)	攢射幹雜蘼蕪兮 搆木蘭與新夷
Shining brightly in its everlasting radiance, and perfuming fragrantly in its spreading beauty;	光扈扈而煬燿兮 紛鬱鬱而暢美
That beautiful light has been scattered, and I became confused and self-depreciating;	華芳曄其發越兮 時恍忽而莫貴
It was not because of my rocky life, but rather I pitied the withering of virtues.	非惜身之埳軻兮 憐眾美之憔悴
I allowed my spirit to wander in the cosmos, and I resisted the lure of the mysterious marvels;	遊精神於大宅兮 抗玄妙之常操
I stayed in serenity to nurture my ambition, and it is my real happiness.	處清靜以養志兮 實吾心之所樂
It was that tall mountain that reached heaven, and it was that deep wood that grows lush; (Note 53)	山峨峨而造天兮 林冥冥而暢茂
Peaks survey the panoramic to search for its peers, and deers cry to search for its mate. (Note 54)	巒回翔索其羣兮 鹿哀鳴而求其友
I recited the arcane words to scatter my thoughts, and I searched for the sages to calm my spirit.	誦古今以散思兮 覽聖賢以自鎮
I commended Confucius for knowing his own fate, and I extolled Laozi for his value of the unknown.	嘉孔丘之知命兮 大老聃之貴玄
I wondered for the more valued between Virtue and Way, and I pondered for the dearer between my life and my fame.	德與道其孰寳兮 名與身其孰親
I stayed near the slopes of a valley to seek solitude, and I guarded that solitude to collect my soul.	陂山谷而閒處兮 守寂寞而存神
Just like Zhuangzi preferring his fishing rod, and not the positions of great power that was offered.	夫莊周之釣魚兮 辭卿相之顯位
With Yulingzizhong's resolve to garden, I thus traced the paths of the transcendent.	於陵子之灌園兮 似至人之髣髴
For those who transcended via the route of poverty, it was the ultimate understanding that guided their way;	蓋隱約而得道兮 羌窮悟而入術
They were thus able to leave the abyss of mundanity, and gain the virtues of the greats before them. (Note 55)	離塵垢之窈冥兮 配喬松之妙節
But as to what my ambitions truly wished for, it was truly different from the common desire.	惟吾志之所庶兮 固與俗其不同
It was truly transcendent and high-reaching, and I wish for you to see its entirety."	既俶儻而高引兮 願觀其從容

1. This is a quote from the Laozi, Chapter 39. James Legge translates this as "They do not wish to show themselves elegant-looking as jade, but (prefer) to be coarse-looking as an (ordinary) stone." I however do not agree with this interpretation based on the context of the Fu, as it is decrying the lack of recognition for Feng Xi's talent, in which case how can he say that he doesn't want to be "elegant-looking"? The meaning of "碌碌", according to zdic, is also meaning "rocky" or "commonplace". These transitions to another point: Jade doesn't have to be "elegant-looking". Some commonplace jade items are earthen brown than the usual green we know of high-quality Jadeite, and thus Feng Xi could be quoting this to distance himself completely from the commons.
2. This is a quote from the Analects, chapter 7.
3. This is a quote from the Shiji, Chapter 130.
4. The choice of word "fortune" here is to parallel with the "fame", as the original Chinese has a parallel of "名" and "實".
5. I put these in quotes because the following lines decry his lack of recognition, which is not consistent with the earlier "not to seek fame" part. Thus, even though there's no precedent text that uses these lines to my knowledge, it feels like Feng Xi is still quoting something rather than saying his own thoughts.
6. The Emperor Yuan is buried at the Wei Tomb, but the original work doesn't mention Emperor Yuan explicitly.
7. I chose "Wei, Zhao and Han" instead of "Three Jin's" because the former is more easily accepted as place names.
8. Feng and Hao are two capitals of the Zhou Dynasty, so instead of the "hills" of Zhou and Qin, I chose the "past glories" to represent the feeling of loss.
