1
魏之先，畢公高之後也。 畢公高與周同姓。 武王之伐紂，而高封於畢，於是為畢姓。 其後絕封，為庶人，或在中國，或在夷狄。 其苗裔曰畢萬，事晉獻公。
The forebears of the Wei clan were descendants of Duke Gao of Bi. Duke Gao of Bi shared the same surname as the royal house of Zhou. When King Wu conquered the tyrant Zhou, Gao was enfeoffed at Bi, and his descendants took Bi as their surname. In later generations the line lost its fief and they became commoners, scattered across the Central States and among the barbarian lands. A distant descendant named Bi Wan entered the service of Duke Xian of Jin.
2
獻公之十六年，趙夙為御，畢萬為右，以伐霍、耿、魏，滅之。 以耿封趙夙，以魏封畢萬，為大夫。 卜偃曰：「畢萬之後必大矣，萬，滿數也； 魏，大名也。 以是始賞，天開之矣，天子曰兆民，諸侯曰萬民。 今命之大，以從滿數，其必有眾。」 初，畢萬卜事晉，遇屯之比。 辛廖占之，曰：「吉。 屯固比入，吉孰大焉，其必蕃昌。」
In the sixteenth year of Duke Xian's reign, Zhao Su served as charioteer and Bi Wan as the warrior on the right. Together they campaigned against Huo, Geng, and Wei and destroyed them all. Zhao Su was enfeoffed with Geng, and Bi Wan was enfeoffed with Wei and elevated to the rank of grand master. The diviner Bu Yan said, 'The descendants of Bi Wan are destined for greatness. The character wan means "ten thousand" — the fullest of numbers. And Wei is a name that means "great." To receive such a reward at the very outset — Heaven has opened the way for him. The Son of Heaven commands the teeming multitudes, and the feudal lords command ten thousand people. Now his name means "great" and his number is "fullness" — he is certain to command a vast multitude.' Earlier, when Bi Wan had divined about entering the service of Jin, he drew the hexagram Zhun changing to Bi. Xin Liao interpreted the result and said, 'It is auspicious. Zhun signifies solidity and Bi signifies union — what omen could be more favorable? His line will surely flourish and multiply.'
3
畢萬封十一年，晉獻公卒，四子爭更立，晉亂。 而畢萬之世彌大，從其國名為魏氏。 生武子。 魏武子以魏諸子事晉公子重耳。 晉獻公之二十一年，武子從重耳出亡。 十九年反，重耳立為晉文公，而令魏武子襲魏氏之後封，列為大夫，治於魏。 生悼子。
Eleven years after Bi Wan was enfeoffed, Duke Xian of Jin died. His four sons contended for the succession, and Jin fell into disorder. The house of Bi Wan grew ever more powerful with each generation. They took the name of their fief and became the Wei clan. He fathered a son known as Wuzi. Wei Wuzi, together with the other sons of the Wei house, entered the service of Prince Chong'er of Jin. In the twenty-first year of Duke Xian of Jin, Wuzi followed Chong'er into exile. After nineteen years they returned. Chong'er was installed as Duke Wen of Jin and ordered Wei Wuzi to inherit the Wei clan's fief, ranked him as a grand master, and assigned him to govern at Wei. He fathered a son known as Daozi.
4
魏悼子徙治霍。 生魏絳。
Wei Daozi moved his seat of government to Huo. He fathered Wei Jiang.
5
魏絳事晉悼公。 悼公三年，會諸侯。 悼公弟楊干亂行，魏絳僇辱楊干。 悼公怒曰：「合諸侯以為榮，今辱吾弟！」 將誅魏絳。 或說悼公，悼公止。 卒任魏絳政，使和戎、翟，戎、翟親附。 悼公之十一年，曰：「自吾用魏絳，八年之中，九合諸侯，戎、翟和，子之力也。」 賜之樂，三讓，然後受之。 徙治安邑。 魏絳卒，謚為昭子。 生魏嬴。 嬴生魏獻子。
Wei Jiang served Duke Dao of Jin. In the third year of Duke Dao's reign, he convened an assembly of the feudal lords. The duke's younger brother, Yang Gan, broke ranks and caused disorder. Wei Jiang punished and publicly humiliated Yang Gan. Duke Dao was furious and said, 'I assembled the feudal lords for a display of glory, and now you humiliate my own brother!' He was about to have Wei Jiang executed. But someone intervened and persuaded the duke, and he relented. In the end, the duke entrusted Wei Jiang with the governance. He was sent to make peace with the Rong and Di peoples, and they became loyal allies. In the eleventh year of Duke Dao's reign, the duke said, 'Since I entrusted you, Wei Jiang, I have assembled the feudal lords nine times in eight years, and the Rong and Di are at peace. This is all due to your efforts.' He bestowed upon him the privilege of court music. Wei Jiang declined three times before accepting. He moved his seat of government to Anyi. When Wei Jiang died, he was given the posthumous title Zhaozi. He fathered Wei Ying. Wei Ying fathered Wei Xianzi.
6
獻子事晉昭公。 昭公卒而六卿彊，公室卑。
Wei Xianzi served Duke Zhao of Jin. After Duke Zhao died, the six great ministers grew powerful and the ducal house declined.
7
晉頃公之十二年，韓宣子老，魏獻子為國政。 晉宗室祁氏、羊舌氏相惡，六卿誅之，盡取其邑為十縣，六卿各令其子為之大夫。 獻子與趙簡子、中行文子、范獻子并為晉卿。
In the twelfth year of Duke Qing of Jin, Han Xuanzi grew old, and Wei Xianzi assumed control of state affairs. The Qi and Yangshe clans of the Jin ruling house fell into a mutual feud. The six ministers had them executed, seized all their lands, and divided them into ten counties. Each of the six ministers then appointed one of his own sons as magistrate over the new districts. Wei Xianzi served alongside Zhao Jianzi, Zhonghang Wenzi, and Fan Xianzi as ministers of Jin.
8
其後十四歲而孔子相魯。 後四歲，趙簡子以晉陽之亂也，而與韓、魏共攻范、中行氏。 魏獻子生魏侈。 魏侈與趙鞅共攻范、中行氏。
Fourteen years later, Confucius became the chancellor of Lu. Four years after that, Zhao Jianzi — in the wake of the Jinyang rebellion — joined with Han and Wei to attack the Fan and Zhonghang clans. Wei Xianzi fathered Wei Chi. Wei Chi joined Zhao Yang in the attack on the Fan and Zhonghang clans.
9
魏侈之孫曰魏桓子，與韓康子、趙襄子共伐滅知伯，分其地。
Wei Chi's grandson was known as Wei Huanzi. Together with Han Kangzi and Zhao Xiangzi, he attacked and destroyed Zhi Bo, dividing his territory among them.
10
桓子之孫曰文侯都。 魏文侯元年，秦靈公之元年也。 與韓武子、趙桓子、周威王同時。
Huanzi's grandson was called Du, who became known as Marquis Wen. The first year of Marquis Wen of Wei coincided with the first year of Duke Ling of Qin. He was a contemporary of Han Wuzi, Zhao Huanzi, and King Wei of Zhou.
11
六年，城少梁。 十三年，使子擊圍繁、龐，出其民。 十六年，伐秦，筑臨晉元裏。
In the sixth year, the city of Shaoliang was fortified. In the thirteenth year, he sent his son Ji to lay siege to Fan and Pang and evacuate their inhabitants. In the sixteenth year, he attacked Qin and constructed the fortress of Linjin Yuanli.
