Embracing the Sand
Qu Yuan
The southern journey and its measures
A shape may be trimmed; first purpose need not change.
Darkness gives way to square, circle and ink-line, making self-explanation a question of standards.
A human recitation has not been added for this poem yet.
滔滔孟夏兮，草木莽莽。
Early summer rolls onward, and plants grow thick and flourishing.
伤怀永哀兮，汩徂南土。
Bearing lasting grief, I hurry toward the southern land.
眴兮杳杳，孔静幽默。
My gaze meets dim remoteness; everything is deeply still and silent.
郁结纡轸兮，离慜而长鞠。
Sorrow knots and winds within me; suffering keeps me bowed for long.
抚情效志兮，冤屈而自抑。
I examine my feelings and declare my purpose, restraining myself despite wrong and injustice.
刓方以为圜兮，常度未替。
They may trim a square into a circle, but my constant measure has not been abandoned.
易初本迪兮，君子所鄙。
To change the first intention and the right path is what a principled person despises.
章画志墨兮，前图未改。
I mark the rule and the ink-line; my former design remains unchanged.
内厚质正兮，大人所盛。
An inwardly generous, upright character is what people of great virtue cherish.
巧倕不斲兮，孰察其拨正。
If the skilled craftsman Chui does not use his axe, who can distinguish crooked from straight?
The images of craft establish a measure that pressure from outside has not abolished.