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樂志上
Treatise on Music: Part One
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夫性靈之表，不知所以發於詠歌； 感動之端，不知所以關於手足。 生於心者謂之道，成於形者謂之用。 譬諸天地，其猶影響，百獸率舞，而況於人乎！ 美其和平而哀其喪亂，以茲援律，乃播其聲焉。
The outward stirrings of our inner nature break into song before we can say why. The first thrill of being moved seizes the limbs before we can trace how it got there. What arises within the mind they call the Way; what takes shape in outward bearing they call its functioning. Think of Heaven and Earth: music follows stimulus as surely as shadow or echo; even beasts fall into step and sway—need anyone speak of human beings? People cherish peace and harmony and mourn the ruin music suffers in chaos; on that basis they align the tubes of pitch and send those sounds abroad.
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農瑟羲琴，倕鐘和磬，達靈成性，象物昭功，由此言之，其來自遠。 殷氏不綱，遺風餘孽，淫奏既興，雅章奔散，《英》《莖》之制，蓋已微矣。 孔子曰：「人能弘道，非道弘人。」 周始二《南》，《風》兼六代。 昔黃帝作《雲門》，堯作《咸池》，舜作《大韶》，禹作《大夏》，殷作《大濩》，周作《大武》，所謂因前王之禮，設俯仰之容，和順積中，英華髮外。 《書》稱命夔典樂，教胄子，則《周官》所謂奏大呂，歌黃鐘。 天貺來下，人祗動色，抑揚周監，以弘雅音。 及褒豔興災，平王逢亂，禮廢親疏，樂沈河海。 是以延陵季子聞歌《小雅》曰：「其周德之衰乎！ 猶有先王之遺風焉。」 而列壤稱孤，各興吟詠。 魏文侯聆古樂而恐臥，晉平公聽新聲而忘食，先王之道，漸以陵夷。 八方殊風，九州異則。 秦氏併吞，遂專刑憲，至於弦歌《詩》《頌》，幹戚旄羽，投諸煙火，掃地無遺。
From the se of the husbandmen and Fuxi’s zither to Chui’s bells and tuned sonorous stones, music reaches through spirit to complete human nature, figures things in sound and proclaims their merit—so its origins lie deep in antiquity. When the Yin lost proper governance, decadent strains lingered; licentious performance drove out stately ritual music, and classics such as “Ying” and “Jing” faded almost beyond recall. Confucius said, “Human beings broadened the Way; it was never the Way that broadened human beings.” With the Zhou came the paired “Nan” sections of the Book of Songs, and the “Airs” gathered poetry spanning six eras. Legend credits the Yellow Emperor with “Cloud Gate,” Yao with “Mulberry Pool,” Shun with “Grand Shao,” Yu with “Grand Xia,” Yin with “Grand Hu,” and Zhou with “Grand Wu”—music that continued older court ritual, choreographed every inclination of the body, hoarded gentle obedience inwardly, and let splendor shine outward. The Book of Documents tells how Kui was ordered to direct ritual music and train the heirs apparent—the same tradition the Rites of Zhou names when it speaks of sounding dalu and singing huangzhong. Heaven sent down its blessing; gods and men showed awe on their faces; lifting and lowering the pitch followed Zhou precedent to magnify the classical sound. When favor lavished on Bao Si invited disaster and King Ping’s reign dissolved in turmoil, ritual collapsed between close kin and remote branches, and instruments of music were drowned as if in flood tide. So when Prince Jizi of Yanling heard the “Lesser Elegantiae,” he declared, “This is Zhou virtue in decay. Yet something of the old kings’ influence still lingers in it.” Afterward each lord who carved out a realm sang his own verses and raised his own hymns. Marquis Wen of Wei grew sleepy listening to classical pieces; Duke Ping of Jin skipped meals for fashionable novelty—the teaching of the ancient kings ebbed away step by step. Every quarter of the realm had its wind; every province its distinct usage. Once Qin conquered every rival, it seized sole control of law and penalty; songs from the Classic of Poetry, dances with shields and spears, and feathered regalia were heaped on bonfires until the tradition was swept bare.
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漢祖提劍寰中，削平天下，文匪躬於德化，武有心於製作。 太后擯儒家之道，大臣排賈氏之言，搢紳先生所以長歎，而子政、仲舒猶不能已也。 炎漢中興，明皇帝即位，表圭景而陳《清廟》，樹槐陰而疏璧流； 祀光武於明堂，以配上帝； 召桓榮於太學，袒而割牲； 濟濟焉，皇皇焉，有足觀者。 自斯厥後，禮樂彌殷。 永平三年，官之司樂，改名大予，式揚典禮，旁求圖讖，道鄰《雅》《頌》，事邇中和。 其有五方之樂者，則所謂「大樂九變，天神可得而禮」也。 其有宗廟之樂者，則所謂「肅雍和鳴，先祖是聽」者也。 其有社稷之樂者，則所謂「琴瑟擊鼓，以迓田祖」者也。 其有辟雍之樂者，則所謂「移風易俗，莫善於樂」者也。 其有黃門之樂者，則所謂「宴樂群臣，蹲蹲舞我」者也。 其有短簫之樂者，則所謂「王師大捷，令軍中凱歌」者也。
Liu Bang raised arms inside the empire and crushed rival kings; though he never bent personally to gentle moral instruction, his martial mind still toyed with founding new institutions. Palace women repudiated Confucian doctrine and ministers spurned Jia Yi’s memorials—so belted scholars groaned aloud, even Liu Xiang and Dong Zhongshu struggling to hold their peace. After Han’s revival, Emperor Ming took the throne: he read the sundial’s shadow and staged “The Pure Temple”; spread catalpa shade and let ritual currents shimmer like jade; offered Guangwu in the Bright Hall as counterpart to the Supreme Lord; called Huan Rong to the academy and, shoulder bare, slew the sacrificial beast; the spectacle was stately, radiant with dignity—altogether worth beholding. Afterward ritual observances and musical performance grew steadily more elaborate. In Yongping 3 the bureau of music became the Grand Yu office; it showcased classical liturgy, canvassed charts and omens, hugged the tone of the “Ya” and “Song,” and stayed tethered to the ideal of centered harmony. The five-direction ensemble embodies the saying, “When the Grand Music completes its nine mutations, celestial spirits may be feasted by ritual.” Temple pieces answer to the line, “Solemn concord sounds together, and the primal ancestors bend ear to it.” Music for the altars of soil and grain matches the verse, “With zither and drum they greet the lord of the furrows.” Music for the royal academy echoes the maxim, “Nothing reforms manners like music.” Palace banquet ensembles illustrate how one “feasts the throng of ministers while dancers stamp in neat rings.” The shrill reed bands accompany the rule that after a great triumph the army must thunder victory songs.
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魏武挾天子而令諸侯，思一戎而匡九服，時逢吞滅，憲章咸蕩。 及削平劉表，始獲杜夔，揚鼙總幹，式遵前記。 三祖紛綸，咸工篇什，聲歌雖有損益，愛玩在乎雕章。 是以王粲等各造新詩，抽其藻思，吟詠神靈，讚揚來饗。
Cao Cao, clutching the emperor to command the warlords, dreamed of a single expedition that would reorder the nine provinces; amid universal swallowing up, laws and precedents alike dissolved. After Liu Biao fell, he finally gained Du Kui; drumheads sounded and dancers seized shields as old manuals prescribed. Three successive Wei rulers threw themselves into verse; although tunes shifted in ornament, their delight rested in carved rhetoric. Hence Wang Can and his fellows drafted fresh lyrics, spinning elaborate images to hymn the spirits and celebrate divine guests.
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武皇帝采漢魏之遺范，覽景文之垂則，鼎鼐唯新，前音不改。 泰始九年，光祿大夫荀勖始作古尺，以調聲韻，仍以張華等所制高文，陳諸下管。 永嘉之亂，伶官既減，曲台宣榭，咸變汙萊。 雖復《象舞》歌工，自胡歸晉，至於孤竹之管，雲和之瑟，空桑之琴，泗濱之磬，其能備者，百不一焉。 夫人受天地之靈，蘊菁華之氣，剛柔遞用，哀樂分情。 經春陽而自喜，遇秋雕而不悅。 游乎金石之端，出乎管弦之外，因物遷逝，乘流不反。 是以楚王升輕軒于彭蠡，漢順聽鳴鳥于樊衢。 聖人功成作樂，化平裁曲，乃揚節奏，以暢中和，飾其歡欣，止於哀思者也。
Jin’s Emperor Wu took Han–Wei patterns as his mold, reviewed precedents from the Simas Jing and Wen, replaced the ritual vessels, yet kept the older musical substance intact. the ninth year of Taishi saw Minister Xun Xu cast archaic measuring rods to tune intervals, then parade the majestic pieces Zhang Hua’s circle had written beneath the standing pipes. The Yongjia disaster wiped out entire corps of musicians; Pattern Terrace and shuttered galleries alike turned to muddy ruin. Even after “Elephant” dancers and choristers came south from the Hu domains, sets pairing Guzhu flutes, Yunhe zithers, hollow-sang lutes, and Siban stones survived intact perhaps once in a hundred cases. People inherit Heaven and Earth’s spiritual charge and store its distilled brilliance; yielding and firm forces trade places in turn, while sorrow and joy partition the heart. Spring sunlight lifts them without prompting; autumn’s frost chills their mood unbidden. They wander where bells and stones fade into silence and drift beyond strings and winds; as circumstance turns, feeling rides the current and never reverses. So the Chu king raced his light car beside Pengli marsh, while Emperor Shundi of Han lingered over birdsong where Fan’s highways crossed. So the sage, achievements sealed and customs evenly ruled, fashions music and trims tunes—raising rhythm to release inner equipoise, heightening delight yet stopping short of mere lament.