12
十七年，伐中山，使子擊守之，趙倉唐傅之。 子擊逢文侯之師田子方於朝歌，引車避，下謁。 田子方不為禮。 子擊因問曰：「富貴者驕人乎？ 且貧賤者驕人乎？」 子方曰：「亦貧賤者驕人耳。 夫諸侯而驕人則失其國，大夫而驕人則失其家。 貧賤者，行不合，言不用，則去之楚、越，若脫屣然，柰何其同之哉！」 子擊不懌而去。 西攻秦，至鄭而還，筑雒陰、合陽。
In the seventeenth year, he attacked Zhongshan and sent his son Ji to garrison it, with Zhao Cangtang as his tutor. On the road, Ji encountered his father's teacher Tian Zifang at Zhaoge. He drew his chariot to the side of the road, dismounted, and bowed in greeting. Tian Zifang did not return the courtesy. Ji, stung, asked him, 'Is it the rich and noble who are entitled to treat others with arrogance? Or is it the poor and lowly?' Tian Zifang replied, 'It is the poor and lowly, of course. If a feudal lord is arrogant toward others, he loses his state. If a great officer is arrogant, he loses his house. But if a poor and lowly man finds that his conduct is not accepted and his words are not heeded, he simply walks away to Chu or Yue as easily as slipping off a pair of sandals. How can the two be compared!' Ji, displeased, departed without another word. They launched a western campaign against Qin, advancing as far as Zheng before turning back. They fortified the cities of Luoyin and Heyang.
13
二十二年，魏、趙、韓列為諸侯。
In the twenty-second year, Wei, Zhao, and Han were formally recognized as feudal lords.
14
二十四年，秦伐我，至陽狐。
In the twenty-fourth year, Qin attacked us and advanced as far as Yanghu.
15
二十五年，子擊生子罃。
In the twenty-fifth year, Ji fathered a son named Ying.
16
文侯受子夏經藝，客段干木，過其閭，未嘗不軾也。 秦嘗欲伐魏，或曰：「魏君賢人是禮，國人稱仁，上下和合，未可圖也。」 文侯由此得譽於諸侯。
Marquis Wen studied the classics and arts under Zixia. He honored Duan Ganmu as a guest, and whenever his chariot passed the scholar's lane, he never failed to lean forward on the crossbar in a gesture of respect. Qin once contemplated attacking Wei, but an advisor said, 'The lord of Wei treats the worthy with the utmost courtesy, and his people praise him as benevolent. Ruler and subjects are in harmony. The time is not ripe to move against them.' Through this, Marquis Wen earned a reputation of distinction among the feudal lords.
17
任西門豹守鄴，而河內稱治。
He appointed Ximen Bao as the governor of Ye, and the Henei region became renowned for its good governance.
18
魏文侯謂李克曰：「先生嘗教寡人曰『家貧則思良妻，國亂則思良相』。 今所置非成則璜，二子何如？」 李克對曰：「臣聞之，卑不謀尊，疏不謀戚。 臣在闕門之外，不敢當命。」 文侯曰：「先生臨事勿讓。」 李克曰：「君不察故也。 居視其所親，富視其所與，達視其所舉，窮視其所不為，貧視其所不取，五者足以定之矣，何待克哉！」 文侯曰：「先生就舍，寡人之相定矣。」 李克趨而出，過翟璜之家。 翟璜曰：「今者聞君召先生而卜相，果誰為之？」 李克曰：「魏成子為相矣。」 翟璜忿然作色曰：「以耳目之所睹記，臣何負於魏成子？ 西河之守，臣之所進也。 君內以鄴為憂，臣進西門豹。 君謀欲伐中山，臣進樂羊。 中山以拔，無使守之，臣進先生。 君之子無傅，臣進屈侯鮒。 臣何以負於魏成子！」 李克曰：「且子之言克於子之君者，豈將比周以求大官哉？ 君問而置相『非成則璜，二子何如』？ 克對曰：『君不察故也。 居視其所親，富視其所與，達視其所舉，窮視其所不為，貧視其所不取，五者足以定之矣，何待克哉！』 是以知魏成子之為相也。 且子安得與魏成子比乎？ 魏成子以食祿千鐘，什九在外，什一在內，是以東得卜子夏、田子方、段干木。 此三人者，君皆師之。 子之所進五人者，君皆臣之。 子惡得與魏成子比也？」 翟璜逡巡再拜曰：「璜，鄙人也，失對，願卒為弟子。」
Marquis Wen of Wei said to Li Ke, 'You once taught me that when a household is poor, one thinks of a good wife, and when a state is in disorder, one thinks of a good chancellor. Now I must choose between Cheng and Huang for the chancellorship. What is your assessment of the two?' Li Ke replied, 'I have heard that the lowly should not presume to advise the exalted, nor the distant to counsel the intimate. I stand outside the palace gates and dare not accept such a charge.' Marquis Wen said, 'When the moment demands it, you must not decline.' Li Ke said, 'My lord has simply not considered the matter carefully. In private, observe whom he keeps close. In wealth, observe to whom he gives. In success, observe whom he promotes. In adversity, observe what he refuses to do. In poverty, observe what he refuses to take. These five tests are enough to settle the matter. What need is there to consult me!' Marquis Wen said, 'Return to your quarters, sir. My mind is made up about the chancellorship.' Li Ke hastened out and passed by the residence of Di Huang. Di Huang said, 'I hear the lord summoned you to help choose a chancellor. Who was selected?' Li Ke said, 'Wei Chengzi has been chosen as chancellor.' Di Huang flushed with anger and said, 'By the evidence of everything I have seen and heard, how am I inferior to Wei Chengzi? The appointment of the governor of Xihe — that was my recommendation. When the lord was troubled about Ye, it was I who recommended Ximen Bao. When the lord planned to attack Zhongshan, it was I who recommended Yue Yang. After Zhongshan was taken and there was no one to garrison it, it was I who recommended you, sir. When the lord's son needed a tutor, it was I who recommended Qu Houfu. In what way do I fall short of Wei Chengzi!' Li Ke replied, 'When you spoke to your lord on my behalf, was it to form a faction and seek high office for me? The lord asked me to help choose between the two of you for chancellor. I replied, 'My lord has simply not considered the matter carefully. In private, observe whom he keeps close. In wealth, observe to whom he gives. In success, observe whom he promotes. In adversity, observe what he refuses to do. In poverty, observe what he refuses to take. These five tests are enough to settle the matter — what need was there to consult me?' That is how I knew Wei Chengzi would be chosen as chancellor. And how, pray, can you compare yourself to Wei Chengzi? Wei Chengzi receives a salary of a thousand zhong. Nine parts out of ten he spends on others, keeping only one part for himself. Through this generosity he attracted Zixia, Tian Zifang, and Duan Ganmu. All three of these men the lord took as his own teachers. The five men you recommended, on the other hand, the lord merely employed as ministers. How, then, can you presume to compare yourself with Wei Chengzi?' Di Huang retreated a step, bowed twice, and said, 'I am a rustic man and spoke out of turn. I would be honored to become your disciple.'
19
二十六年，虢山崩，壅河。
In the twenty-sixth year, Mount Guo collapsed and dammed the Yellow River.
20
三十二年，伐鄭。 城酸棗。 敗秦于注。 三十五年，齊伐取我襄陵。 三十六年，秦侵我陰晉。
In the thirty-second year, Wei attacked Zheng. The city of Suanzao was fortified. They defeated Qin at Zhu. In the thirty-fifth year, Qi attacked and seized our city of Xiangling. In the thirty-sixth year, Qin invaded our territory of Yinjin.
21
三十八年，伐秦，敗我武下，得其將識。 是歲，文侯卒，子擊立，是為武侯。
In the thirty-eighth year, Wei attacked Qin but was defeated below Wu, and Qin captured their general Shi. In that year, Marquis Wen died. His son Ji ascended the throne and became Marquis Wu.
