1-

The masses of cherry blossom
Are gleaming—”a gorgeous show.
And the wagtail upon the hillside
Is hurrying to and fro.

2-

There are no men equal to brothers.
When troubles and cares invade,
Friends sigh to show their compassion,
But offer no further aid.

3-

In the dreaded moments of mourning
Your brothers will share your pain ;
Should you fly from your home an outcast,
Will bring you back safe again.

4-

Though quarrels within the household
Arise to disturb our peace ;
Let insult from outside threaten,
We unite, and all discords cease.

5-

In the days of rest and enjoyment,—”
With disorder and death at end,—”
(Though fools deny it) a brother
Surpasses the dearest friend.

6-

Your board may be spread with dainties,
Your goblets with wine be crowned,
Yet ’tis only with brothers present
That lasting delight is found.

7-

The union of wife and children
Is music made by the lute.
He the concord of brothers added,
This music shall ne’er be mute.

8-

Rejoice in your well ruled household,
Your wife and your children too ;
But neglect not the counsel proffered :
You will find that my words are true.

From: The book of Chinese poetry: being the collection of ballads, sagas, hymns and other pieces known as The Shih Ching, Translation by Clement Francis Romilly Allen

常棣之華、鄂不韡韡。
凡今之人、莫如兄弟。

死喪之威、兄弟孔懷。
原隰裒矣、兄弟求矣。

脊今在原、兄弟急難。
每有良朋、況也永歎。

兄弟鬩于牆、外禦其務。
每有良朋、烝也無戎。

喪亂既平、既安且寧。
雖有兄弟、不如友生。

儐爾籩豆、飲酒之飫。
兄弟既具、和樂且孺。

妻子好合、如鼓瑟琴。
兄弟既翕、和樂且湛。

宜爾室家、樂爾妻帑。
是究是圖、亶其然乎。