后稷不克，上帝不临。
耗斁下土，宁丁我躬。
旱既大甚，则不可推。
兢兢业业，如霆如雷。
2 What is most powerful is the being the man;— In all quarters [of the State] men are influenced by it. To an upright virtuous conduct, All in the four quarters of the State render obedient homage. With great counsels and determinate orders, With far-reaching plans and timely announcements, And with reverent care of his outward demeanour, One will become the pattern of the people.
周余黎民，靡有孑遗。
昊天上帝，则不我遗。
胡不相畏，先祖于摧。
旱既大甚，则不可沮。
3 As for the circumstances of the present time, You are bent on error and confusion in your government. Your virtue is subverted; You are besotted by drink. Although you thus pursue nothing but pleasure, How is it you do not think of your relation to the past, And do not widely study the former kings, That you might hold fast their wise laws?
赫赫炎炎，云我无所。
大命近止，靡瞻靡顾。
群公先正，则不我助。
父母先祖，胡宁忍予。
God in heaven, be kind! Why won't you bear this in mind? O my reverend Sire,
旱既大甚，涤涤山川。
旱魃为虐，如惔如焚。
我心惮暑，忧心如熏。
群公先正，则不我闻。
Why vent on me your ire? The drought has spread far and near; People dispersed there and here. Officials toil in vain;