22
魏武侯元年，趙敬侯初立，公子朔為亂，不勝，奔魏，與魏襲邯鄲，魏敗而去。
In the first year of Marquis Wu of Wei, Marquis Jing of Zhao had just come to power. Prince Shuo raised a rebellion but was defeated, and fled to Wei. Together with Wei he launched a surprise attack on Handan, but they were defeated and withdrew.
23
二年，城安邑、王垣。
In the second year, the cities of Anyi and Wangyuan were fortified.
24
七年，伐齊，至桑丘。 九年，翟敗我于澮。 使吳起伐齊，至靈丘。 齊威王初立。
In the seventh year, Wei attacked Qi and advanced as far as Sangqiu. In the ninth year, the Di barbarians defeated our forces at Kuai. Wu Qi was sent to attack Qi, advancing as far as Lingqiu. King Wei of Qi had just ascended the throne.
25
十一年，與韓、趙三分晉地，滅其後。
In the eleventh year, Wei joined Han and Zhao in the final partition of Jin's territory into three parts, extinguishing the last remnants of the Jin ruling house.
26
十三年，秦獻公縣櫟陽。 十五年，敗趙北藺。
In the thirteenth year, Duke Xian of Qin established Yueyang as a county seat. In the fifteenth year, Wei defeated Zhao at Beilin.
27
十六年，伐楚，取魯陽。 武侯卒，子罃立，是為惠王。
In the sixteenth year, Wei attacked Chu and captured Luyang. Marquis Wu died. His son Ying ascended the throne and became King Hui.
28
惠王元年，初，武侯卒也，子罃與公中緩爭為太子。 公孫頎自宋入趙，自趙入韓，謂韓懿侯曰：「魏罃與公中緩爭為太子，君亦聞之乎？ 今魏罃得王錯，挾上黨，固半國也。 因而除之，破魏必矣，不可失也。」 懿侯說，乃與趙成侯合軍并兵以伐魏，戰于濁澤，魏氏大敗，魏君圍。 趙謂韓曰：「除魏君，立公中緩，割地而退，我且利。」 韓曰：「不可。 殺魏君，人必曰暴； 割地而退，人必曰貪。 不如兩分之。 魏分為兩，不彊於宋、衛，則我終無魏之患矣。」 趙不聽。 韓不說，以其少卒夜去。 惠王之所以身不死，國不分者，二家謀不和也。 若從一家之謀，則魏必分矣。 故曰「君終無適子，其國可破也」。
In the first year of King Hui's reign — when Marquis Wu had first died, his son Ying and Gong Zhonghuan had contended for the succession. Gongsun Qi traveled from Song to Zhao and then to Han, where he said to Marquis Yi of Han, 'Ying and Gong Zhonghuan are contending for the succession in Wei. Has your lordship heard of this? Now Ying has won over Wang Cuo and controls Shangdang — he commands fully half the state. Seize the opportunity to remove him, and the destruction of Wei is certain. This chance must not be lost.' Marquis Yi was persuaded. He combined forces with Marquis Cheng of Zhao and attacked Wei. They fought at Zhuoze. The Wei army was routed and the lord of Wei was besieged. Zhao said to Han, 'Let us depose the lord of Wei, install Gong Zhonghuan in his place, seize a portion of Wei's territory, and withdraw. We both stand to gain.' Han replied, 'That will not do. If we kill the lord of Wei, the world will call us brutal. If we seize territory and withdraw, the world will call us greedy. Better to split Wei in two. A Wei divided in two would be no stronger than Song or Wey, and we would be forever free from the threat of Wei.' Zhao refused to listen. Han, displeased, withdrew its remaining troops under cover of darkness. The reason King Hui survived and Wei was not partitioned was that the two allies could not agree on a plan. Had they followed either plan to its conclusion, Wei would surely have been divided. Thus the saying: 'When a lord dies without a recognized heir, his state may be destroyed.'
29
二年，魏敗韓于馬陵，敗趙于懷。 三年，齊敗我觀。 五年，與韓會宅陽。 城武堵。 為秦所敗。 六年，伐取宋儀臺。 九年，伐敗韓于澮。 與秦戰少梁，虜我將公孫痤，取龐。 秦獻公卒，子孝公立。
In the second year, Wei defeated Han at Maling and defeated Zhao at Huai. In the third year, Qi defeated our forces at Guan. In the fifth year, Wei met with Han at Zhaiyang. The city of Wudu was fortified. They were defeated by Qin. In the sixth year, Wei attacked and seized Song's Yitai. In the ninth year, Wei attacked and defeated Han at Kuai. They fought Qin at Shaoliang. Qin captured our general Gongsun Cuo and seized the city of Pang. Duke Xian of Qin died, and his son, Duke Xiao, ascended the throne.
30
十年，伐取趙皮牢。 彗星見。 十二年，星晝墜，有聲。
In the tenth year, Wei attacked and captured Zhao's Pilao. A comet appeared in the sky. In the twelfth year, a star fell in broad daylight, accompanied by a great noise.
31
十四年，與趙會鄗。 十五年，魯、衛、宋、鄭君來朝。 十六年，與秦孝公會（社）［杜］平。 侵宋黃池，宋復取之。
In the fourteenth year, Wei met with Zhao at Hao. In the fifteenth year, the lords of Lu, Wey, Song, and Zheng came to pay court. In the sixteenth year, Wei met with Duke Xiao of Qin at Duping. Wei invaded Song's Huangchi, but Song retook it.
32
十七年，與秦戰元裏，秦取我少梁。 圍趙邯鄲。 十八年，拔邯鄲。 趙請救于齊，齊使田忌、孫臏救趙，敗魏桂陵。
In the seventeenth year, Wei fought Qin at Yuanli, and Qin seized our city of Shaoliang. Wei laid siege to Zhao's capital, Handan. In the eighteenth year, Handan fell. Zhao pleaded for help from Qi. Qi dispatched Tian Ji and Sun Bin to relieve Zhao. They defeated the Wei army at Guiling.
33
十九年，諸侯圍我襄陵。 筑長城，塞固陽。
In the nineteenth year, the feudal lords besieged our city of Xiangling. A long wall was built to seal off Guyang.
34
二十年，歸趙邯鄲，與盟漳水上。 二十一年，與秦會彤。 趙成侯卒。 二十八年，齊威王卒。 中山君相魏。
In the twentieth year, Handan was returned to Zhao, and the two states concluded an alliance on the banks of the Zhang River. In the twenty-first year, Wei met with Qin at Tong. Marquis Cheng of Zhao passed away. In the twenty-eighth year, King Wei of Qi passed away. The Lord of Zhongshan became chancellor of Wei.
35
三十年，魏伐趙，趙告急齊。 齊宣王用孫子計，救趙擊魏。 魏遂大興師，使龐涓將，而令太子申為上將軍。 過外黃，外黃徐子謂太子曰：「臣有百戰百勝之術。」 太子曰：「可得聞乎？」 客曰：「固願效之。」 曰：「太子自將攻齊，大勝并莒，則富不過有魏，貴不益為王。 若戰不勝齊，則萬世無魏矣。 此臣之百戰百勝之術也。」 太子曰：「諾，請必從公之言而還矣。」 客曰：「太子雖欲還，不得矣。 彼勸太子戰攻，欲啜汁者眾。 太子雖欲還，恐不得矣。」 太子因欲還，其御曰：「將出而還，與北同。」 太子果與齊人戰，敗於馬陵。 齊虜魏太子申，殺將軍涓，軍遂大破。
In the thirtieth year, Wei attacked Zhao. Zhao sent an urgent plea for aid to Qi. King Xuan of Qi employed the strategy of Sun Bin to relieve Zhao by striking directly at Wei. Wei raised a massive army in response. Pang Juan was appointed as general, and Crown Prince Shen was named supreme commander. As the army passed through Waihuang, a man named Xu Zi from that city addressed the crown prince: 'I possess a strategy that guarantees victory in every battle.' The crown prince said, 'May I hear it?' The man replied, 'I would be glad to explain it.' He said, 'Suppose the crown prince personally leads the attack on Qi and wins a great victory, even annexing Ju. Even then, your wealth would be no greater than what Wei already possesses, and your rank could rise no higher than king. But if you fight and fail to defeat Qi, then for ten thousand generations there will be no Wei. This is my strategy of a hundred battles and a hundred victories.' The crown prince said, 'Very well. I shall follow your advice and turn back.' The man replied, 'Even though the crown prince wishes to turn back, he will not be able to. Those around the crown prince who urge him to fight — men eager to taste the spoils of war — are too numerous. Even if the crown prince wishes to turn back, I fear he will find it impossible.' The crown prince indeed wished to withdraw, but his charioteer said, 'A general who marches out only to turn back is no different from one who flees.' And so the crown prince pressed forward and engaged the Qi forces. He was defeated at Maling. Qi captured Crown Prince Shen of Wei and killed General Pang Juan. The Wei army was utterly shattered.
