Shi Jing – The Book of Odes

I ascend that northern hill,
And gather the medlars.
An officer, strong and vigorous,
Morning and evening I am engaged in service.
The king's business is not to be slackly performed ;
And my parents are left in sorrow.

Under the wide heaven,
All is the king's land.
Within the sea-boundaries of the land,
All are the king's servants.
His great officers are unfair, –
Making me serve thus as if I alone were worthy.

My four horses never halt ;
The king's business allows no rest.
They praise me as not yet old ;
They think few like me in vigour.
While the backbone retains its strength,
I must plan and labour in all parts of the kingdom.

Some enjoy their ease and rest,
And some are worn out in the service of the State ;
Some rest and loll upon their couches,
And some never cease marching about.

Some never hear a sound,
And some are cruelly toiled ;
Some lazily roost, on their backs looking up,
And some are all-bustled in the service of the king.

Some indulge long in pleasure and drinking,
And some are miserable, in apprehension of blame ;
Some, at home and abroad, pass critical remarks,
And some have everything to do.

Legge 205