| | 微子: |
殷既错天命，微子作诰父师、少师。 |
| | 微子: |
微子若曰：“父师、少师！殷其弗或乱正四方。我祖砥遂陈于上，我用沈酗于酒，用乱败厥德于下。殷罔不小大好草窃奸宄。卿士师师非度。凡有辜罪，乃罔恒获，小民方兴，相为敌仇。今殷其沦丧，若涉大水，其无津涯。殷遂丧，越至于今！” |
| Count of Wei: |
The Count of Wei spoke to the following effect: 'Grand-Master and Junior-Master, (the House of) Yin, we may conclude, can no longer exercise rule over the four quarters (of the kingdom). The great deeds of our founder were displayed in former ages, but by our maddened indulgence in spirits, we have destroyed (the effects of) his virtue in these after-times. (The people of) Yin, small and great, are given to highway robberies, villainies, and treachery. The nobles and officers imitate one another in violating the laws, and there is no certainty that criminals will be apprehended. The smaller people (consequently) rise up, and commit violent outrages on one another. Yin is now sinking in ruin - its condition is like that of one crossing a stream, who can find neither ford nor bank. That Yin should be hurrying to ruin at the present pace!' |
| | 微子: |
曰：“父师、少师，我其发出狂？吾家耄逊于荒？今尔无指告，予颠跻，若之何其？” |
| Count of Wei: |
He added, 'Grand-Master and Junior-Master, we are manifesting insanity. The most venerable members of our families are withdrawn to the wilds; and you indicate no course (to be taken), but (only) tell me of the impending ruin - what is to be done?' |
| | 微子: |
父师若曰：“王子！天毒降灾荒殷邦，方兴沈酗于酒，乃罔畏畏，咈其耇长旧有位人。今殷民乃攘窃神祇之牺牷牲用以容，将食无灾。降监殷民，用乂仇敛，召敌仇不怠。罪合于一，多瘠罔诏。商今其有灾，我兴受其败；商其沦丧，我罔为臣仆。诏王子出，迪我旧云刻子。王子弗出，我乃颠跻。自靖，人自献于先王，我不顾行遯。” |
| Count of Wei: |
The Grand-Master made about the following reply: 'O son of our (former) king, Heaven in anger is sending down calamities, and wasting the country of Yin. Hence has arisen that mad indulgence in spirits. (The king) has no reverence for things which he ought to reverenced but does despite to the venerable aged, the men who have long been in office. The people of Yin will now steal even the pure and perfect victims devoted to the spirits of heaven and earth; and their conduct is connived at, and though they proceed to eat the victims, they suffer no punishment. (On the other hand), when I look down and survey the people of Yin, the methods by which they are governed are hateful exactions, which call forth outrages and hatred; and this without ceasing. Such crimes equally belong to all in authority, and multitudes are starving with none to whom to appeal. Now is the time of Shang's calamity; I will arise and share in its ruin. When ruin overtakes Shang, I will not be the servant (of another House). (But) I tell you, O king's son, to go away, as being the, course (for you). Formerly I injured you by what I said; if you do not (now) go away, our (sacrifices) will entirely perish. Let us rest quietly (in our several parts), and each present himself to the former kings (as having done so). I do not think of making my escape.' |