36
三十一年，秦、趙、齊共伐我，秦將商君詐我將軍公子卬而襲奪其軍，破之。 秦用商君，東地至河，而齊、趙數破我，安邑近秦，於是徙治大梁。 以公子赫為太子。
In the thirty-first year, Qin, Zhao, and Qi attacked Wei together. The Qin general, Lord Shang, tricked our general Prince Ang with a feigned parley, then ambushed and seized his army, routing it. Qin, under Lord Shang's reforms, had extended its eastern territory to the Yellow River. With Qi and Zhao repeatedly defeating Wei, and Anyi lying dangerously close to Qin, the capital was relocated to Daliang. Prince He was designated as the new crown prince.
37
三十三年，秦孝公卒，商君亡秦歸魏，魏怒，不入。 三十五年，與齊宣王會平阿南。
In the thirty-third year, Duke Xiao of Qin died. Lord Shang fled Qin and sought refuge in Wei, but Wei, still seething with anger, refused to take him in. In the thirty-fifth year, Wei met with King Xuan of Qi south of Ping'a.
38
惠王數被於軍旅，卑禮厚幣以招賢者。 鄒衍、淳于髡、孟軻皆至梁。 梁惠王曰：「寡人不佞，兵三折於外，太子虜，上將死，國以空虛，以羞先君宗廟社稷，寡人甚丑之，叟不遠千里，辱幸至獘邑之廷，將何利吾國？」 孟軻曰：「君不可以言利若是。 夫君欲利則大夫欲利，大夫欲利則庶人欲利，上下爭利，國則危矣。 為人君，仁義而已矣，何以利為！」
King Hui had suffered repeated defeats on the battlefield. He adopted a posture of the deepest humility, offering generous gifts to attract men of talent. Zou Yan, Chunyu Kun, and Meng Ke all came to the court at Liang. King Hui of Liang said, 'I am a man of little ability. My armies have been defeated three times abroad. The crown prince was taken captive and the supreme commander killed. The state has been left hollow, and I have brought shame upon the ancestral temples of my forebears. I am deeply mortified. That you venerable men have not considered a thousand li too far, and have deigned to visit the court of my humble capital — what profit can you bring to my state?' Meng Ke replied, 'Your majesty should not speak of profit in this manner. When the ruler pursues profit, the great officers will pursue profit. When the great officers pursue profit, the common people will pursue profit. When all ranks from top to bottom contend for profit, the state falls into peril. For a ruler, benevolence and righteousness are all that matter — why speak of profit at all!'
39
三十六年，復與齊王會甄。 是歲，惠王卒，子襄王立。
In the thirty-sixth year, Wei again met with the King of Qi at Zhen. That year, King Hui died. His son ascended the throne as King Xiang.
40
襄王元年，與諸侯會徐州，相王也。 追尊父惠王為王。
In the first year of King Xiang's reign, he met with the other feudal lords at Xuzhou, where they mutually recognized one another as kings. He posthumously honored his father, King Hui, with the title of king.
41
五年，秦敗我龍賈軍四萬五千于雕陰，圍我焦、曲沃。 予秦河西之地。
In the fifth year, Qin defeated our general Long Jia's army of forty-five thousand at Diaoyin and laid siege to our cities of Jiao and Quwo. Wei ceded the lands west of the Yellow River to Qin.
42
六年，與秦會應。 秦取我汾陰、皮氏、焦。 魏伐楚，敗之陘山。 七年，魏盡入上郡于秦。 秦降我蒲陽。 八年，秦歸我焦、曲沃。
In the sixth year, Wei met with Qin at Ying. Qin seized our cities of Fenyin, Pishi, and Jiao. Wei attacked Chu and defeated them at Mount Xing. In the seventh year, Wei ceded the entire Shangjun commandery to Qin. Qin forced the surrender of our city of Puyang. In the eighth year, Qin returned Jiao and Quwo to us.
43
十二年，楚敗我襄陵。 諸侯執政與秦相張儀會齧桑。 十三年，張儀相魏。 魏有女子化為丈夫。 秦取我曲沃、平周。
In the twelfth year, Chu defeated our forces at Xiangling. The chief ministers of the feudal states met with Zhang Yi, the chancellor of Qin, at Niesang. In the thirteenth year, Zhang Yi became the chancellor of Wei. In Wei, a woman was transformed into a man. Qin seized our cities of Quwo and Pingzhou.
44
十六年，襄王卒，子哀王立。 張儀復歸秦。
In the sixteenth year, King Xiang died. His son ascended the throne as King Ai. Zhang Yi returned once more to Qin.
45
哀王元年，五國共攻秦，不勝而去。
In the first year of King Ai's reign, a coalition of five states attacked Qin but failed to prevail and withdrew.
46
二年，齊敗我觀津。 五年，秦使樗里子伐取我曲沃，走犀首岸門。 六年，秦（求）［來］立公子政為太子。 與秦會臨晉。 七年，攻齊。 與秦伐燕。
In the second year, Qi defeated our forces at Guanjin. In the fifth year, Qin sent Chulizi to attack and seize our Quwo. Our general Xishou was routed at Anmen. In the sixth year, Qin came and installed Prince Zheng as the crown prince. Wei met with Qin at Linjin. In the seventh year, Wei attacked Qi. Together with Qin, they attacked Yan.
47
八年，伐衛，拔列城二。 衛君患之。 如耳約斬趙，趙分而為二，所以不亡者，魏為從主也。 今衛已迫亡，將西請事於秦。 與其以秦醳衛，不如以魏醳衛，見衛君曰：「請罷魏兵，免成陵君可乎？」 衛君曰：「先生果能，孤請世世以衛事先生。」 如耳見成陵君曰：「昔者魏伐趙，斷羊腸，拔閼與，衛之德魏必終無窮。」 成陵君曰：「諾。」 如耳見魏王曰：「臣有謁於衛。 衛故周室之別也，其稱小國，多寶器。 今國迫於難而寶器不出者，其心以為攻衛醳衛不以王為主，故寶器雖出必不入於王也。 臣竊料之，先言醳衛者必受衛者也。」 如耳出，成陵君入，以其言見魏王。 魏王聽其說，罷其兵，免成陵君，終身不見。
In the eighth year, Wei attacked the state of Wey and captured two of its cities. The lord of Wey was greatly alarmed. Ru Er had planned to dismember Zhao. Zhao was split in two, and the only reason it did not perish was that Wei served as the leader of the alliance. Now Wey is on the brink of ruin and will soon turn westward to seek the protection of Qin. Rather than let Qin be the one to save Wey, it would be better for Wei to do so itself. He went to the lord of Wey and said, 'If I can persuade Wei to withdraw its troops and remove the Lord of Chengling from command, would that be acceptable?' The lord of Wey said, 'If you can truly accomplish this, I pledge that Wey will serve you for generations.' Ru Er then went to the Lord of Chengling and said, 'In the past, Wei attacked Zhao, cut through the Yangchang Pass, and captured Eyu. Wey's gratitude toward Wei will surely be boundless and everlasting.' The Lord of Chengling agreed. Ru Er then went before the King of Wei and said, 'Your servant has approached Wey on a certain matter. Wey was originally a cadet branch of the house of Zhou. It is called a small state, yet it possesses many precious ritual vessels. Now the state is pressed by crisis, yet its treasures remain hidden. The reason is that Wey believes the one who relieves it will not be the king himself, and so the treasures, even if they emerge, will surely not come to your majesty. By my private reckoning, the first to propose saving Wey will be the one to receive Wey's loyalty.' As Ru Er stepped out, the Lord of Chengling went in and presented the argument to the King of Wei. The King of Wei accepted the argument. He withdrew his troops and dismissed the Lord of Chengling, never receiving him again for the rest of his life.