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凡樂之道，五聲、八音、六律、十二管，為之綱紀雲。
The whole art hangs on five tones, eight instrumental families, six canonical pitches, and twelve pipes—the cords that bind it.
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五聲：宮為君，宮之為言中也。 中和之道，無往而不理焉。 商為臣，商之為言強也，謂金性之堅強也。 角為民，角之為言觸也，謂象諸陽氣觸物而生也。 徵為事，征之為言止也，言物盛則止也。 羽為物，羽之為言舒也，言陽氣將復，萬物孳育而舒生也。 古人有言曰：「禮樂不可斯須去身。」 化上遷善，有如不及。 是以聞其宮聲，使人溫良而寬大； 聞其商聲，使人方廉而好義； 聞其角聲，使人惻隱而仁愛； 聞其徵聲，使人樂養而好施； 聞其羽聲，使人恭儉而好禮。
Among the five tones gong acts as sovereign; the word “gong” signifies the middle. Central equipoise reaches everywhere without hindrance. Shang stands for ministers; “shang” means strength, naming the unyielding temper of metal. Jue stands for the folk; “jue” means touch, picturing yang vitality brushing creatures until they stir into life. Zhi oversees practical affairs; etymologically it suggests stopping—things halt once they reach fullness. Yu presides over goods and harvests; “yu” implies easeful stretch—yang will surge again and creatures multiply in relaxed expansion. The ancients warned that ritual and music must never be absent even for an instant. They lift those above toward goodness as though racing something that cannot be overtaken. Hearing gong inclines one toward warmth, kindness, and breadth of heart; shang fosters square integrity and zeal for duty; jue stirs pity and humane care; zhi encourages fostering life and generous sharing; yu molds reverence, thrift, and punctilious courtesy.
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八音，八方之風也。 乾之音石，其風不周。 坎之音革，其風廣莫。 艮之音匏，其風融。 震之音竹，其風明庶。 巽之音木，其風清明。 離之音絲，其風景。 坤之音土，其風涼。 兌之音金，其風閶闔。
Each of the eight instrumental families answers to a directional wind. Qian correlates with stone and the Bu Zhou wind. Kan pairs with leather drums and the Guang Mo blast. Gen matches gourd pipes and the melting Rong breeze. Zhen aligns with bamboo flutes and the Ming Shu wind of dawn. Xun belongs to wooden clappers and the clear Qing Ming air. Li answers to silk strings and the bright Jing current. Kun corresponds to earthen instruments and the cool Liang draft. Dui joins metal bells with the Chang He gale at the celestial gate.
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陽六為律，謂黃鐘、太蔟、姑洗、蕤賓、夷則、無射； 陰六為呂，謂大呂、應鐘、南呂、林鐘、仲呂、夾鐘：凡有十二，以配十二辰焉。 律之為言法也，言陽氣施生各有法也； 呂之為言助也，所以助成陽功也。
Six yang tubes are the lu pitches—Huangzhong, Taicu, Guxian, Ruibin, Yize, Wuyi— while six yin tubes form the companion lu—Dalu, Yingzhong, Nanlu, Linzhong, Zhonglu, Jiazhong—twelve pipes matching the twelve chronograms. “Lu” denotes pattern: each surge of yang unfolds by rule; the companion series “assists,” completing what yang begins.
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正月之辰謂之寅，寅者津也，謂生物之津塗也。 二月之辰名為卯，卯者茂也，言陽氣生而孳茂也。 三月之辰名為辰，辰者震也，謂時物盡震動而長也。 四月之辰謂為巳，巳者起也，物至此時畢盡而起也。 五月之辰謂為午，午者長也，大也，言物皆長大也。 六月之辰謂之未，未者味也，言時萬物向成，有滋味也。 七月之辰謂為申，申者身也，言時萬物身體皆成就也。 八月之辰謂為酉，酉者緧也，謂時物皆綇縮也。 九月之辰謂為戌，戌者滅也，謂時物皆衰滅也。 十月之辰謂為亥，亥者劾也，言時陰氣劾殺萬物也。 十一月之辰謂為子，子者孳也，謂陽氣至此更孳生也。 十二月之辰謂為醜，醜者紐也，言終始之際，以紐結為名也。
The first month’s branch is yin; the gloss calls it a ford—the channel along which life ferries into the world. The second month is mao; “luxuriance” catches how yang thickens into riotous growth. Third month chen means shaking—everything shudders upward into lengthening shoots. Fourth month si signals ascent—creatures stand fully risen from the soil. Fifth month wu stresses swelling bulk—forms reach mature size. Sixth month wei is “flavor,” when crops edge toward harvest and savor fills the grain. Seventh month shen marks completeness of bodily form in field and forest. Eighth month you speaks of tightening—growth binds inward and slack tissues contract. Ninth month xu is extinction—the surge of life visibly gutters out. Tenth month hai names restraint—yin clamps down and cuts life short. Eleventh month zi promises fresh breeding—yang gathers for another birth pulse. Twelfth month chou is the knot—year-end and year-begin latch together like a closed circle.
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十一月之管謂之黃鐘，黃者，陰陽之中色也。 天有六氣，地有五才，而天地數畢焉。 或曰，冬至德氣為土，土色黃，故曰黃鐘。 正月之管謂為太蔟，蔟者蔟也，謂萬物隨于陽氣太蔟而生也。 三月之管名為姑洗，姑洗者：姑，枯也； 洗，濯也，謂物生新潔，洗除其枯，改柯易葉也。 五月之管名為蕤賓，葳蕤，垂下貌也； 賓，敬也，謂時陽氣下降，陰氣始起，相賓敬也。 七月之管名為夷則，夷，平也； 則，法也，謂萬物將成，平均皆有法則也。 九月之管名為無射，射者出也，言時陽氣上升，萬物收藏無復出也。 十二月之管名為大呂，呂者助也，謂陽氣方之，陰氣助也。 十月之管名為應鐘，應者和也，謂歲功皆成，應和陽功，收而聚之也。 八月之管名為南呂，南者任也，謂時物皆秀，有懷任之象也。 六月之管名為林鐘，林者茂也，謂時物茂盛於野也。 四月之管名為仲呂者，呂，助也，謂陽氣盛長，陰助成功也。 二月之管名為夾鐘者，夾，佐也，謂時物尚未盡出，陰德佐陽而出物也。
The pipe tuned to the eleventh month is Huangzhong; yellow names the balanced hue between yin and yang. Heaven wields six qi, Earth five elements—together their tallies close the cosmic account. Another gloss claims winter solstice’s virtue-climate belongs to earth, whose color is yellow—thus the name Huangzhong. The first month’s pipe is Taicu; “cluster” describes creatures massing as yang billows. Third month’s tube is Guxian; “gu” glosses as dry stalk— “xian” means rinse—new shoots scour off dead bark and trade old stems for fresh foliage. Fifth month Ruibin pictures lush pendulous growth— while “guest” implies reverence as yang dips and yin rises to greet it like a respected visitor. Seventh month Yize begins with “even”— then “rule”: harvest looms and every creature evens into lawful proportion. Ninth month Wuyi reads “discharge”: yang still climbs, yet creatures seal harvest away and nothing thrusts out again. Twelfth month Dalu keeps “assist”: yang flickers back while yin lends stabilizing support. Tenth month Yingzhong’s “answer” marks harvest sealed—yang’s labor receives answering chorus as energies fold inward. Eighth month Nanlu reads “shoulder”—stalks bend under grain already swelling toward next spring’s sowing. Sixth month’s pipe is Linzhong—“forest-thick” evokes rank growth carpeting the open countryside. Fourth month answers to Zhonglu; “assist” catches how swelling yang still needs yin’s steady help to finish forming things. The second month names the pipe Jiazhong; reading jia as flank-support, yin braces yang while new growth still hesitates beneath the soil.
