尚书 The Book of History -- 《顾命--Testamentary Charge》(James Legge 英译)(1)
顾命: 成王将崩,命召公、毕公率诸侯相康王,作《顾命》。
1
顾命: 惟四月,哉生魄,王不怿。甲子,王乃洮頮水。相被冕服,凭玉几。乃同,召太保奭、芮伯、彤伯、毕公、卫侯、毛公、师氏、虎臣、百尹、御事。
Testamentary Charge: In the fourth month, when the moon began to wane, the king was indisposed. On the day Jia-zi, he washed his hands and face; his attendants put on him his cap and robes; (and he sat up), leaning on a gem-adorned bench. He then called together the Grand-Guardian Shi, the earls of Rui and Tong, the duke of Bi, the marquis of Wei, the duke of Mao, the master of the warders, the master of the guards, the heads of the various departments, and the superintendents of affairs.
2
顾命: 王曰:“呜呼!疾大渐,惟几,病日臻。既弥留,恐不获誓言嗣,兹予审训命汝。昔君文王、武王宣重光,奠丽陈教,则肄肄不违,用克达殷集大命。
Testamentary Charge: The king said, 'Oh! my illness has greatly increased, and it will soon be over with me. The malady comes on daily with more violence, and maintains its hold. I am afraid I may not find (another opportunity) to declare my wishes about my successor, and therefore I (now) lay my charge upon you with special instructions. The former rulers, our kings Wen and Wu, displayed in succession their equal glory, making sure provision for the support of the people, and setting forth their instructions. (The people) accorded a practical submission, without any opposition, and the influence (of their example and instructions) extended to Yin, and the great appointment (of Heaven) was secured.
在后之侗,敬迓天威,嗣守文、武大训,无敢昏逾。今天降疾,殆弗兴弗悟。尔尚明时朕言,用敬保元子钊弘济于艰难,柔远能迩,安劝小大庶邦。思夫人自乱于威仪。尔无以钊冒贡于非几。”
After them, I, the stupid one, received with reverence the dread (decree) of Heaven, and continued to keep the great instructions of Wen and Wu, not daring blindly to transgress them. Now Heaven has laid affliction on me, and it seems as if I should not again rise or be myself. Do you take clear note of these my words, and in accordance with them watch reverently over my eldest son Zhao, and greatly assist him in the difficulties of his position. Be kind to those who are far off, and help those who are near. Promote the tranquillity of the states, small and great, and encourage them (to well-doing). I think how a man has to govern himself in dignity and with decorum; do not you allow Zhao to proceed heedlessly on the impulse of improper motives.'
兹既受命,还出缀衣于庭。越翼日乙丑,王崩。
Immediately on receiving this charge, (the ministers and others) withdrew. The tent was then carried out into the court; and on the next day, (being) Yi-chou, the king died.
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