9. I have taken "松喬" here, which refers to 赤松子and 王子喬 to be a generalized "Taoist immortals/transcendents" meaning here. I chose "Transcendent" over "Immortal" because most Taoist Transcendents actually do have a finite (albeit long) lifespan.
10. At this part he begins to act like an emperor, using words like 疆理 and 經營, as well as the parallelism 九五, which is another Imperial sign, it becomes clear that he began to slip into illusions of grandeur, which is the source of this rhapsody.
11. I believe the term "Rhapsody" is the most accurate here, as a piece of imagination.
12. The first phrase seemingly refers to the battle of Muye, where King Wu of Zhou conquered the Shang. This is seemingly supported by his quoting of Qu Yuan's "Summoning of Spirits", as the word "attack" (征) also appears. Thus, I decided to incorporate that second meaning more openly into this phrase.
13. I took "名賢" to mean "current philosophy", which is in opposing parallel to "ancient sages". This kind of parallel is also preserved in the next line, which led to this choice.
14. The only explanation for 吾黨which makes sense in the context is "our way/methods", rather than "our neighbors/comrades". This also parallels with 吾生
15. Yi Yin was King Tang of Shang's prime minister.
16. Gao Yao is the ancient Emperor Shun's minister of justice.
17. 委厥美is a quote from the Li Sao, which Steven Owens chose to mean "forsaking (its) beauty", and thus instead of "lumbering" for 伐, I took it to mean "self-praise", and thus instead of "beauty", I believe he's referring to his talent or virtue, which he clearly values more in context.
18. 韓廬 is a reference to the Zhan Guo Ce, Chapter 3 of Qi,where it explains as "韓子盧者 天下之疾犬也", meaning some kind of great hound. This is in parallel to 騏驥, a mighty horse.
19. While "五土" doesn't necessarily mean "the five elements", both its parallelism to "四時" and the usage of "刑德" which in the context of elements means 相生相剋 supports that meaning. I chose "transmutation" because in the west there's no real parallel to the Chinese concept of 五行相生相剋, and "transmutation" is the closest.
20. I chose "Ancestral Lord" here to represent the Yellow Emperor, since he does not have an easily identifiable godhood, and I need it to parallel with Yandi's role as the god of agriculture and medicine.
21. I replaced Fan Li with his title of "Merchant Sage" in parallel to "Zhou Teachings".
22. I believe "Quji" here refers specifically to the Qin Prime Minister 馮去疾. Along with 馮亭, who premeditated the exchange of land that led to the Battle of Changping, both of these people have the surname Feng, the same as the author, so it is presumed that he sees them as ancestors.
23. Since Jieshi is hundreds of miles away from Lake Dongting, I took this phrase to mean that he thought he wandered through all of China.
24. This echo's Qu Yuan's Li Sao, where Qu Yuan heaps praise on his ancestor the Emperor Gaoyang.
25. I took 訢here to mean "interrogation" in the Western Zhou sense, to parallel with "praise" in the next verse.
26. South Wind is said to be written by Shun.
27. I used "Sage Lords" since while both Ji and Xie are sagely figures of ancient china, neither are actual Kings.
28. Both 弔 and 哭 suggest that Feng Yan was crying in a funeral context, not for the actual tyrants themselves but the end of their sagely lineage.
29. I took "詔" to mean "招魂", or soul summoning, here, to parallel the "sacrifice to" in the second half.
30. Guanju is the first poem of the Classic of Poetry, which was said to signify Zhou thought.
31. Wang Xianqian believes the 周唐 here actually is a mistake in transcribing 周康, or King Kang of Zhou. The "tarnished accomplishment" I believe is a judgment call on hegemony, which is ultimately against the teachings of the Zhou Rites.
32. The "Viscount of Chu" refers to the Kings of Chu, who all have overstepped their authority by declaring themselves King. Minister Wu of Zhao refers to Zhao Wu, the head of the Zhao Clan, that usurped power in the Jin State in the Spring and Autumn. Xiuliang is the beginning of the Zhaos completely eclipsing the Jin Dukes.
33. Shenshu refers to Shenshu Zhan, who saved his friend from certain death, Xunxi is a Minister of Jin that used trickery to conquer the States of Guo and Yu.