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漢自東京大亂，絕無金石之樂，樂章亡缺，不可復知。 及魏武平荊州，獲漢雅樂郎河南杜夔，能識舊法，以為軍謀祭酒，使創定雅樂。 時又有散騎侍郎鄧靜、尹商善訓雅樂，歌師尹胡能歌宗廟郊祀之曲，舞師馮肅、服養曉知先代諸舞，夔悉總領之。 遠詳經籍，近采故事，考會古樂，始設軒懸鐘磬。 而黃初中柴玉、左延年之徒，復以新聲被寵，改其聲韻。
After Luoyang sank into chaos, Han possessed no bronze bells or lithophones; scores rotted away beyond reconstruction. Cao Cao’s conquest of Jingzhou yielded Du Kui, the Eastern Han’s keeper of court pitch; knowing antique procedure, he became Libationer for Military Counsel and received orders to codify classical sound anew. Meanwhile Deng Jing and Yin Shang, household advisers, drilled choristers in ritual repertoire; Yin Hu sang suburban and temple hymns; Feng Su and Fu Yang staged archaic dances—every troupe answered to Du Kui. They combed canon and recent statute, reconciled archaic pitch systems, and debuted the bell-and-stone arrays hung along three sides. Yet in Huangchu favorites like Chai Yu and Zuo Yannian won patronage with fashionable tunes and bent the scales anew.
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及武帝受命之初，百度草創。 泰始二年，詔郊祀明堂禮樂權用魏儀，遵周室肇稱殷禮之義，但改樂章而已，使傅玄為之詞雲。
At the outset of Jin’s mandate, institutions existed only in embryo. the second year of Taishi ordered suburban and Bright Hall liturgy to borrow Wei forms—echoing Zhou’s habit of calling early rituals Shang-style—while swapping only the hymn lyrics, commissioned from Fu Xuan.
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祀天地五郊夕牲歌
Evening Offering Hymn: Five-Direction Heaven-and-Earth Suburban Rite
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天命有晉，穆穆明明。 我其夙夜，祗事上靈。 常于時假，迄用其成。 于薦玄牡，進夕其牲。 崇德作樂，神祇是聽。
Heaven pronounced its mandate upon Jin—solemn, luminous, august. Night and day we hurry to attend the supreme numina with awe. May the spirits habitually pause among us this hour; we press the rite to its finished fulfillment. Black steer stands ready; at vesper hour we bring the offerings forward. Music shaped by towering virtue reaches divine and chthonic powers alike.
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祀天地五郊迎送神歌
Processional Hymn: Welcoming and Speeding the Spirits (Five-Direction Suburban Rite)
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宣文蒸哉，日靖四方。 永言保之，夙夜匪康。 光天之命，上帝是皇。 嘉樂殷薦，靈祚景祥。 神祗降假，享福無疆。
King Wen’s pattern glows; his quiet virtue pacifies every quarter. We vow perpetual guardianship, knowing no ease from dawn to dusk. Bright Heaven’s charge rests august; the Supreme Lord reigns above. Festive tones heap the altar; numinous fortune flames forth in glory. Divine guests descend to tarry; happiness knows no edge.
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饗天地五郊歌
Communion Hymn: Five-Direction Heaven-and-Earth Banquet
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天祚有晉，其命惟新。 受終於魏，奄有黎民。 燕及皇天，懷和百神。 丕顯遺烈，之德之純。 享其玄牡，式用肇禋。 神祗來格，福祿是臻。
Heaven keeps Jin alive; its mandate gleams anew. Taking Wei’s conclusion as prelude, they fold every household under rule. Smoke rises to mighty Heaven; every god gathers in concord. Their legacy blazes undimmed—virtue distilled to flawless clarity. They partake of the dark-hided steer; thus kindling inaugurates the smoky prayer. Numina crowd to attend; blessings and stipends bunch together.
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時邁其猶，昊天子之。 祐享有晉，肇庶戴之。 畏天之威，敬授人時。 丕顯丕承，於猶繹思。 皇極斯建，庶績咸熙。 庶幾夙夜，惟晉之祺。
The seasons march in reverent caution; the Son of Heaven sustains that rhythm. Providential favor settles on Jin; commoners alike pledge allegiance. We tremble before celestial sternness and reverently publish the farming calendar. Glory inherited and glory sustained—reflection stretches their vigilance. Once the imperial pole plants firm, every undertaking gleams ordered peace. Grant us diligence without cease—the very blessing of our Jin age.
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宣文惟後，克配彼天。 撫甯四海，保有康年。 於乎緝熙，肆用靖民。 爰立典制，爰修禮紀。 作民之極，莫匪資始。 克昌厥後，永言保之。
Emperor Wen pairs worthily with Heaven on high. He quieted the realm within four shores and kept healthy harvest years. O that spreading radiance—effortlessly he steadies every household. Thus codes took shape and ceremonial chapters were polished. They fixed the lodestar for the people—nothing lacks its root in primordial bounty. May heirs flourish without end—we vow eternal guardianship of their gift.
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天地郊明堂夕牲歌
Evening Offering Hymn: Round-and-Square Altars and Bright Hall
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皇矣有晉，時邁其德。 受終於天，光濟萬國。 萬國既光，神定厥祥。 虔於郊祀，祗事上皇。 祗事上皇，百福是臻。 巍巍祖考，克配彼天。 嘉牲匪歆，德馨惟饗。 受天之祐，神化四方。
Lofty stands Jin; its power tracks the turning year. Heaven’s finale passes to them; their brilliance nurses ten thousand domains. When every region drinks that light, spirits seal propitious omens. Suburban offerings unfold in awe; they wait upon the highest sovereign. Serving that sovereign—every blessing crowds home. Majestic ancestors align worthily with Heaven’s pole. Splendid oxen do not merely fill the belly—virtue’s aroma is the offering. Heaven’s shield lies upon them; spiritual transformation washes the four corners.
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天地郊明堂降神歌
Descent Hymn: Spirits at Round-and-Square Altars and Bright Hall
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于赫大晉，應天景祥。 二帝邁德，宣此重光。 我皇受命，奄有萬方。 郊祀配享，禮樂孔章。 神祗嘉享，祖考是皇。 克昌厥後，保祚無疆。
Resplendent Great Jin catches Heaven’s glittering portents. Two sage-kings march in accumulated power, doubling that luminous legacy. Our emperor took Heaven’s writ—cradling every province within. Suburban hosts join paired spirits—music and rite shine in perfect array. Gods delight in the feast; forefathers hold sovereign seats. May heirs flourish forever—guardianship never finds its edge.
27
天郊饗神歌
Communion Hymn: Celestial Suburban Altar
28
整泰壇，禮皇神。 精氣感，百靈賓。 蘊硃火，繚芳薪。 紫煙游，冠青雲。 神之體，靡象形。 曠無方，幽以清。 神之來，光景昭。 聽無聞，視無兆。 神之至，舉歆歆。 靈爽協，動餘心。 神之坐，同歡娛。 澤雲翔，化風舒。 嘉樂奏，文中聲。 八音諧，神是聽。 咸契齊，並芬芳。 烹牷牲，享玉觴。 神悅饗，歆禋祀。 祐大晉，降繁祉。 作京邑，廣四海。 保天年，窮地紀。
The vast tai terrace lies ordered; we reverence the sovereign god. Refined breath moves; every spirit presents itself as honored guest. Crimson fire nests within; aromatic kindling winds through the pyre. Indigo smoke wanders; it crowns the azure clouds. Divinity’s body owns no single silhouette. Boundless beyond direction—dim, yet crystalline. At the spirit’s advent—radiance flares like dawn. No sound strikes the ear—no image meets the eye. When the deity arrives—each breast thrills with reverent gladness. Ghostly clarity harmonizes inside—rousing the depths of our hearts. Once the spirit is seated—delight runs common through the hall. Blessed rains ride cloud; edifying breezes unfurl. Harmony rises; civil sound occupies the middle voice. Eight instrumental families accord—the deity bends ear. Every mode locks in step—sweet savor suffuses the air. Steaming flesh steams; jade cups lift in toast. The spirit joys at the banquet—our burnt incense satisfies. Shield mighty Jin—pour blessings in lavish sheets. Exalt the royal capital—push virtue across four oceans. Preserve Heaven-allotted age—track Earth’s eternal tally.
29
地郊饗神歌
Communion Hymn: Terrestrial Suburban Altar
30
整泰折，竢皇祗。 眾神感，群靈儀。 陰祀設，吉禮施。 夜將極，時未移。 祗之體，無形象。 潛泰幽，洞忽荒。 祗之出，薆若有。 靈無遠，天下母。 祗之來，遺光景。 昭若存，終冥冥。 祗之至，舉欣欣。 舞象德，歌成文。 祗既坐，同歡豫。 澤雨施，化雲布。 樂八變，聲教敷。 物咸亨，祗是娛。 齊既潔，侍者肅。 玉觴進，咸穆穆。 饗嘉豢，歆德馨。 祚有晉，暨群生。 溢九壤，格天庭。 保萬壽，延億齡。
The mighty She altar stands straight; we await the august soil deity. Legions of gods stir; companies of ghosts observe ordained bearing. Yin-side offerings rise; blessed ceremony proceeds. Midnight crowds close—still the appointed hour lingers. Earth’s numen owns no portrait—no borrowed likeness. Veiled in deepest stillness—threading boundless murk. When the deity steps forth—a haze suggests its presence. Spirits ignore mileage—they nurse everything beneath the sky. When it approaches—light-shadows trail behind. Luminous as if tangibly here—yet sinking into twilight dim. When the spirit reaches us—each countenance opens in joy. Dance bodies forth virtue; song finishes the design. Seated, the spirit shares untroubled pleasure with us. Kind rains unfurl; instructive clouds mantle the fields. Eight transformations roll the tune—moral instruction scatters wide. Creatures prosper alike—the deity finds delight. Regalia purified—servers hold disciplined stance. Jade goblets rise—every courtier bows in muted awe. We banquet on choice herds—we inhale virtue’s perfume. Blessing settles on Jin—spilling over all that lives. Overflowing ninefold realms—it penetrates the gates of Heaven. Guard ten thousand years of life—prolong innumerable ages.
