文言文	现代汉语	English
孝景皇帝，文帝太子也。母曰窦皇后。	汉景帝，是汉文帝的太子。母亲是窦皇后。	Emperor Hsiao-ching was the Heir-apparent of Emperor Wen. His mother was called the Empress [née] Tou.
后七年六月，文帝崩。丁未，太子即皇帝位，尊皇太后薄氏曰太皇太后，皇后曰皇太后。	后元七年六月，文帝去世。丁未日，太子登上皇帝位，尊皇太后薄氏为太皇太后，皇后为皇太后。	In the seventh year of the latter [part of Emperor Wen's reign], in the sixth month, Emperor Wen died; on [the day] ting-wei the Heir-apparent took the imperial throne. He honored the Empress Dowager née Po, entitling her the Grand Dowager Empress. The Empress [née Tou] was entitled the Empress Dowager.
九月，有星孛于西方。	九月，有彗星出现在西方。	In the ninth month a comet appeared in the western quarter [of the sky].
元年冬十月，诏曰：“盖闻古者祖有功而宗有德，制礼乐各有由。	景帝元年冬十月，下诏说：“听说古代把有大功的人称为祖，把有大德的人称为宗，制作礼乐各有其缘由。	In the first year, in the winter, the tenth month, an imperial edict said, "We have indeed heard that the ancients regarded as founder him who achieves great deeds and as exemplar him who possesses virtue. In establishing rites and music, each [element of the ceremonies] should have its corresponding motive.
歌者，所以发德也；舞者，所以明功也。	歌唱，是用来抒发德行的；舞蹈，是用来彰显功绩的。	Songs are the means of expressing virtue. Dances are the means of manifesting great deeds.
高庙酎，奏《武德》、《文始》《五行》之舞。	在高祖庙举行酎祭时，演奏《武德》《文始》《五行》舞。	When, in the Temple of Kao-[tsu], the eighth month wine [is offered], there are performed the Dances of Military Virtue, of the Peaceful Beginning, and of the Five Elements.
孝惠庙酎，奏《文始》、《五行》之舞。	在孝惠帝庙举行酎祭时，演奏《文始》《五行》舞。	When, in the Temple of [Emperor] Hsiao-hui, the eighth month wine is offered, there are performed the Dances of the Peaceful Beginning, and of the Five Elements.
孝文皇帝临天下，通关梁，不异远方；除诽谤，去肉刑，赏赐长老，收恤孤独，以遂群生；减耆欲，不受献，罪人不帑，不诛亡罪，不私其利也；除宫刑，出美人，重绝人之世也。	孝文皇帝统治天下时，开放关隘桥梁，对远方地区一视同仁；废除诽谤罪，去掉肉刑，赏赐老年人，收养抚恤孤儿寡母，来使众生顺遂；节制嗜好欲望，不接受进献，对罪犯不株连其妻子儿女，不诛杀无罪的人，不使个人利益偏私；废除宫刑，放出宫女，重视不使人们断绝后代。	"When Emperor Hsiao-wen administered the empire, he opened [free] the [customs] barriers and bridges, making no difference between [near and] distant regions; he suppressed [the punishments for] speaking ill and criticizing, and did away with mutilating punishments; he bestowed and granted [pensions] to elders and the aged; he took care of and pitied the orphans and the childless, in order to satisfy [the desires of all] living [persons]. He restrained his likes and desires and did not receive any presents, not enriching himself with [such] advantages. [In the punishment] of criminals [he did not involve] their wives and children; he did not punish those who had committed no crimes; he suppressed the punishment of castration, and sent the Beauties [of Emperor Hui] out [of the palace to their homes, because] he considered important the cutting off of these persons' posterity.
朕既不敏，弗能胜识。	朕既然不聪明，不能完全知晓这些。	"Since We are not intelligent, [We] are not able to know everything.
此皆上世之所不及，而孝文皇帝亲行之。	这些都是前代所不能及的，而孝文皇帝亲自实行了。	[It however appears to Us] that these things were all beyond the attainment of previous generations, yet they have been achieved by Emperor Hsiao-wen himself.
德厚侔天地，利泽施四海，靡不获福。	他的德行深厚如同天地，恩泽施加到四海，没有谁不获得福祉。	The depth of his virtue was equal to that of Heaven and Earth; the benefits of his favor were extended to [the borders of] the four seas, [so that] no one failed to receive happiness.
明象乎日月，而庙乐不称，朕甚惧焉。	他的光明像日月一样，可是祭祀宗庙的乐舞与之不相称，朕对此很惶恐。	His brilliance was like that of the sun and moon, yet the music in the [imperial ancestral] temple is inadequate [to express it]. We are very much awed.
其为孝文皇帝庙为《昭德》这舞，以明休德。	应该为孝文皇帝庙创作《昭德》舞，来彰显他的美德。	Let there be made for the Temple of Emperor Hsiao-wen the Dance of Glorious Virtue, in order to make manifest his praiseworthy virtue.
然后祖宗之功德，施于万世，永永无穷，朕甚嘉之。	这样以后祖宗的功德，就能流传到万世，永远无穷无尽，朕非常赞赏这件事。	Then only the glory and virtue of the founder and exemplar will be exhibited for ten thousand generations, for ever and ever without end. We approve most highly of this.
其与丞相、列侯、中二千石、礼官具礼仪奏。”	可与丞相、列侯、中二千石官员、礼官一起备办礼仪上奏。”	Let [the proper officials], with the Lieutenant Chancellor [Shen-t'u Chia], the marquises, [officials ranking at] fully two thousand piculs, and the officials [set over] the rites, prepare a memorial concerning these rites and observances."
丞相臣嘉等奏曰：“陛下永思孝道，立《昭德》之舞以明孝文皇帝之盛德，皆臣嘉等愚所不及。	丞相臣申屠嘉等上奏说：“陛下长久思考孝道，创立《昭德》舞来彰显孝文皇帝的盛大德行，这都是臣申屠嘉等人愚昧所不能及的。	[In reply], "the Lieutenant Chancellor, your subject [Shen-t'u] Chia" and others memorialized [the Emperor], saying, "Your Majesty is always thinking of the Way of filial piety and has established the Dance of Glorious Virtue in order to make manifest the abundant virtue of Emperor Hsiao-wen. The stupidity of us, your subjects, [Shen-t'u] Chia and the others, prevents us from attaining to all [these matters].
