Of old, Confucius,
took Hsiang T'o for his teacher.
The inspired men and sages of old,
studied diligently nevertheless.
Chao, president of the Council,
studied the Lu Test of the Analects.
He, when already an official,
studied and moreover, with diligence.
One opened out rushes and plaited them together,
another scraped tablets of bamboo.
These men had no books,
but they knew how to make an effort.
One tied his head to the beam above him;
another pricked his thigh with an awl.
They were not taught,
but toiled hard of their own accord.
Then we have one who put fireflies in a bag.
and again another who used the white glare from snow.
Although their families were poor,
these men studied unceasingly.
Again, there was one who carried fuel,
and another who used horns and pegs.
Although they toiled with their bodies,
they were nevertheless remarkable for their application.
Shu Lao-Chuan,
at the age of twenty-seven
at last began to show his energy,
and devote himself to the study of books.
Then when already past the age,
he deeply regretted his delay.
You little boys,
should take thought betimes.
Then there were Liang Hao,
who at the age of eighty-two,
made his replies to the great hall,
and came out first among many scholars.
When thus late he had succeeded,
all men pronounced him a prodigy.
You little boys,
should make up your minds to work.
Jung at eight of age,
could compose poetry.
Pi, at seven years of age,
could make an epigram on wei-ch'i.
These youths were quick of apprehension,
and people declared them to be prodigies.
You young learners,
ought to imitate them.
Ts'ai Wen-chi,
was able to judge from the sound of a psaltery.
Hsieh Tao-yun,
was able to compose verses.
They were only girls,
yet they were quick and clever.
You boys ought to
rouse yourselves.
Liu Yen of the Tang dynasty
when only seven years of age,
was ranked as an 'inspired child' (child prodigy)
and was appointed a Corrector of Texts.
He, although a child,
was already in an official post.
You young learners
strive to bring about a like result.
Those who work,
will also succeed as he did.
The dog keep guard by night;
the cock proclaims the dawn.
If foolishly you do not study,
how can you become men?
The silkworm produced silk,
the bee makes honey.
If man does not learn,
he is not equal to the brutes
Learn while young,
and when grown up apply what you have learn;
influencing the sovereign above,
benefiting the people below.
Make a name for yourselves,
and glorify you father and mother.
shed lustre on your ancestors,
enrich your posterity.
Men bequeath to their children,
coffers of gold.
I teach you children,
only this book.
Diligence has its reward;
play has no advantages,
Oh, be on your guard,
and put forth your strength.