31
明堂饗神歌
Communion Hymn: Bright Hall
32
經始明堂，享祀匪懈。 於皇烈考，光配上帝。 赫赫上帝，既高既崇。 聖考是配，明德顯融。 率土敬職，萬方來祭。 常于時假，保祚永世。
Since first they laid out the Bright Hall, sacrifice knows no neglect. How bright our martial royal father—his splendor mates with Heaven’s sovereign. High God towers sublime—lifted high, lifted vast. Our sage father stands as counterpart—lucent power floods every quarter. Every soil attends its duty; ten thousand quarters come bearing offerings. May spirits pause by custom’s hour—shield the mandate age on age.
33
祠廟夕牲歌
Evening Offering Hymn: Ancestral Temple
34
我夕我牲，猗歟敬止。 嘉豢孔時，供茲享祀。 神鑒厥誠，博碩斯歆。 祖考降饗，以虞孝孫之心。
We prepare the steer at vesper—oh the awe that stays our steps. Choice herds align with the appointed hour—we spread this banquet offering. The gods scan their earnest hearts—rich portions win divine relish. Forefathers descend to dine—quieting the dutiful grandson’s breast.
35
祠廟迎送神歌
Processional Hymn: Ancestral Temple Spirits
36
嗚呼悠哉，日監在茲。 以時享祀，神明降之。 神明斯降，既祐饗之。 祚我無疆，受天之祜。 赫赫太上，巍巍聖祖。 明明烈考，丕承繼序。
How vast their vigil—day by day they watch from here. We time the seasonal feast—bright spirits come down. Having stepped among us—they bless what we spread. Grant us boundless fortune—take Heaven’s protective charge. Supreme Grand glows fierce—sage forebears rise immense. Clear shines our martial king—he grandly carries on the line.
37
祠征西將軍登歌
Temple Stair Hymn: West-Conquering General
38
經始宗廟，神明戾止。 申錫無疆，祗承享祀。 假哉皇祖，綏予孫子。 燕及後昆，錫茲繁祉。
Since raising the clan temple—numina descended to lodge. Their gifts know no horizon—we solemnly uphold communion. Sublime the royal grandfather—who shelters every descendant. His banquet feeds generations yet unborn—blessings pile thick as grain.
39
祠豫章府君登歌
Temple Stair Hymn: Yuzhang Prefect Lord
40
嘉樂肆筵，薦祀在堂。 皇皇宗廟，乃祖乃皇。 濟濟辟公，相予蒸嘗。 享祀不忒，降福穰穰。
Festive tones spread woven mats—the sacrifice waits in chamber. How awesome the lineage temple—hosts father-kings and royal grandsires. Rank on rank of lords attend—they joint-host autumn and winter rites. Offering stays without defect—blessings shower abundantly.
41
祠潁川府君登歌
Temple Stair Hymn: Yingchuan Prefect Lord
42
于邈先後，實司於天。 顯矣皇祖，帝祉肇臻。 本枝克昌，資始開元。 惠我無疆，享祚永年。
Far-shining queen mother—she indeed ministers for Heaven. Bright our royal founder—Heaven’s luck first settled here. Trunk and twigs thrive alike—the base splits open Genesis fortune. Their mercy spans infinity—may the throne endure endless years.
43
祠京兆府君登歌
Temple Stair Hymn: Metropolitan Prefect Lord
44
于惟曾皇，顯顯令德。 商明清亮，匪競柔克，保乂命祐，基命惟則。 篤生聖祖，光濟四國。
Lofty that royal grandfather—virtue gleams beyond compare. Insight acute and clarity radiant—without quarrel yet mastering yielding strength—preserving peace and decreeing grace—the primal mandate roots in law. From him sprang the sage founder—his brilliance nursed the four quarters.
45
祠宣皇帝登歌
Temple Stair Hymn: Emperor Xuan
46
于鑠皇祖，聖德欽明。 勤施四方，夙夜敬止。 載敷文教，載揚武烈。 匡定社稷，龔行天罰。 經始大業，造創帝基。 畏天之命，于時保之。
Blazing royal ancestor Xuan—sagely power awe-full and clear. He poured transformation across the realm—rising early, retiring late in awe alone. He rolled out literary teaching—he brandished military might. He squared altars of state—he executed Heaven’s sentences against rebels. He launched the mega-task—he laid the emperor’s footing. He trembled at celestial decree—thus keeping faith with his times.
47
祠景皇帝登歌
Temple Stair Hymn: Emperor Jing
48
執競景皇，克明克哲。 旁作穆穆，惟祗惟畏。 纂宣之緒，耆定厥功。 登此雋乂，糾彼群凶。 業業在位，帝既勤止。 惟天之命，于穆之已。
Intent Emperor Jing presses onward—clarifying and wise together. Every side echoed grave silence—nothing but awe, nothing but fear. He picked up Xuan’s thread—aged its achievements firm. He lifted worthy ministers—he bound rebel packs for judgment. Grave they stayed at post—the emperor himself never rested. Such runs Heaven’s decree—oh how solemn its stillness.
49
祠文皇帝登歌
Temple Stair Hymn: Emperor Wen
50
于皇時晉，允文文皇，聰明睿智，聖敬神武。 萬機莫綜，皇斯清之。 蛇豕放命，皇斯平之。 柔遠能邇，簡授英賢。 創業垂統，勳格皇天。
Hail Jin today—credibly cultured Emperor Wen—acute of ear and eye, holy in awe, godlike in arms. No tangled court thread escaped him—the realm stayed lucid under hand. Serpent-and-swine rebels flouted Heaven—thus he crushed them flat. He gentled distant tribes and steadied neighbors—swiftly elevating heroes. He began the work and passed its warp—achievements rivaled bright Heaven.
51
祠廟饗神歌二篇
Twin Communion Hymns: Ancestral Temple
52
曰晉是常，享祀時序。 宗廟致敬，禮樂具舉。 惟其來祭，普天率土。 犧樽既奠，清酤既載。 亦有和羹，薦羞斯備。 蒸蒸永慕，感時興思。 登歌奏舞，神樂其和。 祖考來格，祐我邦家。 溥天之下，罔不休嘉。
They proclaim Jin the fixed offering—sacrifice tracks ritual seasons. Ancestors receive utmost reverence—music and ceremony rise together. Whenever offerings assemble—the whole realm within the seas races here. Bronze beast cups stand filled—bright spirits already swim in jars. Balanced stew accompanies—fine cuts pile as ordained. Fragrant steam lifts endless grief—the hour stirs thoughts of forebears. Stair hymns rise and dancers stamp—the gods delight in harmony. Forefathers step among us—shield our dynastic hall. Under vast sky none withhold joyful praise.
53
肅肅在位，濟濟臣工。 四海來格，神儀有容。 鐘鼓振，管弦理，舞開元，歌永始，神胥樂兮！ 肅肅在位，臣工濟濟。 小大鹹敬，上下有禮。 理管弦，振鼓鐘，舞象德，歌詠功，神胥樂兮！ 肅肅在位，有來雍雍。 穆穆天子，相維辟公。 禮有儀，樂有則，舞象功，歌詠德，神胥樂兮！
Grave they hold their stations—dense ranks of ministers attend. Every shore sends delegations—spirit processions keep ritual poise. Bronze tolls shiver—reed banks tune—dance unveils Primordial Opening—chorus launches Eternal Beginning—every deity thrills with joy! Awed they stay at station—hosts of officers crowd the ranks. Lesser and greater share awe—high and low keep courteous order. Wind instruments settle—bronze answers—dance bodies forth virtue—song tallies deeds—every spirit sings gladness! Grave they fill the hall—hosts arrive in tranquil tide. August the celestial king—paired by regional lords at side. Ceremony keeps measure—music keeps rule—dance maps achievement—lyric praises power—every god laughs with pleasure!