臣谨议：世功莫大于高皇帝，德莫盛于孝文皇帝。	臣等谨慎商议：世间的功绩没有比高皇帝更大的，德行没有比孝文皇帝更盛的。	Your servants have carefully discussed [this matter], and say:
高皇帝庙宜为帝者太祖之庙，孝文皇帝庙宜为帝者太宗之庙。	高皇帝庙应该作为帝王的太祖庙，孝文皇帝庙应该作为帝王的太宗庙。	"In achievements, no one has been greater than Emperor Kao-[tsu]; in virtue, no one has been more abundant than Emperor Hsiao-wen—the Temple of Emperor Kao-[tsu] should be made the Temple of the Great Founder of Emperors and the Temple of Emperor Hsiao-wen should be made the Temple of the Great Exemplar of Emperors.
天子宜世世献祖宗之庙。	天子应该世世代代祭祀祖宗之庙。	The Son of Heaven should from generation to generation make offerings in the Temples of the [Great] Founder and of the [Great] Exemplar.
郡国诸侯宜各为孝文皇帝立太宗之庙。	郡国诸侯应该各自为孝文皇帝建立太宗庙。	The commanderies, the kingdoms, and the nobles should each establish a Temple of the Great Exemplar for Emperor Hsiao-wen;
诸侯王、列侯使者侍祠天子所献祖宗之庙。	诸侯王、列侯的使者侍奉祭祀天子所祭祀的祖宗之庙。	delegates from the vassal kings and the marquises should attend at the sacrifices which the Son of Heaven offers [yearly] in the Temples of the [Great] Founder and of the [Great] Exemplar.
请宣布天下。”	请求向天下宣布。”	We beg that this be proclaimed and published to the world."
制曰“可”。	皇上下令说“可以”。	[The Emperor's] decree said, "It may be done."
春正月，诏曰：“间者岁比不登，民多乏食，夭绝天年，朕甚痛之。	春季正月，下诏说：“近来连续几年收成不好，百姓大多缺少粮食，过早地死去，没能终其天年，朕对此很痛心。	In the spring, the first month, an imperial edict said, "Recently, for successive years there have not been good harvests, so that many people are lacking food; early death is cutting short their natural [span of] years. We are very much pained at this [circumstance]."
郡国或硗狭，无所农桑系畜；或地饶广，荐草莽，水泉利，而不得徙。	有的郡国土地瘠薄狭小，没有地方进行农耕桑蚕和畜牧；有的地方土地肥沃广阔，牧草茂盛，水源便利，却不能迁移过去。	In some of the commanderies and kingdoms there are stony and narrow [regions] and there is no place for agriculture or sericulture or the feeding and rearing [of domestic animals], [whereas] in other [commanderies and kingdoms] there are fertile and broad regions, abundant in tall grass, and the streams and wells are advantageous, yet the people have not been allowed to migrate [to these places]."
其议民欲徙宽大地者，听之。”	可商议让百姓中想要迁移到宽广肥沃土地的人，听凭他们前往。”	Let it be discussed that the people who wish to migrate to [such] broad and large regions may be permitted to do so."
夏四月，赦天下。赐民爵一级。	夏季四月，大赦天下。赏赐百姓爵位一级。	In the summer, the fourth month, an amnesty was granted to the empire and the common people were given one step in noble rank.
遣御史大夫青翟至代下与匈奴和亲。	派遣御史大夫青翟到代国边境与匈奴和亲。	[The Emperor] sent the Grandee Secretary [T'ao] Ch'ing-ti to Tai to make peace and friendship with the Huns.
五月，令田半租。	五月，下令农田征收一半的租税。	In the fifth month [the Emperor] ordered that the cultivated fields should pay half of their [former] tax.
秋七月，诏曰：“吏受所监临，以饮食免，重；受财物，贱买贵卖，论轻。廷尉与丞相更议著令。”	秋季七月，下诏说：“官吏接受所监管对象的饮食而被免职，处罚过重；接受财物，贱买贵卖，处罚过轻。廷尉与丞相重新商议制定法令。”	In the autumn, the seventh month, an imperial edict said, "When officials receive food or drink from those who are superintended or governed by them, dismissal [from their positions and noble ranks is too] heavy [a punishment]; when they receive valuables and articles [from such persons], or when they purchase [things] cheaply and sell dearly, their sentences have been [too] light. [Let] the Commandant of Justice discuss [this matter] anew with the Lieutenant Chancellor [in order to establish] a statutory ordinance."
廷尉信谨与丞相议曰：“吏及诸有秩受其官属所监、所治、所行、所将，其与饮食，计偿费，勿论。	廷尉信谨慎地与丞相商议后说：“官吏及各级有俸禄的人接受其下属所监管、治理、差使、统领的对象的东西，若是饮食，计算价值偿还费用，不予论处。	The Commandant of Justice Hsin carefully discussed [the matter] with the Lieutenant Chancellor [Shen-t'u Chia], and said, "If an official or anyone who has [official] rank has received anything from his official subordinates, whether from those superintended by him, or those under his rule, or those of whom he is [temporarily] in charge, or those whom he commands [as a military leader], let those who have received food or drink and who calculate [its value] and repay this expense not be tried [for crime;
它物，若买故贱，卖故贵，皆坐臧为盗，没入臧县官。	其他物品，若是故意低价买入，故意高价卖出，都按贪赃盗窃罪论处，赃物没收入官府。	those who receive] other things, [not food or drink, and officials who] have purposely bought things cheap and purposely sold them dear must all be sentenced for having received bribes, and treated as robbers; their bribes shall be confiscated and paid to the government.
吏迁徙免罢，受其故官属所将监治送财物，夺爵为士伍，免之。	官吏调动、免职、罢官，接受原来的下属所统领、监管、治理的对象赠送的财物，削夺爵位成为士兵，免除官职。	If officials have been removed, exiled, dismissed, or their offices discontinued, and receive from their former official subordinates who have been under their [military] command or under their superintendency or control, the gift of any valuables or things sent them, their noble ranks shall be taken away from them and they shall be made common soldiers, [but] shall be relieved of [any further punishment].