48
九年，與秦王會臨晉。 張儀、魏章皆歸于魏。 魏相田需死，楚害張儀、犀首、薛公。 楚相昭魚謂蘇代曰：「田需死，吾恐張儀、犀首、薛公有一人相魏者也。」 代曰：「然相者欲誰而君便之？」 昭魚曰：「吾欲太子之自相也。」 代曰：「請為君北，必相之。」 昭魚曰：「柰何？」 對曰：「君其為梁王，代請說君。」 昭魚曰：「柰何？」 對曰：「代也從楚來，昭魚甚憂，曰：『田需死，吾恐張儀、犀首、薛公有一人相魏者也。』 代曰：『梁王，長主也，必不相張儀。 張儀相，必右秦而左魏。 犀首相，必右韓而左魏。 薛公相，必右齊而左魏。 梁王，長主也，必不便也。』 王曰：『然則寡人孰相？』 代曰：『莫若太子之自相。 太子之自相，是三人者皆以太子為非常相也，皆將務以其國事魏，欲得丞相璽也。 以魏之彊，而三萬乘之國輔之，魏必安矣。 故曰莫若太子之自相也。』」 遂北見梁王，以此告之。 太子果相魏。
In the ninth year, Wei met with the King of Qin at Linjin. Zhang Yi and Wei Zhang both returned to Wei. The Wei chancellor Tian Xu died. Chu feared the influence of Zhang Yi, Xishou, and the Lord of Xue. The Chu chancellor Zhao Yu said to Su Dai, 'Now that Tian Xu is dead, I fear that one of those three — Zhang Yi, Xishou, or the Lord of Xue — will become chancellor of Wei.' Su Dai replied, 'Then whom would you prefer as chancellor? Tell me, and I will arrange it.' Zhao Yu said, 'I would prefer the crown prince himself to serve as chancellor.' Su Dai said, 'Allow me to go north on your behalf. I will see to it that he is made chancellor.' Zhao Yu asked, 'How will you manage it?' Su Dai replied, 'Play the role of the King of Liang, and let me practice my argument on you.' Zhao Yu said, 'Go on.' Su Dai began: 'I have just come from Chu. Zhao Yu is deeply worried. He said, "Now that Tian Xu is dead, I fear that Zhang Yi, Xishou, or the Lord of Xue will become chancellor of Wei." I told him, "The King of Liang is an experienced ruler. He will certainly not appoint Zhang Yi as chancellor. If Zhang Yi were made chancellor, he would surely favor Qin at Wei's expense. If Xishou were made chancellor, he would favor Han at Wei's expense. If the Lord of Xue were made chancellor, he would favor Qi at Wei's expense. The King of Liang is a seasoned ruler—he would surely find none of these acceptable. The King said, 'Then whom should I appoint as chancellor?' Su Dai said, 'Nothing would be better than having the Crown Prince serve as chancellor himself. If the Crown Prince serves as chancellor, all three men will regard him as merely a temporary appointment. Each will then strive to devote his state's resources to serving Wei, hoping to obtain the chancellor's seal for himself. With Wei's own strength, and three great powers of ten thousand chariots rallying behind it, Wei will surely be secure. That is why I say nothing would be better than the Crown Prince serving as chancellor himself.' He then traveled north to see the King of Liang and presented this argument to him. The Crown Prince was indeed appointed chancellor of Wei.
49
十年，張儀死。 十一年，與秦武王會應。 十二年，太子朝於秦。 秦來伐我皮氏，未拔而解。 十四年，秦來歸武王后。 十六年，秦拔我蒲反、陽晉、封陵。 十七年，與秦會臨晉。 秦予我蒲反。 十八年，與秦伐楚。 二十一年，與齊、韓共敗秦軍函谷。
In the tenth year, Zhang Yi died. In the eleventh year, the King met with King Wu of Qin at Ying. In the twelfth year, the Crown Prince traveled to Qin for an audience. Qin attacked our city of Pishi but failed to take it and withdrew. In the fourteenth year, Qin sent back the queen of King Wu. In the sixteenth year, Qin captured our cities of Pufan, Yangjin, and Fengling. In the seventeenth year, the King met with Qin at Linjin. Qin returned Pufan to us. In the eighteenth year, Wei joined Qin in attacking Chu. In the twenty-first year, Wei joined with Qi and Han to defeat the Qin army at Hangu Pass.
50
二十三年，秦復予我河外及封陵為和。 哀王卒，子昭王立。
In the twenty-third year, Qin again returned the lands beyond the Yellow River and Fengling to us as a peace offering. King Ai died, and his son was enthroned as King Zhao.
51
昭王元年，秦拔我襄城。 二年，與秦戰，我不利。 三年，佐韓攻秦，秦將白起敗我軍伊闕二十四萬。 六年，予秦河東地方四百里。 芒卯以詐重。 七年，秦拔我城大小六十一。 八年，秦昭王為西帝，齊湣王為東帝，月餘，皆復稱王歸帝。 九年，秦拔我新垣、曲陽之城。
In the first year of King Zhao's reign, Qin captured our city of Xiangcheng. In the second year, we fought Qin but suffered defeat. In the third year, Wei assisted Han in an attack on Qin. The Qin general Bai Qi defeated our combined army at Yique, slaying two hundred and forty thousand men. In the sixth year, Wei ceded four hundred li of territory east of the Yellow River to Qin. Mang Mao rose to prominence through cunning stratagems. In the seventh year, Qin captured sixty-one of our cities, both large and small. In the eighth year, King Zhao of Qin proclaimed himself the Western Emperor, and King Min of Qi proclaimed himself the Eastern Emperor. After little more than a month, both renounced the imperial titles and reverted to calling themselves kings. In the ninth year, Qin captured our cities of Xinyuan and Quyang.
52
十年，齊滅宋，宋王死我溫。 十二年，與秦、趙、韓、燕共伐齊，敗之濟西，湣王出亡。 燕獨入臨菑。 與秦王會西周。
In the tenth year, Qi destroyed Song. The King of Song died at our city of Wen. In the twelfth year, Wei joined with Qin, Zhao, Han, and Yan to attack Qi. They defeated Qi west of the Ji River, and King Min fled into exile. Yan alone pushed on and entered the Qi capital of Linzi. The King met with the King of Qin at Western Zhou.
53
十三年，秦拔我安城。 兵到大梁，去。 十八年，秦拔郢，楚王徙陳。
In the thirteenth year, Qin captured our city of Ancheng. Their troops advanced as far as Daliang before withdrawing. In the eighteenth year, Qin captured the Chu capital of Ying, and the King of Chu relocated to Chen.
54
十九年，昭王卒，子安釐王立。
In the nineteenth year, King Zhao died, and his son was enthroned as King Anxi.