54
杜夔傳舊雅樂四曲，一曰《鹿鳴》，二曰《騶虞》，三曰《伐檀》，四曰《文王》，皆古聲辭。 及太和中，左延年改夔《騶虞》、《伐檀》、《文王》三曲，更自作聲節，其名雖存，而聲實異。 唯因夔《鹿鳴》，全不改易。 每正旦大會，太尉奉璧，群後行禮，東廂雅樂常作者是也。 後又改三篇之行禮詩。 第一日《於赫篇》，詠武帝，聲節與古《鹿鳴》同。 第二曰《巍巍篇》，詠文帝，用延年所改《騶虞》聲。 第三日《洋洋篇》，詠明帝，用延年所改《文王》聲。 第四曰復用《鹿鳴》。 《鹿鳴》之聲重用，而除古《伐檀》。 及晉初，食舉亦用《鹿鳴》。 至泰始五年，尚書奏，使太僕傅玄、中書監荀勖、黃門侍郎張華各造正旦行禮及王公上壽酒、食舉樂歌詩。 荀勖云：'魏氏行禮、食舉，再取周詩《鹿鳴》以為樂章。 又《鹿鳴》以宴嘉賓，無取於朝，考之舊聞，未知所應。」 勖乃除《鹿鳴》舊歌更作行禮詩四篇，先陳三朝朝宗之義。 又為正旦大會、王公上壽歌詩並食舉樂歌詩，合十三篇。 又以魏氏歌詩或二言，或三言，或四言，或五言，與古詩不類，以問司律中郎將陳頎。 頎曰：「被之金石，未必皆當。」 故勖造晉歌，皆為四言，唯王公上壽酒一篇為三言五言焉。 張華以為「魏上壽、食舉詩及漢氏所施用，其文句長短不齊，未皆合古。 蓋以依詠弦節，本有因循，而識樂知音，足以制聲度曲，法用率非凡近之所能改。 二代三京，襲而不變，雖詩章辭異，興廢隨時，至其韻逗留曲折，皆系於舊，有由然也。 是以一皆因就，不敢有所改易。」 此則華、勖所明異旨也。 時詔又使中書侍郎成公綏亦作焉。 今並采列之雲。
Du Kui handed down four classical chamber pieces—“Deer Call,” “Zouyu,” “Cutting Sandalwood,” and “King Wen”—each preserving archaic lyrics and melody. Mid-Taihe saw Zuo Yannian rework Du Kui’s settings for “Zouyu,” “Cutting Sandalwood,” and “King Wen,” drafting new beats under old names so hearing no longer matched tradition. Only “Deer Call” stayed exactly as Du Kui left it. Thus at dawn court each New Year, when the commander-in-chief lifts the jade tally and kings of domains bow through ceremony, the classical ensemble housed east of the hall repeats these pieces. Later editors swapped the three ceremonial procession poems once more. Piece one, “How Radiant,” hymned Emperor Wu to the old meter of “Deer Call.” Piece two, “How Towering,” praised Emperor Wen with Zuo Yannian’s revised “Zouyu” tune. Piece three, “How Vast,” honored Emperor Ming with Zuo Yannian’s altered “King Wen” accompaniment. The fourth slot reused “Deer Call” outright. Doubling “Deer Call” pushed out archaic “Cutting Sandalwood.” Early Jin court dinners still opened with “Deer Call.” the fifth year of Taishi brought a memorial commissioning Fu Xuan, Xun Xu, and Zhang Hua to draft lyrics for New Year ceremonies, royal longevity cups, and feast fanfares. Xun Xu argued, “Wei ceremonies and meal ensembles twice lifted Zhou’s ‘Deer Call’ wholesale. Yet ‘Deer Call’ belongs at banquets for noble visitors, not levee halls; antiquity gives no warrant for recycling it here.” So Xun Xu scrapped legacy “Deer Call” text and forged four procession songs foregrounding thrice-yearly court pilgrimage. He added lyrics for the dawn levee, royal toast stanzas, and dining suites—thirteen compositions altogether. Because Wei lyrics varied between two and five syllables unlike classical verse, he queried Pitch Colonel Chen Yi. Chen Yi answered, “Fit them to bells and lithophones—not every clause sits equally well.” Thus Xun Xu’s Jin corpus stays strictly four-beat lines save the longevity stanza mingling triple and quintuple phrases. Zhang Hua countered that “Wei toast and banquet lyrics, like Han precedents, stagger line lengths and violate classical meter. They stuck with instrumental phrasing by habit; yet masters who hear true pattern may forge regulated lines—standard practice should not yield to shallow edits. Han and Wei across Luoyang and Ye copied rather than innovated; lyrics rose and fell with politics, yet rhythmic pacing still hugged inherited grooves—and that stubborn continuity had cause. So every number hugged precedent—no editor dared novelty. Here Zhang Hua and Xun Xu laid bare how their aims diverged. The court likewise commissioned Secretariat Vice Director Cheng Gongzhao to supply lyrics. What follows preserves both corpora together.
55
四廂樂歌
Hymns for the Four Side Galleries
56
正旦大會行禮歌成公綏
Grand Dawn Levee Processional—Cheng Gongzhao
57
穆穆天子，光臨萬國。 多士盈朝，莫匪俊德。 流化罔極，王猷允塞。 嘉會置酒，嘉賓充庭。 羽旄曜宸極，鐘鼓振泰清。 百辟朝三朝，彧彧明儀形。 濟濟鏘鏘，金聲玉振。
Grave and luminous the sky son—his radiance spans every kingdom. Talent packs the hall—not one lacks shining merit. Moral sway knows no horizon—imperial strategy saturates the land. Blessed convocation raises cups—noble visitors crowd the forecourt. Plumed standards glare at zenith seat—bronze storms shake empyrean peace. Regional kings thrice bow at dawn—each pose gleams ordained grace. Crowded rows shimmer—bronze voice answers lithophone shimmer.
58
禮樂具，宴嘉賓。 眉壽祚聖皇，景福惟日新。 群後戾止，有來雍雍。 獻酬納贄，崇此禮容。 豐羞萬俎，旨酒千鐘。 嘉樂盡宴樂，福祿咸攸同。
Ceremony and song assembled—they banquet distinguished callers. Hoary brows hymn holy sovereign—auspicious blessing refreshes each dawn. Feudatory kings gather—hosts glide in ordered tide. Gifts pass hand to cup—they magnify this courteous spectacle. Savory trays crowd lacquer boards—clear spirits tower in thousand horns. Festive air drains the feast—luck and stipend visit everyone.
59
樂哉！ 天下安寧。 道化行，風俗清。 簫《韶》作，詠九成。 年豐穰，世泰平。 至治哉，樂無窮。 元首聰明，股肱忠。 澍豐澤，揚清風。
O what delight! The realm lies undisturbed. Virtue rolls outward—folkways clarify like wind-scoured sky. Flutes raise Shao tunes—they hymn the nine completed strains. Harvests pile high—the era sits in ample peace. Utmost governance—pleasure without boundary. The ruler listens keen—ministers brace him faithful as limbs. Timely showers drench—fresh gales fan the realm.
60
嘉瑞出，靈應彰。 麒麟見，鳳皇翔。 醴泉湧，流中唐。 嘉禾生，穗盈箱。 降繁祉，祚聖皇。 承天位，統萬國。 受命應期，授聖德，四世重光。 宣開洪業，景克昌，文欽明，德彌彰。 肇啟晉邦，流祚無疆。
Bright portents surface—numinous answers flare. The unicorn steps forth—the fenghuang wheels skyward. Nectar fountains surge—they braid the central yard. Choice stalks thrive—sheaves cram granary chests. Rich grace rains down—it crowns the holy king. He takes celestial throne—threads every kingdom on one cord. Mandate answered its hour—sacred power passed—four reigns stacked glory anew. Xuan unfurled vast work—Jing fulfilled expansion—Wen shone discerning—merit widened further. Thus rose Jin house—fortune streams past horizon.
61
泰始建元，鳳皇龍興。 龍興伊何，享祚萬乘。 奄有八荒，化育黎蒸。 圖書既煥，金石有徵。 德光大，道熙隆。 被四表，格皇穹。 奕奕萬嗣，明明顯融，高朗令終。 保茲永祚，與天比崇。
Taishi christened first reign—fenghuang and dragon ascend together. Why dragons climb—to wield fortune across ten thousand cars. They clasp eight extremities—teaching every common household. Oracle graphs flare bright—bells and stones proclaim omen. Merit floods outward—the Path shines towering. It mantles four shores—it pierces celestial vault. Successors teem radiant—glories fuse aloft—bright ends crown noble reigns. Hold this endless mandate—match august Heaven’s stature.
62
聖皇君四海，順人應天期。 三葉合重光，泰始開洪基。 明曜參日月，功化侔四時。 宇宙清且泰，黎庶咸雍熙，善哉雍熙！
Holy king masters four oceans—yielding to people he meets celestial clock. Three reigns layer doubled gleam—Taishi splits primordial cornerstone. Splendor vies with luminaries—achievement tracks four quarters’ turn. Universe limpid and calm—every household prospers—oh this tranquil bloom!
63
惟天降命，翼仁祐聖。 于穆三皇，載德彌盛。 總齊璿璣，光統七政。 百揆時序，化若神聖。 四海同風，興至仁。 濟民育物，擬陶均。 擬陶均，垂惠潤。 皇皇群賢，峨峨英雋。 德化宣，芬芳播來胤。 播來胤，垂後昆。 清廟何穆穆，皇極辟四門。 皇極辟四門，萬機無不綜。 亹亹翼翼，樂不及荒，饑不遑食。 大禮既行，樂無極。
Heaven alone decrees mandate—it wings the compassionate and guards the holy. How solemn Three August Ones—their power heaps higher still. They knot celestial pearls—glory runs seven planetary powers. Hundred ministries obey chronology—reform feels numinous. Four shores breathe one gale—they aspire to perfect kindness. They rescue people and rear things—aping the Potter’s leveling wheel. Echoing that kiln—they drip blessing everywhere. Bright throngs of sages—lofty talents gather. Moral fragrance broadcasts—sweet scent seeds descendants. Planting heirs—it drapes bounty on posterity. How still the Bright Temple—imperial pole unbars four doors. Four gates swing wide—no skein of rule escapes his hand. Diligent and wary—joy never wanders wild—even hunger waits unfinished meals. Grand ceremony underway—delight without ceiling.