无爵，罚金二斤，令没入所受。	没有爵位的，罚金二斤，并下令没收所接受的财物。	If they have no noble rank, they shall be fined [the equivalent of] two catties of gold and it shall be ordered that [the amount] they have received shall be confiscated and paid [into the treasury].
有能捕告，畀其所受臧。”	有能捕捉告发的人，给予其所没收的赃物。”	Anyone who is able to arrest or inform [of bribery] shall be given [the amount of] the bribe which is received [by the accused]."
二年冬十二月，有星孛于西南。	二年冬十二月，有彗星出现在西南。	In the second year, in the winter, the twelfth month, a comet appeared in the southwest.
令天下男子年二十始傅。	下令天下男子年满二十岁开始登记服役。	[The Emperor] ordered that young men of the empire should be first enregistered [for military service and taxes] in their twentieth year.
春三月，立皇子德为河间王，阏为临江王，馀为淮阳王，非为汝南王，彭祖为广川王，发为长沙王。	春季三月，立皇子刘德为河间王，刘阏为临江王，刘馀为淮阳王，刘非为汝南王，刘彭祖为广川王，刘发为长沙王。	In the spring, the third month, [the Emperor] established his Imperial Sons: [Liu] Tê as King of Ho-chien, [Liu] O as King of Lin-chiang, [Liu] Yü as King of Huai-yang, [Liu] Fei as King of Ju-nan, [Liu] P'eng-tsu as King of Kuang-ch'uan, and [Liu] Fa as King of Ch'ang-sha.
夏四月壬午，太皇太后崩。	夏季四月壬午日，太皇太后去世。	In the summer, the fourth month, on [the day] jen-wu, the Grand Empress Dowager [née Po] died.
六月，丞相嘉薨。	六月，丞相申屠嘉去世。	In the sixth month the Lieutenant Chancellor, [Shen-t'u] Chia, died.
封故相国萧何孙系为列侯。	封前相国萧何的孙子萧系为列侯。	[The Emperor] enfeoffed [Hsiao] Hsi, a grandson of the former Chancellor of State, Hsiao Ho, as a marquis.
秋，与匈奴和亲。	秋季，与匈奴和亲。	In the autumn, [the Emperor] made peace and friendship with the Huns.
三年冬十二月，诏曰：“襄平侯嘉子恢说不孝，谋反，欲以杀嘉，大逆无道。	三年冬十二月，下诏说：“襄平侯纪嘉的儿子恢说不孝，谋反，想要杀害纪嘉，大逆不道。	In the third year, in the winter, the twelfth month, an imperial edict said, "[Chi] K'uei-yüeh, a son of the Marquis of Hsiang-p'ing, [Chi T'ung]-chia, has been unfilial and has conspired to revolt, intending thereby to kill [his father, Chi T'ung]-chia, which is treason and inhumanity.
其赦嘉为襄平侯，及妻子当坐者复故爵。	赦免纪嘉仍为襄平侯，及其妻子儿女中应当连坐的人恢复原来的爵位。	Let [Chi T'ung]-chia be pardoned and be [again] made Marquis of Hsiang-p'ing, and, together with his wife and children, who should be condemned with him, let him be restored to his former noble rank;
论恢说及妻子如法。”	将恢说及其妻子儿女依法论处。”	let [Chi] K'uei-yüeh, together with his wife and children, be sentenced according to the law."
吴王濞、胶西王卬、楚王戊、赵王遂、济南王辟光、菑川王贤、胶东王雄渠皆举兵反。	吴王刘濞、胶西王刘卬、楚王刘戊、赵王刘遂、济南王刘辟光、淄川王刘贤、胶东王刘雄渠都起兵反叛。	and the King of Chiao-tung, [Liu] Hsiung-ch'ü, all mobilized their troops and rebelled.
大赦天下。遣太尉亚夫、大将军窦婴将兵击之。斩御史大夫晁错以谢七国。	大赦天下。派遣太尉周亚夫、大将军窦婴率领军队攻打他们。斩杀御史大夫晁错来向七国谢罪。	[The Emperor] granted a general amnesty to the empire and sent the Grand Commandant, [Chou] Ya-fu, and the General-in-chief, Tou Ying, with troops, to attack them. [The Emperor] had the Grandee Secretary, Ch'ao Ts'o, beheaded in order to excuse himself to the Seven Kingdoms.
二月壬子晦，日有蚀之。	二月壬子日是月末，发生日食。	In the second month, on [the day] jen-tzu, the last day of the month, there was an eclipse of the sun.
诸将破七国，斩首十余万级。追斩吴王濞于丹徒。胶西王卬、楚王戊、赵王遂、济南王辟光、菑川王贤、胶东王雄渠皆自杀。	众将领打败七国叛军，斩杀十多万人。追击并在丹徒斩杀吴王刘濞。胶西王刘卬、楚王刘戊、赵王刘遂、济南王刘辟光、淄川王刘贤、胶东王刘雄渠都自杀了。	The generals routed the Seven Kingdoms, cut off more than a hundred thousand heads, pursued and beheaded the King of Wu, [Liu] P'i, at Tan-t'u. The King of Chiao-hsi, [Liu] Ang, the King of Ch'u, [Liu] Mou, the King of Chao, [Liu] Sui, the King of Chi-nan, [Liu] Pi-kuang, the King of Tzu-ch'uan, [Liu] Hsien, and the King of Chiao-tung, [Liu] Hsiung-ch'ü, all committed suicide.
夏六月，诏曰：“乃者吴王濞等为逆，起兵相胁，诖误吏民，吏民不得已。今濞等已灭，吏民当坐濞等及逋逃亡军者，皆赦之。	夏季六月，下诏说：“从前吴王刘濞等人叛逆，起兵威胁，连累欺骗官吏百姓，官吏百姓是不得已的。如今刘濞等人已经被消灭，官吏百姓中应当因刘濞等人而连坐以及逃跑脱军的人，都予以赦免。	In the summer, the sixth month, an imperial edict said, "Recently the King of Wu, [Liu] P'i, and others, rebelled and raised their troops to coerce [Us], leading astray their officials and people. Their officials and people could not do otherwise [than follow them]. Now that [Liu] P'i and the others have already been exterminated, let the officials and people who should be sentenced [for being accomplices of Liu] P'i and the others, together with those who have absconded and fled or deserted the army, all be pardoned.
