Remembering Former Days

惜往日之曾信兮，受命诏以昭时。

I cherish the former days when I was trusted, receiving commands to bring clarity to government.

奉先功以照下兮，明法度之嫌疑。

I carried forward the predecessors' achievements and clarified uncertainties in law and rule.

国富强而法立兮，属贞臣而日竢。

The state grew rich and strong, its rules established; affairs were entrusted to faithful servants and results awaited daily.

秘密事之载心兮，虽过失犹弗治。

I kept confidential matters in my heart; even errors were not pursued.

心纯庞而不泄兮，遭谗人而嫉之。

Sincere and careful not to reveal secrets, I nevertheless met the slanderers' jealousy.

君含怒而待臣兮，不清澈其然否。

The ruler faced his servant in anger, without finding out whether the charges were true.

蔽晦君之聪明兮，虚惑误又以欺。

They clouded his understanding, confusing, misleading and deceiving him with empty words.

弗参验以考实兮，远迁臣而弗思。

Without comparing evidence to establish the facts, he banished his servant far away and thought of him no more.

信谗谀之浑浊兮，盛气志而过之。

Believing muddy slander and flattery, he let anger swell and blamed his servant.

何贞臣之无罪兮，被离谤而见尤。

Why must an innocent, faithful servant suffer slander and be accused?

惭光景之诚信兮，身幽隐而备之。

Before sun and moon my sincerity feels shamed; in concealment I endure it all.

临沅湘之玄渊兮，遂自忍而沉流。

I come to the dark depths of the Yuan and Xiang and finally harden myself to sink into the current.

卒没身而绝名兮，惜壅君之不昭。

Though my body perish and my name end, I still grieve that the ruler is blocked from seeing clearly.

君无度而弗察兮，使芳草为薮幽。

Without a sound measure or examination, the ruler leaves fragrant herbs buried in dark marshes.

焉舒情而抽信兮，恬死亡而不聊。

Where can I unfold my true feelings and loyalty? Even facing death, I find no peace.

独障壅而弊隐兮，使贞臣为无由。

Blocked and hidden in exhaustion, the faithful servant has no way through.