64
登昆侖，上層城。 乘飛龍，升泰清。 冠日月，佩五星。 揚虹霓，建篲旌。 披慶雲，廕繁榮。 覽八極，游天庭。 順天地，和陰陽。 序四時，曜三光。 張帝綱，正皇綱。 播仁風，流惠康。 邁洪化，振靈威。 懷萬方，納九夷。 朝閶闔，宴紫微。 建五旗，羅鐘虡。 列四懸，奏《韶》《武》。 鏗金石，揚旌羽。 縱八佾，《巴渝舞》。 詠雅頌，和律呂。 于胥樂，樂聖主。
They scale Kunlun—they mount tiered ramparts. They mount flying dragons—they rise through Azure Heaven. Sun and moon become coronets—five planets hang as sash gems. They hoist iridescent arcs—plant broom-star standards. They cloak blessed vapor—shade sprawls abundant. They sweep eight poles—they wander sky palace. They knead Heaven and Earth—they temper dark and bright. They order four quarters—they polish sun, moon, stars. They cast sovereign mesh—they true dynastic guideline. They scatter gracious wind—they pour soothing ease. They march vast reform—they quiver numinous awe. They cradle every quarter—they fold nine outer tribes. They audience at Sky Gate—they banquet in Polar Purple hall. Five pennons rise—bronze forests span galleries. Four hanging ensembles align—they sound Shao and Wu dances. Metal answers lithophone—they hoist plumed flags. Eight files whirl—they stomp Bayu war dance. They intone Elegantiae and Eulogia—they wed pitch tubes. All rejoice together—music hymns holy king.
65
化蕩蕩，清風泄。 總英雄，禦俊傑。 開宇宙，掃四裔。 光緝熙，美聖哲。 超百代，揚休烈。 流景祚，顯萬世。
Reform billows boundless—fresh wind spills outward. They rally champions—they bridle keen minds. They unfold universe—they rake distant marches clean. Glory heaps shining—they hymn sagely insight. They vault past hundred reigns—they hoist eternal achievement. Streaming mandate gleams—visible across endless succession.
66
皇皇顯祖，翼世佐時。 甯濟六合，受命應期。 神武鷹揚，大化咸熙。 廊開皇衢，用成帝基。
Bright dynastic founder—supporting eras, steadying hours. He stilled all six realms—answered Heaven’s scheduled charge. Godlike arms soaring like hawks—vast reform shines everywhere. He cleared royal highway—thus sealed imperial groundwork.
67
光光景皇，無競惟烈。 匡時拯俗，休功蓋世。 宇宙既康，九域有截。 天命降監，啟祚明哲。
Luminous Emperor Jing—no competitor matches his blazing deed. He righted the hour and salvaged coarse custom—restorative glory roofs eternity. Heaven and Earth already eased—nine provinces lie squared. Heaven dropped inspecting charge—it unlocked luck for enlightened rule.
68
穆穆烈考，克明克雋。 實天生德，誕應靈運。 肇建帝業，開國有晉。 載德奕世，垂慶洪胤。
Grave martial father—clarifying and brilliant alike. Heaven truly bred his power—he matched numinous revolution. Thus launching emperor’s work—raising realm named Jin. Merit stacks generation on generation—luck drapes heroic descendants.
69
明明聖帝，龍飛在天。 與靈合契，通德幽玄。 仰化青雲，俯育重川。 受靈之祐，于萬斯年。
Radiant holy sky son—the dragon soars mid sky. They seal pact with gods—power reaches silent depths. Above they ride blessing clouds—below they nourish stacked streams. Shielded by numina—may fortune stretch endless reigns.
70
正旦大會王公上壽酒歌荀勖
Royal Toast Anthem for Dawn Court—Xun Xu
71
踐元辰，延顯融。 獻羽觴，祈令終。 我皇壽而隆，我皇茂而嵩。 本枝奮百世，休祚鐘聖躬。
They tread first auspicious day—they stretch luminous harmony. Feather-rim goblets lift—they plead for worthy endings. Long live our sovereign—towering as Song summit. Trunk and twigs flame across ages—luck tolls on holy shoulders.
72
食舉樂東西廂歌荀勖
Banquet Fanfares for Eastern and Western Galleries—Xun Xu
73
煌煌七曜，重明交暢。 我有嘉賓，是應是貺。 邦政既圖，接以大饗。 人之好我，式遵德讓。
Seven planetary fires blaze—paired gleams exchange radiance. Honored visitors grace us—they respond with Heaven’s largesse. Kingdom plans already mapped—we seal them with lavish banquet. The folk delight in us—we tread courteous deference.
74
賓之初筵，藹藹濟濟。 既朝乃宴，以洽百禮。 頒以位敘，或庭或陛。 登儐台叟，亦有兄弟。 胥子陪寮，憲茲度楷。 觀頤養正，降福孔偕。
Nobles step onto woven mats—thick rows align in calm. Court ended, banquet flows—hundred courtesies knit together. Seating tracks precedence—some hall floor, some terrace stair. Grey elders mount honored dais—brothers flank in order. Attendants flank directors—they canonize measure and pattern. Watching sustenance they rectify center—grace rains down collectively.
75
昔我三後，大業是維。 今我聖皇，焜炔前暉。 奕世重規，明照九畿。 思輯用光，時罔有違。 陟禹之跡，莫不來威。 天被顯祿，福履是綏。
Once our three sage kings—great work hung on their thread. Today our holy sovereign—radiance eclipses earlier dawn. Generation stacks duplicate gauge—light washes nine circuits. Care weaves borrowed gleam—hours never slip awry. They walk Great Yu’s traces—none withhold fearful homage. Heaven drapes bright salary—lucky footing stays eased.
76
赫矣太祖，克廣明德。 廊開宇宙，正世立則。 變化不經，民無瑕慝。 創業垂統，兆我晉國。
Blazing Founding Father—he widened lucid power. He unrolled universe—righted era and set patterns. Change admitted no skew—people hid no secret flaw. He began work and passed warp—omened our Jin realm.
77
烈文伯考，時維帝景。 夷險平亂，威而不猛。 禦衡不迷，皇塗煥景。 七德咸宣，其寧惟永。
Martial cultured uncle—thereafter named Emperor Jing. He leveled crisis and crushed chaos—terrible yet never harsh. Helming balance he never wandered—imperial highway flamed clear. Seven powers broadcast alike—that quiet lasts forever.
78
猗歟盛歟！ 先皇聖文。 則天作孚，大哉為君。 慎徽五典，帝載是勤。 文武發揮，茂建嘉勳。 修己濟治，民用甯殷。 懷遠燭幽，玄教氤氳。 善世不伐，服事三分。 德博化隆，道昌無垠。
Oh how majestic the sight! Our departed sacred sovereign Wen. He mirrored Heaven and forged faith—how vast a ruler! He guarded five classics—celestial load drove his zeal. Wen and Wu powers blossomed—thick achievement stacked glory. Polishing person he steadied government—folk grew rich and calm. Embracing far, illuminating dark—mysterious doctrine smoked sweetly. He blessed world yet boasted not—he ministered among three kingdoms. Merit wide, reform towering—Path flourished past horizon.
79
隆化洋洋，帝命溥將。 登我晉道，越惟聖王。 龍飛革運，臨燾八荒。 睿哲欽明，配蹤虞唐。 封建厥福，駿發其祥。 三朝習吉，終然允臧。 其臧維何，總彼萬方。 元侯列辟，四岳籓王。 時見世享，率茲有常。 旅揖在庭，嘉客在堂。 宋衛既臻，陳留山陽。 有賓有使，觀國之光。 貢賢納計，獻璧奉璋。 保祐命之，申錫無疆。
Grand transformation floods—Heaven’s writ stretches wide. Mounting our Jin road—we leap toward holy monarch. Dragon flight marks revolution—his glare scorches eight wastes. Keen insight, awful brightness—footprints mate Shun and Tang. Enfeoffed fortune carved—swift omens surge outward. Three courts drill blessing—closure proves truly fine. What proves that goodness—girdling ten thousand quarters. Premier earls and belted peers—four peaks and screen monarchs. Timed levees and yearly feasts—keeping rhythm proves perpetual. Marshaled lords kneel forecourt—noble callers pack chamber. Song and Wei domains present—Chenliu and Shanyang join train. Hosts of callers, hosts of legates—they study our capital’s gleam. They send sages and memoranda—lift bi disks and green tablets. Heaven extends charge anew—twinned fortune lacks horizon.