楚元王子艺等与濞等为逆，朕不忍加法，除其籍，毋令污宗室。”立平陆侯刘礼为楚王，续元王后。	楚元王的儿子刘艺等人和刘濞等人一起叛逆，朕不忍心对他们施加刑法，除去他们在宗室的名册，不让他们玷污宗室。”立平陆侯刘礼为楚王，延续元王的后代。	[With regard to Liu] Yi, the son of King Yüan of Ch'u, [Liu Chiao], and others, who rebelled with [Liu] P'i and the others, We cannot bear to apply the law [to them]. Let [their names] be expunged from the register [of the imperial house] and do not let them defile the imperial house. We establish the Marquis of P'ing-lu, Liu Li, as King of Ch'u, to continue the posterity of King Yüan."
立皇子端为胶西王，胜为中山王。赐民爵一级。	立皇子刘端为胶西王，刘胜为中山王。赏赐百姓爵位一级。	[The Emperor also] established his Imperial Sons, [Liu] Tuan as King of Chiao-hsi and [Liu] Sheng as King of Chung-shan, and granted to the common people one step in noble rank.
四年春，复置诸关用传出入。	四年春季，恢复设置各关卡，凭通行证出入。	In the fourth year, in the spring, [the Emperor] reestablished the various [customs] barriers [and ordered] the use of passports for going out and in.
夏四月己巳，立皇子荣为皇太子，彻为胶东王。	夏季四月己巳日，立皇子刘荣为皇太子，刘彻为胶东王。	In the summer, the fourth month, on [the day] chi-szu, [the Emperor] established his Imperial Sons, [Liu] Jung as Imperial heir-apparent, and [Liu] Ch'ê as King of Chiao-tung.
六月，赦天下，赐民爵一级。	六月，大赦天下，赏赐百姓爵位一级。	and in the sixth month an amnesty was granted to the world and the common people were granted a step in noble rank.
秋七月，临江王阏薨。	秋季七月，临江王刘阏去世。	In the autumn, the seventh month, the King of Lin-chiang, [Liu] O, died.
十月戊戌晦，日有蚀之。	十月戊戌日是月末，发生日食。	and in tenth month, on [the day] mou-hsü, the last day of the month, there was an eclipse of the sun.
五年春正月，作阳陵邑。夏，募民徙阳陵，赐钱二十万。	五年春季正月，修建阳陵邑。夏季，招募百姓迁移到阳陵，赏赐钱二十万。	In the fifth year, in the spring, the first month, [the Emperor] built the Yang Tomb and the town [of Yang-ling]. In the summer, [the Emperor] solicited common people to move to Yang-ling, granting them two hundred thousand cash.
遣公主嫁匈奴单于。	派遣公主嫁给匈奴单于。	He sent a Princess to be married to the Shan-yü of the Huns.
六年冬十二月，雷，霖雨。	六年冬十二月，打雷，连续降雨。	In the sixth year, in the winter, the twelfth month, there was thunder and prolonged rain.
秋九月，皇后薄氏废。	秋季九月，皇后薄氏被废黜。	In the autumn, the ninth month, the Empress née Po was dismissed.
七年冬十一月庚寅晦，日有蚀之。	七年冬十一月庚寅日是月末，发生日食。	In the seventh year, in the winter, the eleventh month, on [the day] keng-yin, the last day of the month, there was an eclipse of the sun.
春正月，废皇太子荣为临江王。	春季正月，废黜皇太子刘荣为临江王。	and in the spring, the first month, [the Emperor] dismissed the Imperial Heir-apparent [Liu] Jung and made him King of Lin-chiang.
二月，罢太尉官。	二月，撤销太尉这一官职。	In the second month, [the Emperor] abolished the office of the Grand Commandant.
夏四月乙巳，立皇后王氏。	夏季四月乙巳日，立王氏为皇后。	In the summer, the fourth month, on [the day] yi-szŭ, [the Emperor] established the Empress née Wang [as Empress].
丁巳，立胶东王彻为皇太子。赐民为父后者爵一级。	丁巳日，立胶东王刘彻为皇太子。赏赐百姓中作为父亲继承人的人爵位一级。	On [the day] ting-szŭ, [the Emperor] established the King of Chiao-tung, [Liu] Ch'ê, as Imperial Heir-apparent, and granted to those common people who would be the successors of their fathers one step in noble rank.
中元年夏四月，赦天下，赐民爵一级。封故御史大夫周苛、周昌孙子为列侯。	中元年夏季四月，大赦天下，赏赐百姓爵位一级。封前御史大夫周苛、周昌的孙子为列侯。	In the middle [part of the reign], the first year, in the summer, the fourth month, an amnesty was granted to the world and the common people were granted one step in noble rank. [The Emperor] enfeoffed the grandson and son of the former Grandee Secretaries Chou Ho and Chou Ch'ang as marquises.
二年春二月，令诸侯王薨、列侯初封及之国，大鸿胪奏谥、诔、策。	二年春季二月，下令诸侯王去世、列侯刚受封以及前往封国，大鸿胪上奏谥号、诔文、策书。	In the second year, in the spring, the second month, [the Emperor] ordered that when vassal kings die, and when marquises are first enfeoffed and go to their states, the Grand Herald should memorialize [the Emperor] concerning [respectively] their posthumous names and eulogies and their charters [of appointment].
列侯薨及诸侯太傅初除之官，大行奏谥、诔、策。	列侯去世以及诸侯太傅刚被任命官职，大行上奏谥号、诔文、策书。	When marquises die and when the nobles' Grand Tutors are first appointed and go to their offices, the Grand Messenger shall memorialize [the throne concerning respectively] their posthumous names and eulogies and their charters [of appointment].
王薨，遣光禄大夫吊襚、祠、赗，视丧事，因立嗣子。	诸侯王去世，派遣光禄大夫吊唁、赠送丧葬衣物、祭祀、赠送助丧财物，处理丧事，趁机确立继位的儿子。	When kings die, an Imperial Household Grandee shall be sent to condole, provide grave-clothes, sacrifical food, funeral horses and carriages, oversee the mourning ceremonies and on the same occasion enthrone the son who succeeds to [the kingdom].