55
安釐王元年，秦拔我兩城。 二年，又拔我二城，軍大梁下，韓來救，予秦溫以和。 三年，秦拔我四城，斬首四萬。 四年，秦破我及韓、趙，殺十五萬人，走我將芒卯。 魏將段干子請予秦南陽以和。 蘇代謂魏王曰：「欲璽者段干子也，欲地者秦也。 今王使欲地者制璽，使欲璽者制地，魏氏地不盡則不知已。 且夫以地事秦，譬猶抱薪救火，薪不盡，火不滅。」 王曰：「是則然也。 雖然，事始已行，不可更矣。」 對曰：「王獨不見夫博之所以貴梟者，便則食，不便則止矣。 今王曰『事始已行，不可更』，是何王之用智不如用梟也？」
In the first year of King Anxi's reign, Qin captured two of our cities. In the second year, Qin again captured two of our cities and encamped its army beneath the walls of Daliang. Han came to our relief. We ceded Wen to Qin to make peace. In the third year, Qin captured four of our cities and took forty thousand heads. In the fourth year, Qin defeated our forces along with those of Han and Zhao, killing a hundred and fifty thousand men and putting our general Mang Mao to flight. The Wei minister Duan Ganzi proposed ceding Nanyang to Qin to sue for peace. Su Dai said to the King of Wei, 'The one who covets the chancellor's seal is Duan Ganzi; the one who covets territory is Qin. Now Your Majesty lets the one who covets territory control the seal, and lets the one who covets the seal control the territory. They will not stop until every inch of Wei's land is gone. Moreover, appeasing Qin with land is like carrying kindling to put out a fire—so long as the fuel remains, the flames will never die.' The King said, 'That may well be true. But the matter is already under way and cannot be changed now.' Su Dai replied, 'Has Your Majesty never observed why the owl throw is prized in a game of dice? When the situation is favorable one presses the advantage; when it is not, one holds back. Now Your Majesty says the matter is under way and cannot be changed—why is your wisdom inferior to a throw of the dice?'
56
九年，秦拔我懷。 十年，秦太子外質於魏死。 十一年，秦拔我郪丘。
In the ninth year, Qin captured our city of Huai. In the tenth year, the Crown Prince of Qin, who was serving as a hostage in Wei, died. In the eleventh year, Qin captured our city of Qiqiu.
57
秦昭王謂左右曰：「今時韓、魏與始孰彊？」 對曰：「不如始彊。」 王曰：「今時如耳、魏齊與孟嘗、芒卯孰賢？」 對曰：「不如。」 王曰：「以孟嘗、芒卯之賢，率彊韓、魏以攻秦，猶無柰寡人何也。 今以無能之如耳、魏齊而率弱韓、魏以伐秦，其無柰寡人何亦明矣。」 左右皆曰：「甚然。」 中旗馮琴而對曰：「王之料天下過矣。 當晉六卿之時，知氏最彊，滅范、中行，又率韓、魏之兵以圍趙襄子於晉陽，決晉水以灌晉陽之城，不湛者三版。 知伯行水，魏桓子御，韓康子為參乘。 知伯曰：『吾始不知水之可以亡人之國也，乃今知之。』 汾水可以灌安邑，絳水可以灌平陽。 魏桓子肘韓康子，韓康子履魏桓子，肘足接於車上，而知氏地分，身死國亡，為天下笑。 今秦兵雖彊，不能過知氏； 韓、魏雖弱，尚賢其在晉陽之下也。 此方其用肘足之時也，願王之勿易也！」 於是秦王恐。
King Zhao of Qin asked his attendants, 'Compared to the past, are Han and Wei stronger or weaker now?' They replied, 'They are not as strong as before.' The King asked, 'And are the present ministers Ru Er and Wei Qi as capable as Lord Mengchang and Mang Mao were?' They replied, 'They are not.' The King said, 'Even with men as capable as Lord Mengchang and Mang Mao leading a strong Han and Wei against Qin, they still could not do me any harm. Now, with the incompetent Ru Er and Wei Qi leading a weakened Han and Wei to attack Qin, it is all the more obvious that they can do nothing to me.' All his attendants agreed, 'Indeed so.' Zhong Qi leaned on his lute and replied, 'Your Majesty's assessment of the world is mistaken. In the days of the six great ministers of Jin, the Zhi clan was the strongest. They destroyed the Fan and Zhonghang clans, then led the forces of Han and Wei to besiege Viscount Xiang of Zhao at Jinyang. They diverted the Jin River to flood the city, leaving only three boards' height of wall above water. Earl Zhi went to inspect the floodwaters, with Viscount Huan of Wei driving his chariot and Viscount Kang of Han riding beside him. Earl Zhi remarked, 'I never knew that water could destroy a man's state—now I see it for myself.' Now, the Fen River could likewise be used to flood Anyi, and the Jiang River to flood Pingyang. At these words, Viscount Huan of Wei nudged Viscount Kang of Han with his elbow, and Viscount Kang trod on Viscount Huan's foot. There on the chariot they exchanged secret signals. In the end, the Zhi clan's lands were divided, Earl Zhi was killed, and his house was destroyed—he became the laughingstock of the world. Now, though Qin's forces are strong, they do not surpass those of the Zhi clan; and though Han and Wei are weak, they are still in a better position than when they were besieged beneath the walls of Jinyang. This is precisely the moment when elbows and feet may be put to use. I urge Your Majesty not to take them lightly!' At this, the King of Qin grew fearful.
58
齊、楚相約而攻魏，魏使人求救於秦，冠蓋相望也，而秦救不至。 魏人有唐雎者，年九十餘矣，謂魏王曰：「老臣請西說秦王，令兵先臣出。」 魏王再拜，遂約車而遣之。 唐雎到，入見秦王。 秦王曰：「丈人芒然乃遠至此，甚苦矣！ 夫魏之來求救數矣，寡人知魏之急已。」 唐雎對曰：「大王已知魏之急而救不發者，臣竊以為用策之臣無任矣。 夫魏，一萬乘之國也，然所以西面而事秦，稱東藩，受冠帶，祠春秋者，以秦之彊足以為與也。 今齊、楚之兵已合於魏郊矣，而秦救不發，亦將賴其未急也。 使之大急，彼且割地而約從，王尚何救焉？ 必待其急而救之，是失一東藩之魏而彊二敵之齊、楚，則王何利焉？」 於是秦昭王遽為發兵救魏。 魏氏復定。
Qi and Chu formed an alliance and attacked Wei. Wei dispatched envoys to Qin to beg for aid—their carriages stretched in an unbroken line along the road—yet Qin's relief forces never came. There was a man of Wei named Tang Ju, over ninety years old, who said to the King of Wei, 'Allow this old servant to go west and persuade the King of Qin. His troops will march before I have even departed.' The King of Wei bowed twice in gratitude and ordered a chariot prepared to send him on his way. When Tang Ju arrived, he was granted an audience with the King of Qin. The King of Qin said, 'Venerable elder, you have come such a long way in great haste—it must have been an arduous journey! Wei has sent to beg for aid many times now. I am well aware of Wei's distress.' Tang Ju replied, 'If Your Majesty knows of Wei's distress yet still withholds aid, I humbly submit that your strategists have failed in their duty. Wei is a state of ten thousand chariots. Yet it faces west to serve Qin, calls itself an eastern vassal, accepts investiture cap and sash, and sends seasonal tribute—all because Qin is strong enough to be worth allying with. Now the armies of Qi and Chu have already converged on Wei's borders, yet Qin withholds relief, perhaps reckoning the situation is not yet desperate. But should matters grow truly desperate, Wei will cede territory and join the Vertical Alliance—and then whom will Your Majesty rescue? If you insist on waiting until disaster strikes to send relief, you will lose your eastern vassal Wei and strengthen your two rivals Qi and Chu. What profit is there in that for Your Majesty?' At this, King Zhao of Qin hastily dispatched troops to rescue Wei. Wei was once more brought to safety.