80
振鷺於飛，鴻漸其翼。 京邑穆穆，四方是式。 無競維人，王綱允敕。 君子來朝，言觀其極。
Egrets flap skyward—geese climb wing on wing. Metropolis grave and still—four regions copy its mold. Rivals yield to talent alone—imperial mesh pulls taut. Gentlemen arrive at audience—to glimpse supreme peak.
81
暠鄖大君，民之攸暨。 信理天工，惠康不匱。 將遠不仁，訓以醇粹。 幽明有倫，俊乂在位。 九族既睦，庶邦順比。 開元布憲，四海鱗萃。 協時正統，殊塗同致。 厚德載物，靈心隆貴。 敷奏讜言，納以無諱。 樹之典象，誨之義類。 上教如風，下應如卉。 一人有廢，群萌以遂。 我後宴喜，令問不墜。
Radiant sovereign of vast Heaven—the folk find footing here. Faith orders Heaven’s workmanship—gentle ease never runs dry. He pushes away heartless—schooling them in distilled integrity. Dark and bright keep stairs—champions fill posts. Nine branches knit friendly—hundred realms align neighborly. Primordial reign unfurls law—four oceans swarm like finned shoals. They tune hours and right lineage—many paths meet single aim. Deep merit carries things—numinous heart honors worth. They scatter candid advice—drink it without ban. Setting statutes and icons—they teach sorts and classes. Instruction aloft like breeze—answer below like blooming stems. When sovereign grants easing—every hopeful life succeeds. Our king revels glad—good name never sinks.
82
既宴既喜，翕是萬邦。 禮儀卒度，物有其容。 晰晰庭燎，喤々鼓鐘。 笙磬詠德，萬舞象功。 八音克諧，俗易化從。 其和如樂，庶品時邕。
Banquet joined and cheer fused—they hug myriad kingdoms. Ceremony completes proportion—every vessel wears proper look. Forecourt flares sharp—bronze and leather thunder wide. Mouth organs and lithophones praise power—countless dancers shadow deeds. Eight families reconcile—habits ease and sway tracks reform. Their blend resembles song—every genus enjoys timely peace.
83
時邕斌斌，六合同塵。 往我祖宣，威靜殊鄰。 首定荊楚，遂平燕秦。 亹亹文皇，邁德流仁。 爰造草昧，應乾順民。 靈瑞告符，休徵響震。 天地弗違，以和神人。 既禽庸蜀，吳會是賓。 肅慎率職，楛矢來陳。 韓濊進樂，宮徵清鈞。 西旅獻獒，扶南效珍。 蠻裔重譯，玄齒文身。 我皇撫之，景命惟新。
Peace patterned and dense—six realms breathe one clay. Long ago King Xuan—numinous terror calmed outer shores. First he locked Jing-Chu—then flattened Yan and Qin. Diligent Emperor Wen—striding merit he poured mercy. Thus carving earliest gloom—matching Heaven he obeyed people. Numina proclaimed tokens—lucky signs crashed reply. Sky and soil voiced no refusal—thus tuning ghosts and mortals. Yong-Shu caged—Wu regions arrived as clients. Sushen kept tribute—mulberry-shaft arrows lined the hall. People of Han and Hu lands brought ensembles—court pitches rang balanced tubes. Western lodges gifted giant dogs—Funan tendered rarities. Man southern doubled tongues—ebony gums and tattooed limbs. Our sovereign folded them—lucent charge refreshed.
84
愔愔嘉會，有聞無聲。 清酤既奠，籩豆既升。 禮充樂備，簫《韶》九成。 愷樂飲酒，酣而不盈。 率土歡豫，邦國以寧。 王猷允塞，萬載無傾。
Soft soft blessed convocation—sensed though silent. Bright spirits placed—bamboo trays already lifted. Ceremony packed, harmony staged—flutes raise nine Shao turns. Festive sound, lifting cups—drunk yet never brimming. Every soil shares delight—kingdoms settle tranquil. Imperial strategy saturates—endless reigns never tilt.
85
冬至初歲小會歌張華
Early-Year Winter-Solstice Gathering Hymn—Zhang Hua
86
日月不留，四氣回周。 節慶代序，萬國同休。 庶尹群後，奉壽升朝。 我有壽禮，式宴百僚。 繁肴綺錯，旨酒泉渟。 笙鏞和奏，磬管流聲。 上隆其愛，下盡其心。 宣其壅滯，訓之德音。 乃宣乃訓，配享交泰。 永載仁風，長撫無外。
Sun and moon refuse pause—four qi orbit anew. Seasonal markers take their turns—every kingdom claims the same repose. Scores of ministers and outer kings—lift birthday tribute up the hall. We hold aging ceremonies—thereby banqueting full bureaucracy. Savory platters checker like brocade—clear spirits pool spring-still. Sheng and bo tongs merge—chimes and reeds pour melody. The throne heaps kindness—servitors pour devotion. He clears stagnation—instructs in moral pitch. He declares, he drills—shared communion bridges tranquility. Always loading kindly wind—forever soothing farthest rim.
87
宴會歌張華
Convivial Court Hymn—Zhang Hua
88
亹亹我皇，配天垂光。 留精日昃，經覽無方。 聽朝有暇，延命眾臣。 冠蓋雲集，樽俎星陳。 肴蒸多品，八珍代變。 羽爵無算，究樂極宴。 歌者流聲，舞者投袂。 動容有節，絲竹並設。 宜揚四體，繁手趣摯。 歡足發和，酣不忘禮。 好樂無荒，翼翼濟濟。
Diligent our sovereign—mirroring sky he drapes brilliance. He saves keen mind till sunset—reading realms without narrow scheme. When levee yields spare hour—he lends years to crowded officers. Hat ribbons swarm like clouds—stands and platters star-strewn. Many steamed courses—eight delicacies cycle anew. Plumed goblets lose count—harmony peaks, feast crests. Voices pour from throats—sleeves flash from dancers. Bearing keeps rhythm—strings and pipes deploy together. Suited to loosen limbs—nimble hands drum urgent pulse. Gladness unlocks concord—tipsy yet courtesy remembered. Delight in song stays bounded—grave and crowded in awe.
89
命將出征歌張華
Marching Host General’s Hymn—Zhang Hua
90
重華隆帝道，戎蠻或不賓。 徐夷興有周，鬼方亦違殷。 今在盛明世，寇虐動四垠。 豺狼染牙爪，群生號穹旻。 元帥統方夏，出車撫涼秦。 眾貞必以律，臧否實在人。 威信加殊類，疏逖思自親。 單醪豈有味，挾纊感至仁。 武功尚止戈，七德美安民。 遠跡由斯舉，永世無風塵。
Twin glory of Shun exalted the royal path—martial margins sometimes spurned allegiance. Xu yi stirred under Zhou—Ghost Realm likewise insulted Shang. In this brightest reign—raider savagery shakes four rims. Beasts stain teeth and claws—creatures howl at vaulted heaven. Chief commander rules central plain—chariots pacify Liang-Qin marches. United resolve needs measured law—merit judgment lives in human hearts. Dread faith reaches stranger tribes—remote minds crave adoption as kin. One cup of thin brew—no gourmet savor—yet quilted coats feel deepest grace. Warrior fame honors ending arms—seven virtues hymn soothing people. Distant tracks begin here—endless reign without battle haze.
91
勞還師歌張華
Homecoming Host after Punitive March—Zhang Hua
92
玁犬允背天德，構亂擾邦畿。 戎車震朔野，群帥贊皇威。 將士齊心旅，感義忘其私。 積勢如郭弩，赴節如發機。 囂聲動山谷，金光曜素暉。 揮戈陵勁敵，武步蹈橫屍。 鯨鯢皆授首，北土永清夷。 昔往冒隆暑，今來白雪霏。 征夫信勤瘁，自古詠《采薇》。 收榮于舍爵，燕喜在凱歸。
Border wolves renounced celestial duty—stirred chaos round the capital belt. Battle cars shake frontier north—legions of generals magnify royal terror. Troops march single-minded—righteousness makes selfish thought dissolve. Stored force strains like cocked bolt—timing bursts like released latch. Howl shatters ravines—bronze glare whites dim daylight. Halberds wheel above tough enemies—war strides crush fallen lines. Monsters all yield skulls—northern earth stays swept clean. We left in blistering summer—we enter under drifting snow. Soldiers know ache and exhaustion—ages hence poets sing “Gathering Ferns.” Glory gathered when goblets lower—banquet gladness crowns victorious return.
93
中宮所歌張華
Empress Quarter Hymn—Zhang Hua
94
先王統大業，玄化漸八維。 儀刑孚萬邦，內訓隆壼闈。 皇英垂帝典，《大雅》詠三妃。 執德宣隆教，正位理厥機。 含章體柔順，帥禮蹈謙祗。 《螽斯》弘慈惠，《樛木》逮幽微。 徽音穆清風，高義邈不追。 遺榮參日月，百世仰餘暉。
Ancient sovereigns bound mega-work—subtle reform soaked eight poles. Pattern and statute swayed all realms—domestic teaching honored queen’s chambers. Royal heroines draped dynastic standard—“Greater Ya” hymns three brides. Clutching merit they spread high doctrine—rightful seat tuned its gears. With inward pattern they wore yielding grace—guiding ceremony they walked shy reverence. “Locusts” amplifies mercy—“Tumbling Branch” touches quiet depths. Bright echoes ride fresh gale—lofty duty beyond chasing. Yielding fame they match luminaries—centuries lift eyes to lingering glow.