列侯薨，遣太中大夫吊祠，视丧事，因立嗣。	列侯去世，派遣太中大夫吊唁祭祀，处理丧事，趁机确立继位者。	When marquises die, a Grand Palace Grandee shall be sent to condole, offer sacrifical food, oversee the mourning ceremonies, and on the same occasion enfeoff the heir.
其葬，国得发民挽丧、穿、复土，治坟无过三百人毕事。	他们安葬时，封国可以征发百姓牵引灵车、挖掘墓穴、回填泥土，修治坟墓所用人力不超过三百人，完成事情。	When they are buried, their states shall be allowed to mobilize not more than three hundred common people for the whole matter of pulling the hearse and mourning, digging and replacing the earth, and building the tomb.
匈奴入燕。	匈奴进入燕地。	The Huns entered into [the kingdom of] Yen.
改磔曰弃市，勿复磔。	把磔刑改称为弃市，不再施行磔刑。	[The punishment of execution and] quartering [the body] was changed to that of public execution, so that no one was any more to be quartered.
三月，临江王荣坐侵太宗庙地，征诣中尉，自杀。	三月，临江王刘荣因犯了侵占太宗庙地的罪，被征召到中尉府，自杀。	In the third month, the King of Lin-chiang, [Liu] Jung, was found guilty of encroaching upon the land of the Temple of the Great Exemplar. He was summoned [to the capital], went to [the quarters of] the Palace Military Commander, and committed suicide.
夏四月，有星孛于西北。	夏季四月，有彗星出现在西北方。	In the summer, the fourth month, a comet appeared in the northwest.
立皇子越为广川王，寄为胶东王。	立皇子刘越为广川王，刘寄为胶东王。	[The Emperor] established his Imperial Sons, [Liu] Yüeh as King of Kuang-ch'uan and [Liu] Chi as King of Chiao-tung.
秋七月，更郡守为太守，郡尉为都尉。	秋季七月，改郡守为太守，郡尉为都尉。	In the autumn, the seventh month, [the Emperor] changed [the titles of] Commandery Administrators to be Grand Administrators, and Commandery Commandants to be Chief Commandants.
九月，封故楚、赵傅、相、内史前死事者四人子皆为列侯。	九月，封从前楚国、赵国的太傅、丞相、内史中在事情发生前死去的四人的儿子都为列侯。	In the ninth month, [the Emperor] enfeoffed the sons of four persons who had been the former [Grand] Tutor, Chancellors, and Prefect of the Capital at [the kingdoms of] Ch'u and Chao, who had previously died [because of] what they had done, and made [these sons] marquises.
甲戌晦，日有蚀之。	甲戌日是月末，发生日食。	On [the day] chia-hsü, the last day of the month, there was an eclipse of the sun.
三年冬十一月，罢诸侯御史大夫官。	三年冬十一月，撤销诸侯王国的御史大夫官职。	In the third year, in the winter, the eleventh month, the offices of Grandee Secretaries were abolished in [the courts of] the nobles.
春正月，皇太后崩。	春季正月，皇太后去世。	In the spring, the first month, the dismissed Empress [née Po] died.
夏，旱，禁酤酒。	夏季，干旱，禁止卖酒。	In the summer there was a drought, and the sale of wine was prohibited.
秋九月，蝗。有星孛于西北。戊戌晦，日有蚀之。	秋季九月，发生蝗灾。有彗星出现在西北方。戊戌日是月末，发生日食。	In the autumn, the ninth month, there were locusts, and there was a comet in the northwest. On [the day] mou-hsü, the last day of the month, there was an eclipse of the sun.
立皇子乘为清河王。	立皇子刘乘为清河王。	[The Emperor] established his Imperial Son [Liu Fang]-sheng as King of Ch'ing-ho.
四年春三月，起德阳宫。	四年春季三月，修建德阳宫。	In the fourth year, in the spring, the third month, the Tê-yang Residence was built.
御史大夫绾奏禁马高五尺九寸以上，齿未平，不得出关。	御史大夫卫绾上奏，禁止身高五尺九寸以上、牙齿未长平的马，不能出关口。	The Grandee Secretary [Wei] Wan memorialized [the throne] that horses five feet and nine inches and more in height whose teeth were not yet smooth should not be allowed to go out through the [customs] barriers.
夏，蝗。	夏季，发生蝗灾。	In the summer, there were locusts.
秋，赦徒作阳陵者死罪；欲腐者，许之。	秋季，赦免在阳陵服劳役的刑徒中的死罪；想要受腐刑的，允许。	In the autumn, an amnesty was granted to the convicts who had built the Yang Tomb. Those who had committed capital crimes and wished to be castrated [instead of being executed] were permitted [to be thus punished].
十月戊午，日有蚀之。	十月戊午日，发生日食。	In the tenth month, on [the day] mou-wu, there was an eclipse of the sun.
五年夏，立皇子舜为常山王。	五年夏季，立皇子刘舜为常山王。	In the fifth year, in the summer, [the Emperor] established his Imperial Son [Liu] Shun as King of Ch'ang-shan.
六月，赦天下，赐民爵一级。	六月，大赦天下，赏赐百姓爵位一级。	In the sixth month an amnesty was granted to the world and the common people were granted one step in noble rank.
秋八月己酉，未央宫东阙灾。	秋季八月己酉日，未央宫东阙发生火灾。	In the autumn, the eighth month, on [the day] chi-yu, there was a visitation [of fire] at the Eastern Portal of the Wei-yang Palace.
更名诸侯丞相为相。	改诸侯王国的丞相为相。	The titles of the nobles' Lieutenant Chancellors were changed to that of Chancellors.
九月，诏曰：“法令度量，所以禁暴止邪也。	刑狱，是人的重大生命关涉，死了的人不能再活过来。	Criminal tribunals are the great [determiners] of peoples' fate, [for] the dead cannot come to life again.
狱，人之大命，死者不可复生。	九月，下诏说：“法令度量，是用来禁止暴虐、制止邪恶的。	In the ninth month, an imperial edict said, "The laws and ordinances, the measures and weights are for the purpose of preventing violence and of stopping wrongdoing.
