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Three-Character Classic st.63-63, attrib. Wang Yinglin
63.
Study the history books,
Sift the veritable records
From ancient times till now—
Till it’s like you witnessed it.
读史书
考实录
通古今
若亲目
64.
Recite them with your mouth,
Ponder them in your heart—
Do this in the morning,
Do this in the evening.
口而诵
心而惟
朝于斯
夕于斯
65.
Confucius long ago
Took Xiang Tuo as his teacher—
The ancient sage, though able,
Still diligently learned.
昔仲尼
师项橐
古圣贤
尚勤学
66.
Zhao Pu as chancellor
Still read the Analects—
Already an official
Yet learned with diligence.
赵中令
读鲁论
彼既仕
学且勤
• 63: In addition to the official dynastic histories, the Veritable Records of each ruler from the first Liang Dynasty on were published after his/her death, being annals of the reign including all official documents. In other words, don’t just read the digests, long as they are—go to the primary sources. Which is a massive undertaking: Wu Zetian’s veritable records alone take 138 volumes. • 65: The rest of the poem is an exhortation via exempla to study hard, continuing the theme begun in st.2. • 66: Zhao Pu was chancellor to the first two Song emperors.
—L.
Study the history books,
Sift the veritable records
From ancient times till now—
Till it’s like you witnessed it.
读史书
考实录
通古今
若亲目
64.
Recite them with your mouth,
Ponder them in your heart—
Do this in the morning,
Do this in the evening.
口而诵
心而惟
朝于斯
夕于斯
65.
Confucius long ago
Took Xiang Tuo as his teacher—
The ancient sage, though able,
Still diligently learned.
昔仲尼
师项橐
古圣贤
尚勤学
66.
Zhao Pu as chancellor
Still read the Analects—
Already an official
Yet learned with diligence.
赵中令
读鲁论
彼既仕
学且勤
• 63: In addition to the official dynastic histories, the Veritable Records of each ruler from the first Liang Dynasty on were published after his/her death, being annals of the reign including all official documents. In other words, don’t just read the digests, long as they are—go to the primary sources. Which is a massive undertaking: Wu Zetian’s veritable records alone take 138 volumes. • 65: The rest of the poem is an exhortation via exempla to study hard, continuing the theme begun in st.2. • 66: Zhao Pu was chancellor to the first two Song emperors.
—L.
no subject
no subject