34. Li Chu (which should be written as 犁鉏) is a minister of Lu that prevented Confucius from taking power, Zang Cang prevented Duke Ping of Lu from meeting Mencius.
35. Zifan was a general of Chu who caused his king to lose an eye, Guan Zhong is a respected minister of Qi that helped his lord achieve hegemony.
36. Sun Tzu is the famed author of the Art of War, and the five lakes is an allegory to the state of Wu which he served. Bai Qi is the Qin General that won the Battle of Changping and was said to have slew over 400,000 prisoners, and his inclusion here has twofold meaning, both as a symbol of the excesses of war, and for revenge for Feng Yan's ancestor Feng Ting, whose plan of giving Shangdang to Zhao caused and was ultimately ruined by Bai Qi winning the Battle of Changping.
37. The School of Diplomacy favored diplomatic tactics that were part of a grand strategy of either allying the six weaker states of the Warring States, or having them individually ally with Qin. This school was often considered by Confuscianists to be tricksters and shameless people.
38. Su Qin and Zhang Yi were traditionally the two major factions of the School of Diplomacy, where Su Qin favors the Vertical, or allying the six weaker states against the Qin, and Zhang Yi favored the Horizontal, or having each state ally individualy with Qin. Gui Valley was the legendary location where both of them were educated by the Master of Gui Valley, but Zhang Yi's plan was seem as a response to Su Qin's, so Feng Yan figures he can stop both if he just exiled Su Qin and thus keeping Zhang Yi in the valley forever.
39. Here he attacks legalism, another traditional enemy of Confuscianism.
40. Shang Yang and Han Fei are among the most famous of legalists.
41. The First Emperor, Qin Shihuang, and his Prime Minister Li Si were also famous legalists.
42. Jiao Ju is a man famous for his strong bond with friends far away.
43. Duke Xiang of Song was known for his mercifulness, and Ji Zha was famous for giving up his right to the Wu Throne.
44. Zheng and Wei is a poem in the Classic of Poetry, under the Airs of Zheng. Yan Ying is a famous Prime Minister of Qi known for his righteousness and quick wit.
45. Boyi and Wuguang both forsook the throne that was offered to them, and was considered sagely for doing so.
46. Bocheng Zigao was another man who abdicated his throne when he felt that the Way of Heaven had fallen.
47. Both Shan Juan and Xu You rejected an offer to be king, and was considered sagely for knowing their place.
48. The original is "aroma". This is likely a reference to Qu Yuan liking himself to a flower in his own works.
49. The "Six Essences" (六氣) are the six weather patterns recognized in ancient China, and I took it to mean essentially the same as "essence of heaven and earth".
50. Orange here is the Trifoliate Orange (Poncirus trifoliata), the sweet grass refers to both the Hui Cao (Lysimachia foenumgraecum Hance) and the Pollia japonica. I generalized it to "sweet grass" here to preserve the parallelism between 六柑 and 蕙若, even though the former is one plant and the latter is two.
51. Fragrant Flowers here refer to the Orchid and Angelica dahurica, again two plants in parallel with the one plant in the gardens, the Asarum forbesii. This plant's genus, Asarum, is that of "Wild Ginger". All of these plants appear frequently in the Chuci, but unfortunately the implications cannot be imparted into English verse.
52. The "lily" is specifically the leopard lily (Iris domestica), 蘼蕪on the other hand is Ligusticum wallichii Franch, having no common English name with it, its genus, or tribe. Its family is commonly known as carrot or parsley, but here 蘼蕪 is an herb, while carrot isn't, so parsley is chosen. Both 木蘭 and 新夷 refer to the same plant, but there is again a parallel structure here, so I've chosen to name 新夷 "wood-orchid", as it could be the bud of a Magnolia liliiflora.
53. 造here I took in the context of 造訪, because of the parallel structure with 暢茂
54. Since 巒 has to be parallel with 鹿 here, I took the 囬翔 to mean "look all around" rather than the usual meaning of a bird circling.
55. 喬松appears again here, but because the context was already talking about transcendents, I generalized it to "greaters before".