吏或不奉法令，以货赂为市，朋党比周，以苛为察，以刻为明，令亡罪者失职，朕甚怜之。	有的官吏不奉行法令，把财物贿赂当作交易，结党营私，把苛刻当作明察，把刻薄当作精明，使无罪的人失去本分，朕非常怜悯他们。	Some of the officials do not uphold the laws and ordinances: they make a business of presents and bribes; they form parties and cliques and practise favoritism; they consider merciless inquisition as penetration and exacting cruelty as perspicacity, so that they cause the innocent to lose their positions (We pity them greatly), and the guilty do not suffer for their crimes.
有罪者不伏罪，奸法为暴，甚亡谓也。	有罪的人不认罪，触犯法律施行暴力，这是很没有道理的。	They violate the laws and act tyrranously. It is utterly unspeakable.
诸狱疑，若虽文致于法而于人心不厌者，辄谳之。”	各种疑难案件，若是虽然在法律条文上能定罪但在人心上不能令人满意的，就进行复审。”	Whenever a judicial case is doubtful, although [the decision] may have been made out as if it fits the law, if yet it does not satisfy peoples' minds, [the case] shall be specially referred to a superior."
六年冬十月，行幸雍，郊五畤。	六年冬十月，皇帝前往雍地，在五畤举行郊祀。	In the sixth year, in the winter, the tenth month, [the Emperor] travelled and favored Yung [with a visit, where he] performed the suburban sacrifice at the altars to the Five [Lords on High].
十二月，改诸官名。定铸钱伪黄金弃市律。	十二月，更改各官职名称。制定铸造假钱、伪造黄金者处弃市之刑的法律。	In the twelfth month, he changed the names of the officials and established the statute [fixing] public execution for coining cash or [making alchemistic] counterfeit gold.
春三月，雨雪。	春季三月，下雪。	In the spring, the third month, snow fell.
夏四月，梁王薨。分梁为五国，立孝王子五人皆为王。	夏季四月，梁王去世。将梁国分为五个封国，立梁孝王的五个儿子都为王。	and in the summer, the fourth month, the King of Liang, [Liu Wu], died. [The Emperor] divided Liang into five kingdoms and established all the five sons of King Hsiao [Liu Wu] as kings.
五月，诏曰：“夫吏者，民之师也。车驾、衣服宜称。	五月，下诏说：“官吏，是百姓的老师。车马、衣服应当与身份相称。	In the fifth month an imperial edict said, "Now the officials are the teachers of the people. It is proper for their carriages and quadrigae, their clothes and robes to be proportionate [to their station].
吏六百石以上，皆长吏也。亡度者、或不吏服出入闾里，与民亡异。	六百石以上的官吏，都是高级官吏。没有节度的人，有的不穿官服出入乡里，和百姓没有区别。	Officials [ranking at] six hundred piculs and above are all important officials. Persons negligent of the rules sometimes do not [wear] their official robes, so that when they go in and out of the villages they [appear] no different from the common people.
令长吏二千石车朱两轓；千石至六百石朱左轓。	命令二千石的高级官吏的车两边的车帷涂成红色；千石到六百石的官吏左边的车帷涂成红色。	[We] order that on the carriages of important officials [who are ranked at] two thousand piculs, both side-screens should be made vermillion; and on those [of officials whose positions are ranked from] one thousand to six hundred piculs the left screen should be made vermillion.
车骑从者不称其官衣服、下吏出入闾巷亡吏体者，二千石上其官属，三辅举不如法令者，皆上丞相御史请之。”	车马随从的服饰与官职不相称、下级官吏出入街巷没有官吏体统的，二千石的官吏上报其下属，三辅地区检举不符合法令的人，都上报丞相御史请求处置。”	If their carriages or the horsemen in their retinue are not proportionate to the office [of their master], or if the robes of petty officials, when they go out and in the hamlets, are not according to their official dignity, [officials ranking at] two thousand piculs should report what are the offices to which [such officials] belong; [in the capital districts] the Three Adjuncts should report any who do not act in accordance with the laws and ordinances [on this point]. All shall be reported to the Lieutenant Chancellor or [Grandee] Secretary, who shall beg [the throne to order them punished]."
先是，吏多军功，车、服尚轻，故为设禁，又惟酷吏奉宪失中，乃诏有司减笞法，定棰令。语在《刑法志》。	在此之前，官吏多有军功，车马、服饰崇尚轻便，所以制定禁令，又考虑到酷吏执行法令失当，于是下诏有关部门减轻笞刑的处罚，制定棰刑的法令。这些内容记载在《刑法志》中。	Previous to this time most of the officials [had owed their appointments to] their military achievement, so they had paid scant attention to their carriages and robes, hence [the Emperor] made this prohibition. He moreover reflected that cruel officials, using the sanction of the law, might depart from equity, hence he issued an imperial edict [ordering] that the high officials should [propose] a law lightening [the punishment] of beating, and an ordinance fixing [the size of] the stick. [An account of this is] in the "Monograph on Punishments and Laws."
六月，匈奴入雁门，至武泉，入上郡，取苑马。吏卒战死者二千人。	六月，匈奴侵入雁门，到达武泉，进入上郡，掠取苑中的马匹。官吏士兵战死的有二千人。	In the sixth month, the Huns entered into the Yen-men [Commandery] to Wu-ch'üan, and entered into the Shang Commandery, where they took the horses of the imperial pastures. Two thousand officers and soldiers died in battle.
秋七月辛亥晦，日有蚀之。	秋七月辛亥日是月末，发生日食。	and in the autumn, the seventh month, on [the day] hsin-hai, the last day of the month, there was an eclipse of the sun.
后元年春正月，诏曰：“狱，重事也。人有智愚，官有上下。	后元年春正月，下诏说：“刑狱，是重要的事情。人有聪明愚蠢，官员有上下等级。	In the last [part of the Emperor's reign], the first year, in the spring, the first month, an imperial edict said, "A trial at law is an important matter. [Some] people are wise and [some are] stupid; [some] offices are superior and [some] inferior.
狱疑者谳有司，有司所不能决，移廷尉。	有疑问的案件由有关部门审议，有关部门不能决断的，移交廷尉。	When, in a trial it is doubtful [what to decide, the case] should be referred to the high officials; what the high officials cannot settle should be transferred to the Commandant of Justice.