59
趙使人謂魏王曰：「為我殺范痤，吾請獻七十里之地。」 魏王曰：「諾。」 使吏捕之，圍而未殺。 痤因上屋騎危，謂使者曰：「與其以死痤市，不如以生痤市。 有如痤死，趙不予王地，則王將柰何？ 故不若與先定割地，然後殺痤。」 魏王曰：「善。」 痤因上書信陵君曰：「痤，故魏之免相也，趙以地殺痤而魏王聽之，有如彊秦亦將襲趙之欲，則君且柰何？」 信陵君言於王而出之。
Zhao sent an envoy to the King of Wei, saying, 'Kill Fan Cuo for us, and we will offer you seventy li of territory.' The King of Wei agreed. He sent officers to arrest Fan Cuo. They surrounded his house but had not yet killed him. Fan Cuo climbed onto the roof and perched at its peak. He called down to the officers, 'Rather than bargaining with my corpse, you would do better to bargain with me alive. If I am killed and Zhao then refuses to hand over the territory, what will the King do? Far better to first secure the cession of land, and only then kill me.' The King of Wei said, 'Very well.' Fan Cuo then sent a letter to Lord Xinling, saying, 'I, Cuo, am merely a dismissed chancellor of Wei. Zhao offers territory to have me killed, and the King of Wei complies. But if mighty Qin should likewise demand the head of someone it dislikes, what will my lord do then?' Lord Xinling spoke to the King and secured Fan Cuo's release.
60
魏王以秦救之故，欲親秦而伐韓，以求故地。 無忌謂魏王曰：
Because Qin had come to Wei's rescue, the King of Wei wished to ally with Qin and attack Han to recover lost territory. Lord Xinling addressed the King of Wei:
61
秦與戎翟同俗，有虎狼之心，貪戾好利無信，不識禮義德行。 茍有利焉，不顧親戚兄弟，若禽獸耳，此天下之所識也，非有所施厚積德也。 故太后母也，而以憂死； 穰侯舅也，功莫大焉，而竟逐之； 兩弟無罪，而再奪之國。 此於親戚若此，而況於仇讎之國乎？ 今王與秦共伐韓而益近秦患，臣甚惑之。 而王不識則不明，群臣莫以聞則不忠。
Qin shares the customs of the Rong and Di barbarians. It has the heart of a tiger or a wolf—greedy, violent, profit-hungry, and faithless, knowing nothing of ritual propriety, righteousness, or virtue. Where there is profit, Qin disregards even kinsmen and brothers—it is no better than a beast. All the world knows this. It has never shown generosity or accumulated virtue. The Queen Dowager was its king's own mother, yet she was left to die of grief; the Marquis of Rang was his uncle, and no one had rendered greater service, yet he was banished in the end; his two younger brothers were blameless, yet their fiefs were stripped from them twice over. If Qin treats its own kin this way, what can its enemies expect? Now Your Majesty proposes to join Qin in attacking Han, which will only bring the menace of Qin closer to our own borders. Your servant is deeply troubled by this. If the King fails to see this, he is not wise; if his ministers fail to speak of it, they are not loyal.
62
今韓氏以一女子奉一弱主，內有大亂，外交彊秦魏之兵，王以為不亡乎？ 韓亡，秦有鄭地，與大梁鄴，王以為安乎？ 王欲得故地，今負彊秦之親，王以為利乎？
Han is now governed by a single woman propping up a weak ruler. It is in turmoil within, and faces the combined armies of mighty Qin and Wei without. Does Your Majesty suppose it will not be destroyed? Once Han is destroyed, Qin will hold the old Zheng territory, which borders our capital Daliang. Does Your Majesty consider that safe? Your Majesty seeks to recover lost lands, yet now relies on an alliance with mighty Qin. Does Your Majesty truly think this is to Wei's advantage?
63
秦非無事之國也，韓亡之後必將更事，更事必就易與利，就易與利必不伐楚與趙矣。 是何也？ 夫越山踰河，絕韓上黨而攻彊趙，是復閼與之事，秦必不為也。 若道河內，倍鄴、朝歌，絕漳滏水，與趙兵決於邯鄲之郊，是知伯之禍也，秦又不敢。 伐楚，道涉谷，行三千里。 而攻冥阸之塞，所行甚遠，所攻甚難，秦又不為也。 若道河外，倍大梁，右（蔡左）［上蔡］、召陵，與楚兵決於陳郊，秦又不敢。 故曰秦必不伐楚與趙矣，又不攻衛與齊矣。
Qin is not a state that rests idle. Once Han is destroyed, it will inevitably seek a new target. In choosing its next venture, it will naturally pursue the easiest and most profitable option—and that will not be Chu or Zhao. Why is this so? To cross mountains and ford rivers, bypassing Han's Shangdang to attack the powerful state of Zhao, would be to repeat the disaster of Eyu. Qin would surely not attempt it. If Qin were to advance through Henei, passing Ye and Zhaoge, crossing the Zhang and Fu rivers to engage Zhao's army in the outskirts of Handan—that would invite the same catastrophe that befell Earl Zhi. Qin would not dare. To attack Chu, one must march through the She Valley, a journey of three thousand li. To storm the pass at Ming'e—the march is too long and the defenses too formidable. Qin would not attempt it. If Qin were to take the route beyond the Yellow River, bypassing Daliang with Shangcai and Shaoling on its flank, and engage the Chu army in the outskirts of Chen—Qin would not dare risk it. Therefore I say that Qin will attack neither Chu nor Zhao, nor will it turn against Wey or Qi.
64
夫韓亡之後，兵出之日，非魏無攻已。 秦固有懷、茅、邢丘，城垝津以臨河內，河內共、汲必危； 有鄭地，得垣雍，決熒澤水灌大梁，大梁必亡。 王之使者出過而惡安陵氏於秦，秦之欲誅之久矣。 秦葉陽、昆陽與舞陽鄰，聽使者之惡之，隨安陵氏而亡之，繞舞陽之北，以東臨許，南國必危，國無害（已）［乎］？
Once Han is destroyed and Qin sends its armies forth, there will be no target left but Wei. Qin already holds Huai, Mao, and Xingqiu, and has fortified Guijin to overlook Henei—the cities of Gong and Ji in Henei will surely be imperiled; and once it holds the old Zheng territory and secures Yuanyong, it can breach the Yingze waters to flood Daliang—and Daliang will surely fall. Your Majesty's envoys have slandered the house of Anling before Qin, and Qin has long desired to destroy them. Qin's cities of Yeyang and Kunyang border on Wuyang. If Qin heeds the envoys' slander and destroys the Anling clan, it can encircle Wuyang from the north, overlook Xu to the east, and our southern territories will be in mortal danger. Can Your Majesty say the state is unharmed?