95
宗親會歌張華
Lineage Gathering Hymn—Zhang Hua
96
族燕明禮順，啜食序親親。 骨肉散不殊，昆弟豈他人。 本枝篤同慶，《棠棣》著先民。 于皇聖明後，天覆弘且仁。 降禮崇親戚，旁施協族姻。 式宴盡酣娛，飲禦備羞珍。 和樂既宣洽，上下同歡欣。 德教加四海，敦睦被無垠。
Family banquet demonstrates courteous order—shared bowls rank blood with blood. Joint and marrow parted yet kin—how could cousins count as strangers? Trunk and twigs taste joint joy—“Pear Blossom” ode recalls ancestors. O luminous heir who took mandate—sky canopy wide and kind. They humble ceremony for relatives—extend grace to in-law ties. Banquet drains joyful leisure—cup and escort rites heap savories. Concordant sound already sealed unity—above and below rejoice together. Moral instruction crosses four oceans—warm peace drapes past horizon.
97
泰始九年，光祿大夫荀勖以杜夔所制律呂，校太樂、總章、鼓吹八音，與律呂乖錯，乃制古尺，作新律呂，以調聲韻。 事具《律曆志》。 律成，遂班下太常，使太樂、總章、鼓吹、清商施用。 勖遂典知樂事，啟朝士解音律者共掌之。 使郭夏、宋識等造《正德》、《大豫》二舞，其樂章亦張華之所作雲。
the ninth year of Taishi saw Xun Xu compare Du Kui’s pitch system with palace ensembles and martial bands; finding mismatch, he cast archaic rods and new tubes to true the scale. Full detail appears in the treatise on harmonics and calendrics. Finished scales were promulgated to the Ministry of Rites for adoption by court music bureaus. Xun Xu took charge of performance and asked literati who understood temperament to co-manage it. He tasked Guo Xia and Song Shi with choreography for “Zhengde” and “Dayu”—lyrics again from Zhang Hua.
98
正德舞歌張華
“Zhengde” Dance Hymn—Zhang Hua
99
日皇上天，玄鑒惟光。 神器周回，五德代章。 祚命于晉，世有哲王。 弘濟區夏，陶甄萬方。 大明垂曜，旁燭無疆。 蚩蚩庶類，風德永康。 皇道惟清，禮樂斯經。 金石在懸，萬舞在庭。 象容表慶，協律被聲。 軼《武》超《濩》，取節《六英》。 同進退讓，化漸無形。 大和宣洽，通於幽冥。
Solar lord aloft—shadowy scrutiny alone shines. Divine tokens wheel—five virtues take rotating glory. Heaven’s lot settles on Jin—successions seat sagely rulers. They rescue central plain—they kiln-fire every quarter. Grand splendor lowers gleam—peripheral torches know no bound. Teeming common folk—custom’s power ever robust. The royal way stays lucid—rites and song form its fixed threads. Bronze and jade hang ranked—countless dancers pack the yard. Figures display fortune—they wed mode and mantle tone. Leaping past “Grand Wu,” vaulting “Grand Hu”—they steal rhythm from “Six Ying.” Joint charge, joint retreat—reform trickles past visible form. Supreme concord spreads—it threads silent shades.
100
大豫舞歌張華
“Dayu” Dance Hymn—Zhang Hua
101
惟天之命，符運有歸。 赫赫大晉，三後重暉。 繼明紹世，光撫九圍。 我皇紹期，遂在璿璣。 群生屬命，奄有庶邦。 慎徽五典，玄教遐通。 萬方同軌，率土咸雍。 爰制《大豫》，宣德舞功。 醇化既穆，王道協隆。 仁及草木，惠加昆蟲。 億兆夷人，悅仰皇風。 丕顯大業，永世彌崇。
Thus runs celestial writ—omens and luck own their course. Resplendent mighty Jin—three successors stacked glory. Carrying flame, handing eras—gleam nurses nine peripheries. Our sovereign takes timed mandate—therefore sits on polar hinge. Creatures hang fortunes—swiftly holding myriad states. Guardedly honoring five statutes—arcane doctrine bridges distance. Ten thousand regions ride shared gauge—every soil merges ease. Hence choreographed “Grand Ease”—spreading merit through swaying ode. Distilled reform stands grave—royal course aligns with height. Mercy touches herb and timber—bounty sinks to creeping kin. Countless tribes beyond heartland—gladly crane toward sovereign wind. Brightly shown mega-work—endless reigns heap reverence.
102
荀勖又作新律笛十二枚，以調律呂，正雅樂，正會殿庭作之，自謂宮商克諧，然論者猶謂勖暗解。 時阮咸妙達八音，論者謂之神解。 咸常心譏勖新律聲高，以為高近哀思，不合中和。 每公會樂作，勖意咸謂之不調，以為異己，乃出咸為始平相。 後有田父耕于野，得周時玉尺，勖以校己所治鐘鼓金石絲竹，皆短校一米，於此伏咸之妙，復徵咸歸。 勖既以新律造二舞，次更修正鐘聲。 會勖薨，未竟其業。 元康三年，詔其子籓修定金石，以施郊廟。 尋值喪亂，莫有記之者。
Xun Xu cut twelve fresh panpipes to tune classical pitch for state halls; he insisted modes aligned, though critics sneered his ear was blunt. Ruan Xian meanwhile commanded eight instrumental families—onlookers called his ear heaven-sent. Ruan quietly mocked Xu’s sharp tuning—too bright, too close to grief, betraying equipoise. Each court feast, Xun heard sabotage in Ruan’s silence—read it mutiny—and banished him as Shiping prefect. Later peasants dug up a Zhou jade yardstick; against it Xu’s orchestra proved uniformly short one chi—then he bowed to Ruan’s finesse and summoned him home. Having staged both dances on new temperament, Xu moved on to true bell tones. He died before finishing the overhaul. Yuankang 3 commanded his son Fan to complete bronze and lithophone adjustment for suburban shrines. Before long catastrophe swept in—and nobody preserved what followed.
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漢高祖自蜀漢將定三秦，閬中範因率賨人以從帝，為前鋒。 及定秦中，封因為閬中侯，復賨人七姓。 其俗喜舞，高祖樂其猛銳，數觀其舞，後使樂人習之。 閬中有渝水，因其所居，故名曰《巴渝舞》。 舞曲有《矛渝本歌曲》、《安弩渝本歌曲》、《安臺本歌曲》、《行辭本歌曲》，總四篇。 其辭既古，莫能曉其句度。 魏初，乃使軍謀祭酒王粲改創其詞。 粲問巴渝帥李管、種玉歌曲意，試使歌，聽之，以考校歌曲，而為之改為《矛渝新福歌曲》、《弩渝新福歌曲》、《安台新福歌曲》、《行辭新福歌曲》，《行辭》以述魏德。 黃初三年，又改《巴渝舞》曰《昭武舞》。 至景初元年，尚書奏，考覽三代禮樂遺曲，據功象德，奏作《武始》、《咸熙》、《章斌》三舞，皆執羽龠。 及晉又改《昭武舞》曰《宣武舞》，《羽龠舞》曰《宣文舞》。 咸甯元年，詔定祖宗之號，而廟樂乃停《宣武》、《宣文》二舞，而同用荀勖所使郭夏、宋識等所造《正德》、《大豫》二舞雲。
When Liu Bang pressed east from Ba-Shu to conquer the Three Qin, Fan Yin of Langzhong marched Cong clansmen ahead as his spear-tip. After the central plain submitted, Fan Yin became marquis of Langzhong and seven Cong lineages regained noble standing. Those folk loved war dance; the founding emperor savored its savage edge, watched often, then told court artists to master it. The Yu River runs through Langzhong; settlers lent their name to what courtiers called the Bayu drill. The cycle listed four root lyrics—Spear Yu, Rest-the-Crossbow Yu, Quiet Terrace, and Marching Verses—four movements total. Language hoary as relic—no living reader could parse its caesuras. Early Wei charged Libationer Wang Can with drafting fresh words. Wang Can queried drill masters Li Guan and Zhong Yu, auditioned choruses, collated melody, and issued New Blessing versions—March Lyrics hymning Wei power. Huangchu 3 rechristened Bayu as the Display Martial suite. Jingchu 1 brought a memorial comparing Shang-Zhou-Han survivals; weighing deeds against virtue, ministers debuted Martial Inception, All-pervading Dawn, and Pattern Splendor—each dancer clutching plumes and pitch-pipes. Jin swapped Display Martial for Proclaimed Martial and rechristened Plume-Yue as Proclaimed Civil choreography. Xianning 1 sealed shrine honorifics; court orchestras shelved both martial-civil Jin suites and standardized on Xun Xu’s Zhengde and Dayu pieces by Guo Xia and Song Shi.