有令谳而后不当，谳者不为失。欲令治狱者务先宽。”	有命令审议而后处理不当的，审议的人不算过失。想要让治理刑狱的人务必首先从宽处理。”	If it is ordered that a matter should be referred [to a superior judge], and later [it is found that] it should not have been referred, [that reference] does not constitute a fault. [We] desire to bring it about that those who judge lawsuits should above all take care to be lenient."
三月，赦天下，赐民爵一级，中二千石、诸侯相爵右庶长。	三月，大赦天下，赏赐百姓爵位一级，中二千石的官员、诸侯相的爵位为右庶长。	In the third month, an amnesty was granted to the empire, the common people were granted one step in noble rank, and [officials ranking at] fully two thousand piculs and Chancellors of the nobles [were granted] the noble rank of Senior Chiefs of the Summer Multitude.
夏，大酺五日，民得酤酒。	夏季，特许百姓聚饮五天，百姓可以卖酒。	In the summer, universal drinking [was allowed] for five days and the people were permitted to buy and sell wine.
五月，地震。	五月，发生地震。	In the fifth month there was an earthquake.
秋七月乙巳晦，日有蚀之。	秋七月乙巳日是月末，发生日食。	In the autumn, the seventh month, on [the day] yi-szŭ, the last day of the month, there was an eclipse of the sun.
条侯周亚夫下狱死。	条侯周亚夫被关进监狱死去。	and the Marquis of T'iao, Chou Ya-fu, was sent to prison, where he died.
二年冬十月，省彻侯之国。	二年冬十月，裁减彻侯前往封国的规定。	In the second year, in the winter, the tenth month, [the Emperor] dispensed with the marquises going to their states.
春，匈奴入雁门，太守冯敬与战死。发车骑材官屯。	春季，匈奴侵入雁门，太守冯敬与之交战战死。派遣车骑材官驻守。	In the spring the Huns entered into the Yen-men [Commandery] and its Grand Administrator, Feng Ching, died in battle with them. Chariots, cavalry, and skilled soldiers were sent to garrison [the Yen-men Commandery].
春，以岁不登，禁内郡食马粟，没入之。	春季，因为年成不好，禁止内地各郡用粮食喂马，违者没收马匹。	In the spring, because in the [previous] year there had not been a [good] harvest, in the commanderies under [the Prefects] of the [Imperial] Capital, feeding horses with grain was prohibited and they were confiscated to the government.
夏四月，诏曰：“雕文刻镂，伤农事者也；锦绣纂组，害女红者也。	夏四月，下诏说：“雕刻花纹，损伤农业生产；精美刺绣、彩色丝带，危害女工。	In the summer, the fourth month, an imperial edict said, "Carved ornaments and chiseled engravings are matters that injure agriculture. Brocade, embroidery, vermillion silk ribbons, and braided ribbons harm women's work.
农事伤则饥之本也，女红害则寒之原也。	农业生产受损是饥饿的根源，女工受危害是寒冷的根源。	Injury to agriculture is the source of hunger; harm to women's work is the cause of [suffering from] cold.
夫饥寒并至，而能亡为非者寡矣。	饥饿寒冷同时到来，而能不做坏事的人很少。	Verily when hunger and cold both come at the same time, there are few who will be able to keep from doing wrong.
朕亲耕，后亲桑，以奉宗庙粢盛、祭服，为天下先；不受献，减太官，省徭赋，欲天下务农蚕，素有畜积，以备灾害。	朕亲自耕种，皇后亲自采桑养蚕，来供奉宗庙的祭品、祭服，为天下人做表率；不接受进献，减少太官的费用，节省徭役赋税，想要天下人致力于农业养蚕，平时有积蓄，来防备灾害。	We Ourself plow and the Empress herself cultivates silkworms in order to lead the empire by furnishing the millet, the sacrifical grain, and the sacrificial robes for the [imperial] ancestral temples. [We] have not accepted the [yearly] offerings; [We] have reduced [the supplies of] the Grand Provisioner; [We] have diminished the amount of public service and the poll-taxes, wishing that the empire should stress agriculture and sericulture and should constantly have stores and provisions in order to be prepared for visitations and calamities, the strong should not rob from the weak, the many should not do violence to the few, the aged and those over sixty should die a natural death, and the young and orphans should be allowed to grow to maturity.
强毋攘弱，众毋暴寡；老耆以寿终，幼孤得遂长。	强者不要掠夺弱者，人多的不要欺凌人少的；老年人能寿终正寝，幼儿孤儿能顺利成长。	[so that] the strong should not rob from the weak, the many should not do violence to the few, the aged and those over sixty should die a natural death, and the young and orphans should be allowed to grow to maturity.
今，岁或不登，民食颇寡，其咎安在？	如今，年成有时不好，百姓粮食很匮乏，过错在哪里呢？	Now for some years there have not been good harvests and the food of the common people has been quite scanty; where does the fault lie?
或诈伪为吏，吏以货赂为市，渔夺百姓，侵牟万民。	有的欺诈虚伪的人做了官吏，官吏把财物贿赂当作交易，掠夺百姓，侵害万民。	Perhaps dishonest and hypocritical officials make a business of presents and bribes, taking by fraud or by force the peoples' [property], encroaching upon and consuming the many common people.
县丞，长吏也，奸法与盗盗，甚无谓也。	县丞，是高级官吏，触犯法律与盗贼同流合污，这是很没有道理的。	An Assistant Prefect is a Chief Official; [for him] to pervert the laws and rob with the robbers is utterly unspeakable.
其令二千石各修其职；不事官职、耗乱者，丞相以闻，请其罪。	命令二千石的官员各自整治自己的职责；不从事官职、昏乱的人，丞相上报，请求治罪。	Let it be ordered that [officials whose positions rank as] two thousand piculs should each look after their own charge. As to those who do not occupy themselves with their official duties or who govern unintelligently, the Lieutenant Chancellor should report it and beg [the throne to order them punished] for their crimes.
布告天下，使明知朕意。”	向天下公布，使百姓清楚地知道朕的意思。”	Let this be published and told to the empire and cause Our will to be clearly known."