65
夫憎韓不愛安陵氏可也，夫不患秦之不愛南國非也。 異日者，秦在河西晉，國去梁千里，有河山以闌之，有周韓以閒之。 從林鄉軍以至于今，秦七攻魏，五入囿中，邊城盡拔，文臺墮，垂都焚，林木伐，麋鹿盡，而國繼以圍。 又長驅梁北，東至陶衛之郊，北至平監。 所亡於秦者，山南山北，河外河內，大縣數十，名都數百。 秦乃在河西晉，去梁千里，而禍若是矣，又況於使秦無韓，有鄭地，無河山而闌之，無周韓而閒之，去大梁百里，禍必由此矣。
It is one thing to despise Han and feel no affection for the house of Anling. But to ignore the fact that Qin will show no mercy to our southern lands—that is a grave error. In former days, Qin was confined to the west of the Yellow River in the old Jin lands, a thousand li from our capital of Liang. Rivers and mountains formed a barrier between us, and Zhou and Han served as a buffer. From the campaign at Linxiang to the present day, Qin has attacked Wei seven times and penetrated our royal parks five times. Every border city has been taken, the Terrace of Literature has been toppled, our secondary capitals burned, our forests felled, our deer herds exterminated, and the state subjected to siege after siege. Its armies have driven deep to the north of Liang, reaching east to the outskirts of Tao and Wey, and north as far as Pingjian. The territories we have lost to Qin span from south of the mountains to north of them, from beyond the Yellow River to within—scores of large counties and hundreds of noted cities. When Qin was still confined west of the Yellow River in the old Jin lands, a thousand li from Liang, the devastation was already this great. How much worse will it be if Qin absorbs Han, holds the Zheng territory, has no rivers and mountains to bar its way, no Zhou and Han to screen us, and stands only a hundred li from Daliang? Catastrophe will surely follow.
66
異日者，從之不成也，楚、魏疑而韓不可得也。 今韓受兵三年，秦橈之以講，識亡不聽，投質於趙，請為天下鴈行頓刃，楚、趙必集兵，皆識秦之欲無窮也，非盡亡天下之國而臣海內，必不休矣。 是故臣願以從事王，王速受楚趙之約，（趙）［而］挾韓之質以存韓，而求故地，韓必效之。 此士民不勞而故地得，其功多於與秦共伐韓，而又與彊秦鄰之禍也。
In the past, the Vertical Alliance failed because Chu and Wei were doubtful and Han could not be won over. Now Han has endured Qin's assaults for three years. Qin has tried to break its will through diplomacy, but Han, knowing full well it faces destruction, refuses to yield. It has sent hostages to Zhao, and begs to serve as the vanguard that blunts the enemy's blade. Chu and Zhao will surely rally their forces, for all of them now see that Qin's ambitions are boundless—it will not rest until every state in the world is destroyed and all within the four seas are its subjects. Therefore your servant wishes to commit himself to Your Majesty's cause. Accept the alliance with Chu and Zhao at once, use Han's hostages as leverage to preserve Han, and then demand back your former territories—Han will surely comply. By this means, our soldiers and people will not be exhausted, yet the lost territories will be recovered. The advantages far outweigh those of joining Qin to destroy Han, which would only bring the calamity of sharing a border with mighty Qin.
67
夫存韓安魏而利天下，此亦王之天時已。 通韓上黨於共、甯，使道安成，出入賦之，是魏重質韓以其上黨也。 今有其賦，足以富國。 韓必德魏愛魏重魏畏魏，韓必不敢反魏，是韓則魏之縣也。 魏得韓以為縣，衛、大梁、河外必安矣。 今不存韓，二周、安陵必危，楚、趙大破，衛、齊甚畏，天下西鄉而馳秦入朝而為臣不久矣。
To preserve Han, secure Wei, and benefit the entire world—this is the mandate that Heaven has placed before Your Majesty. Open a route from Han's Shangdang through Gong and Ning, with the road passing through Ancheng, and levy tolls on all goods that pass through. In this way, Wei effectively holds Han's Shangdang as a pledge. With those revenues, it will be enough to enrich the state. Han will feel grateful to Wei, attached to Wei, respectful of Wei, and fearful of Wei. Han will never dare turn against Wei—it will become, in effect, a county of Wei. Once Wei gains Han as its vassal, then Wey, Daliang, and the lands beyond the Yellow River will all be secure. But if Han is not saved, the two Zhou and Anling will surely be imperiled, Chu and Zhao will be shattered, Wey and Qi will tremble with fear, and before long all the states of the world will face west, rush to Qin's court, and present themselves as its subjects.
68
二十年，秦圍邯鄲，信陵君無忌矯奪將軍晉鄙兵以救趙，趙得全。 無忌因留趙。 二十六年，秦昭王卒。
In the twentieth year, Qin besieged Handan. Lord Xinling forged the King's order and seized command of General Jin Bi's army to rescue Zhao. Zhao was thus preserved. Lord Xinling consequently remained in Zhao. In the twenty-sixth year, King Zhao of Qin died.
69
三十年，無忌歸魏，率五國兵攻秦，敗之河外，走蒙驁。 魏太子增質於秦，秦怒，欲囚魏太子增。 或為增謂秦王曰：「公孫喜固謂魏相曰『請以魏疾擊秦，秦王怒，必囚增。 魏王又怒，擊秦，秦必傷』。 今王囚增，是喜之計中也。 故不若貴增而合魏，以疑之於齊、韓。」 秦乃止增。
In the thirtieth year, Lord Xinling returned to Wei. He led the combined forces of five states against Qin, defeated them beyond the Yellow River, and routed the Qin general Meng Ao. The Wei Crown Prince Zeng was serving as a hostage in Qin. Enraged by the defeat, Qin wished to imprison him. Someone intervened on Zeng's behalf and said to the King of Qin, 'Gongsun Xi expressly told the chancellor of Wei, "Let Wei strike Qin swiftly. When the King of Qin is enraged, he will certainly imprison Zeng. Then the King of Wei, also enraged, will attack Qin, and Qin will surely be harmed." If Your Majesty now imprisons Zeng, you will be playing right into Gongsun Xi's hands. Better to treat Zeng with honor and reconcile with Wei, thereby sowing suspicion between Wei and Qi and Han.' Qin thereupon released Zeng.
70
三十一年，秦王政初立。
In the thirty-first year, King Zheng of Qin first ascended the throne.
71
三十四年，安釐王卒，太子增立，是為景湣王。 信陵君無忌卒。
In the thirty-fourth year, King Anxi died. The Crown Prince Zeng was enthroned, and he became King Jingmin. Lord Xinling also died.
72
景湣王元年，秦拔我二十城，以為秦東郡。 二年，秦拔我朝歌。 衛徙野王。 三年，秦拔我汲。 五年，秦拔我垣、蒲陽、衍。 十五年，景湣王卒，子王假立。
In the first year of King Jingmin's reign, Qin captured twenty of our cities and organized them into Qin's Eastern Commandery. In the second year, Qin captured our city of Zhaoge. Wey relocated its capital to Yewang. In the third year, Qin captured our city of Ji. In the fifth year, Qin captured our cities of Yuan, Puyang, and Yan. In the fifteenth year, King Jingmin died. His son, King Jia, was enthroned.
73
王假元年，燕太子丹使荊軻刺秦王，秦王覺之。
In the first year of King Jia's reign, Crown Prince Dan of Yan sent Jing Ke to assassinate the King of Qin, but the King of Qin detected the plot.
74
三年，秦灌大梁，虜王假，遂滅魏以為郡縣。
In the third year, Qin flooded Daliang, captured King Jia, and destroyed the state of Wei, converting its territory into commanderies and counties.
75
太史公曰：吾適故大梁之墟，墟中人曰：「秦之破梁，引河溝而灌大梁，三月城壞，王請降，遂滅魏。」 說者皆曰魏以不用信陵君故，國削弱至於亡，余以為不然。 天方令秦平海內，其業未成，魏雖得阿衡之佐，曷益乎？
The Grand Historian remarks: I visited the ruins of the old capital of Daliang. The people living among the ruins told me, 'When Qin destroyed Liang, it diverted the river channels to flood Daliang. After three months the walls collapsed, and the King begged to surrender. Thus Wei was destroyed.' Commentators all say that because Wei failed to make use of Lord Xinling, the state was whittled down and weakened until it perished. I do not agree. Heaven had ordained that Qin should unify all within the four seas, and its work was not yet done. Even had Wei possessed a minister of the caliber of Yi Yin himself, what difference would it have made?