秋日凄凄，百卉具腓。
乱离瘼矣，爰其适归。
The autumn days are chill; / All plants and grass decay. In distress I am ill. / Where can I go? Which way?
冬日烈烈，飘风发发。
民莫不谷，我独何害。
In winter days severe / The vehement wind blows. No one feels sad and drear. / Why am I alone in woes?
山有嘉卉，侯栗侯梅。
废为残贼，莫知其尤。
Trees on the hill were good / And mume trees far and nigh. Who has destroyed the wood? / Who knows the reason why?
相彼泉水，载清载浊。
我曰构祸，曷云能谷。
Water from fountain flows / Now muddy and now clear. But I'm each day in woes. / How can I not be drear?
滔滔江汉，南国之纪。
尽瘁以仕，宁莫我有。
The rivers east and west / Crisscross in southern land. In work I did my best. / Who'd give me helping hand?
匪鷻匪鸢，翰飞戾天。
匪鳣匪鲔，潜逃于渊。
Like hawk or eagle why / Cannot I skyward go? Like fish why cannot I / Go to hide down below?
山有蕨薇，隰有杞桋。
君子作歌，维以告哀。
Above grow ferns in throng, / And medlars spread below. Alas! I've made this song / To ease my heart of woe.