五月，诏曰：“人不患其不知，患其为诈也；不患其不勇，患其为暴也；不患其不富，患其亡厌也。	五月，下诏说：“人不担心他没有知识，担心他弄虚作假；不担心他不勇敢，担心他施行暴力；不担心他不富裕，担心他贪得无厌。	In the fifth month, an imperial edict said, "A person should not be disquieted if he is ignorant, [but] he should be disquieted if he acts deceitfully. He should not be disquieted if he is not brave, [but] he should be disquieted if he acts tyrannously. He should not be disquieted if he is not rich, [but] he should be disquieted if he is not satisfied [i.e., is covetous].
其唯廉士，寡欲易足。	只有廉洁的人，欲望少容易满足。	Only incorrupt gentlemen make their desires few and are easily satisfied.
今訾算十以上乃得官，廉士算不必众。	如今资产达到十万钱以上才能做官，廉洁的人资产不一定多。	Now [a person must have] capital [sufficient to be required to pay at least] ten or more [times] the poll-tax before he is permitted to become a palace official. The [number of] poll-taxes [which can be paid by] incorrupt gentlemen are not inevitably many.
有市籍不得官，无訾又不得官，朕甚愍之。	有商人户籍的不能做官，没有资产的又不能做官，朕很怜悯他们。	Those who are enregistered in the market-places [as merchants] are not allowed to become palace officials, so those who have not [sufficient] capital are also not allowed to become palace officials. We very much deplore this.
訾算四得官，亡令廉士久失职，贪夫长利。”	资产达到四万钱可以做官，不要让廉洁的人长久失去职位，让贪婪的人长久获利。”	If the capital [of incorrupt gentlemen is sufficient so that they pay] four [times] the poll-tax, they shall be allowed to become palace officials, so as not to let incorrupt persons be kept for a long time from office and covetous fellows to profit continuously."
秋，大旱。	秋季，大旱。	In the autumn there was a great drought.
三年春正月，诏曰：“农，天下之本也。黄金、珠玉，饥不可食，寒不可衣，以为币用，不识其终始。	三年春正月，下诏说：“农业，是天下的根本。黄金、珠玉，饥饿时不能吃，寒冷时不能穿，把它们当作货币使用，不知道它们的始末。	In the third year, in the spring, the first month, an imperial edict said, "Agriculture is the foundation of the world. As to real gold, pearls, or jade, when one is hungry, they cannot be eaten; when one is cold, they cannot be worn. They are considered and used as objects of value, [but] one does not understand how their final or original [value came to be].
间岁或不登，意为末者众，农民寡也。	近年来有时年成不好，我想是从事工商业的人多，农民少的缘故。	Recently for some years there have not been good harvests. In [Our] opinion this is because those who do non-essential things [merchanizing and craftsmanship] are many, [whereas] the common people who make agriculture [their profession] are few.
其令郡国务劝农桑，益种树，可得衣食物。	命令郡国务必鼓励农业养蚕，多种树，可以得到衣服食物。	Let it be ordered that the commanderies and kingdoms shall stress the encouragement of agriculture and sericulture, and increase the sowing and planting, [in order that] there may [thus] be obtained articles for clothing and food.
吏发民若取庸采黄金、珠玉者，坐臧为盗。二千石听者，与同罪。”	官吏征发百姓或者雇佣民工开采黄金、珠玉的，按贪赃盗窃罪论处。二千石的官员听之任之的，与他们同罪。”	If officials, in mobilizing the common people or in taking from them substitute-[money, employ them] to collect real gold, pearls, or jade, [such officials] shall be condemned [as having taken] booty and treated as robbers. [Officials ranking at] two thousand piculs who permit [such actions, shall be punished] with the same punishment [as other officials]."
皇太子冠，赐民为父后者爵一级。	皇太子举行加冠礼，赏赐百姓中作为父亲继承人的人爵位一级。	The Imperial Heir-apparent [Liu Ch'ê] was capped, and those people who would be the successors of their fathers were granted one step in noble rank.
甲子，帝崩于未央宫。	甲子日，皇帝在未央宫去世。	On [the day] chia-tzu, the Emperor died in the Wei-yang Palace.
遗诏赐诸侯王、列侯马二驷，吏二千石黄金二斤，吏民户百钱。出宫人归其家，复终身。	遗诏赏赐诸侯王、列侯每人家马八匹，二千石的官吏黄金二斤，官吏百姓每户一百钱。遣散宫女回家，免除她们终身的赋税徭役。	In his testamentary edict, he granted to the vassal kings and to the marquises two teams of four horses each, to officials [ranking at] two thousand piculs, two catties of actual gold, and to the [lower] officials and the common people, a hundred cash to each household. He freed the women of the [imperial] harem and sent them back to their families, exempting their persons [from taxation] for life.
二月癸酉，葬阳陵。	二月癸酉日，安葬在阳陵。	In the second month, on [the day] kuei-yu, he was buried in the Yang Tomb.
赞曰：孔子称“斯民，三代之所以直道而行也”，信哉！	班固评论说：孔子说“这些百姓，是三代能实行直道的原因”，确实如此啊！	In eulogy we say: Confucius eulogized, "These people! They are whereby the three dynasties pursued their straight course." It was true indeed;
周、秦之敝，罔密文峻，而奸轨不胜。	周、秦的弊病，是法网严密条文苛峻，可是犯法作乱的人却防不胜防。	the error of the Chou and the Ch'in [dynasties] was that although the net [of their laws] was fine and their enactments were severe, yet they could not overcome the ways of the wicked.
汉兴，扫除烦苛，与民休息。	汉朝兴起，废除繁琐苛刻的法令，让百姓休养生息。	When the Han [dynasty] arose, it swept away [such] vexations and harshness and gave the common people repose and rest.
至于孝文，加之以恭俭，孝景遵业，五六十载之间，至于移风易俗，黎民醇厚。	到了孝文帝，加上恭敬节俭，孝景帝遵循大业，五六十年间，达到了移风易俗，百姓淳朴忠厚的境界。	[Emperor] Hsiao-wen added [the virtues of] respectfulness and frugality; [Emperor] Hsiao-ching followed his practises. In the course of fifty or sixty years, [these Emperors even] altered the people's customs and changed their usages, [so that] the many common people became pure and sincere.
周云成、康，汉言文、景，美矣！	周朝称道成、康，汉朝称道文、景，多么美好啊！	The Chou [dynasty] talked about [Kings] Ch'eng and K'ang; the Han [dynasty similarly] speaks of [Emperors] Wen and Ching. How splendid!