唐刘晏 方七岁 举神童 作正字
Liu Yen of the Tang dynasty
when only seven years of age,
was ranked as an "inspired child" (childprodigy)
and was appointed a Corrector of Texts.
彼虽幼 身己仕 尔幼学 勉而致
He, although a child,
was already in an official post.
You young learners
strive to bring about a like result.
有为者 亦若是
Those who work,
will also succeed as he did.
犬守夜 鸡司晨 苟不学 曷为人
The dog keep guard by night;
the cock proclaims the dawn.
If foolishly yo! u do not study,
how can you become men ?
蚕吐丝 蜂酿蜜 人不学 不如物
The silkworm produced silk,
the bee makes honey.
If man does not learn,
he is not equal to the brutes
幼而学 壮而行 上致君 下泽民
Learn while young,
and when grown up apply what you have learn;
influencing the soverign above,
benefitting the people below.
扬名声 显父母 光於前 裕於後
Make a name for yourselves,
and glority you father and mother.
shed lustre on your ancestors,
enrich your posterity.
人遗子 金满嬴 我教子 惟一经
Men bequeath to their children,
coffers of gold.
I teach you children,
only this book.
勤有功 戏无益 戒之哉 宜勉力
Diligence has its reward;
play has no advantages,
Oh, be on your guard,
and put forth your strength.