李密［西晋］《陈情表》（2）（罗经国 英译）

逮奉圣朝，沐浴清化［15］。前太守臣逵［16］，察臣孝廉［17］；后刺史臣荣［18］，举臣秀才［19］。臣以供养无主，辞不赴命。诏书特下，拜臣郎中［20］，寻蒙国恩［21］，除臣洗马［22］。猥以微贱［23］，当侍东宫［24］，非臣陨首所能上报［25］。臣具以表闻，辞不就职。诏书切峻［26］，责臣逋慢［27］；郡县逼迫，催臣上道；州司临门［28］，急于星火。臣欲奉诏奔驰，则刘病日笃［29］，欲苟顺私情［30］，则告诉不许。臣之进退，实为狼狈。

Immersed in the enlightenment of Your Majesty's just and wise rule, I was first recommended as xiaolian (1) by Prefect Kui, and then as xiucai (2) by Cish Rong of the District (3). I declined both offers on the ground that I had to look after my grandmother. Then your imperial edict came, offering me the position of langzhong (4), and later further granting me the imperial favor that I, your humble servant, was appointed xianma (5) to serve His Highness. Even if I should have my head cut off, I could hardly express my gratitude for Your Majesty's great favor. I have written to Your Majesty a letter declining this offer. Another edict came, which, in severe terms, criticized me for my hesitation. Both the magistrates of the prefecture and the county urged me to set off immediately. Then the governor of the District came to my house, commanding me to start without delay. I should have done so but my grandmother's failing health detained me. I appealed to them, begging for their sympathy, but they were adamant. I am in a dilemma, knowing not what to do.

(1)Xiaolian was an official position, recommended by the local government for one's filial piety and moral records.

(2)Xiucai, an official position, was recommended by local governments.

(3)Cishi was an official in the administrative district, who was in charge of military and administrative affairs. Here the "District" refers to the administrative district.

(4)Langzhong was an official waiting on the emperor and was in charge of administrative work.

(5)Xianma was an attendant who served the Prince.

【注释】

［15］清化：清明的政治教化。

［16］太守：郡的地方长官。

［17］察：考察。这里是推举的意思。孝廉：当时推举人才的一种科目，“孝”指孝顺父母，“廉”指品行廉洁。

［18］刺史：州的地方长官。

［19］秀才：当时地方推举优秀人才的一种科目，由州推举，与后来经过考试的秀才不同。

［20］拜：授官。郎中：官名。晋时各部有郎中。

［21］寻：不久。

［22］除：任命官职。洗马：官名。太子的属官，在宫中服役，掌管图书。［23］猥：辱。自谦之词。

［24］东宫：太子居住的地方。这里指太子。

［25］陨（ｙǔｎ允）首：丧命。

［26］切峻：急切严厉。

［27］逋慢：回避怠慢。

［28］州司：州官。

［29］日笃：日益沉重。

［30］苟顺：姑且迁就。