Lament in Repeated Words

惜诵以致愍兮，发愤以抒情。

I treasure these repeated declarations, though they bring distress; in anguish I give voice to my true feelings.

所作忠而言之兮，指苍天以为正。

My deeds arise from loyalty; I speak of them and call on heaven to judge.

令五帝使折中兮，戒六神与向服。

Let the Five Emperors decide between right and wrong, and the six spirits attend my testimony.

俾山川以备御兮，命咎繇使听直。

Let the mountain and river spirits stand ready; let Gaoyao hear whether I am upright.

竭忠诚而事君兮，反离群而赘肬。

I serve my ruler with all my loyalty, yet am cast out like an unwanted growth.

忘儇媚以背众兮，待明君其知之。

Rejecting clever flattery, I differ from the crowd and wait for an enlightened ruler to understand.

言与行其可迹兮，情与貌其不变。

My words and deeds can be traced; my inward feelings and outward bearing remain consistent.

故相臣莫若君兮，所以证之不远。

Who better than the ruler can examine his servant? The proof need not be sought far away.

吾谊先君而后身兮，羌众人之所仇也。

My principle places the ruler before myself; this is what makes the crowd hate me.

专惟君而无他兮，又众兆之所雠也。

I think only of the ruler, without another purpose, yet the multitude treats me as an enemy.

壹心而不豫兮，羌无可保也。

My heart is single and unwavering, but nothing assures me of the ruler's mind.

疾亲君而无他兮，有招祸之道也。

Eager to be close to him, with no other motive, I find this very loyalty brings disaster.