文言文	现代汉语	English
季布者，楚人也。为气任侠，有名于楚。	季布是楚国人，为人仗义行侠，在楚国很有名气。	Ji Bu was a man of Chu, where he was well-known for his gallantry and spirit.
项籍使将兵，数窘汉王。	项籍（项羽）派他领兵，多次使汉王（刘邦）陷入困境。	Made a general by Xiang Yu, he worsted the king of Han (206B.C.-8A.D.) on several occasions.
及项羽灭，高祖购求布千金，敢有舍匿，罪及三族。	等到项羽灭亡后，汉高祖悬赏千金捉拿季布，若有人敢窝藏他，就会株连三族。	After Xiang Yu perished, the emperor offered a reward of a thousand gold pieces for his capture, threatening anyone who dared to shelter him with the destruction of three classes of their relatives.
季布匿濮阳周氏。	季布躲藏在濮阳一个姓周的人家中。	Ji Bu took refuge in Puyang with a man named Zhou.
周氏曰：“汉购将军急，迹且至臣家，将军能听臣，臣敢献计；即不能，愿先自刭。”	周氏说：“汉朝悬赏捉拿将军十分紧急，追查的踪迹很快就要到我家了。将军若能听我的建议，我就敢献上计策；要是不能，我情愿先自杀。”	who told him, ‘The emperor is searching hard for you, general, and will soon trace you here. If you are willing to take my advice, I shall venture to propose a plan. If not, I had better kill myself.”
季布许之。	季布答应了他。	Ji Bu agreed to his plan.
乃髡钳季布，衣褐衣，置广柳车中，并与其家僮数十人，之鲁朱家所卖之。	于是周氏给季布剃去头发、套上铁颈锁，让他穿上粗布衣服，把他放进运棺材的广柳车里，连同周家的几十个家僮一起，送到鲁县朱家那里卖掉。	and let himself be shaved and dressed in coarse clothes, with an iron chain round his neck. Then he was sent in a covered wagon with several dozen slaves to be sold to Zhu Jia in Lu.
朱家心知是季布，乃买而置之田，诫其子曰：“田事听此奴，必与同食。”	朱家心里知道这人是季布，买下他后把他安置在田庄里，告诫儿子说：“田里的事都听这个家奴的安排，一定要和他一起吃饭。”	Zhu Jia, knowing that this was Ji Bu, bought him and set him to work on his farm. He instructed his son, “You must farm as this slave says and share your meals with him.”
朱家乃乘轺车之洛阳，见汝阴侯滕公。	朱家于是乘坐轻便马车前往洛阳，拜见汝阴侯滕公（夏侯婴）。	Then he went by a one-horse carriage to Luoyang to see Xiahou Ying, marquis of Ruyin and Lord Teng.
滕公留朱家饮数日。	滕公留朱家喝了好几天酒。	The latter entertained him for several days.
因谓滕公曰：“季布何大罪，而上求之急也？”	朱家趁机对滕公说：“季布犯了什么大罪，皇上捉拿他这么急迫呢？”	and Zhu Jia found an opportunity to ask, “What is Ji Bu's great crime that the emperor is searching so hard for him?”
滕公曰：“布数为项羽窘上，上怨之，故必欲得之。”	滕公回答：“季布多次替项羽使皇上陷入困境，皇上怨恨他，所以一定要抓到他。”	“Ji Bu often had him on the spot when he was fighting for Xiang Yu,” replied Lord Teng. “The emperor bears him such a grudge that he has set his heart on capturing him.”
朱家曰：“君视季布何如人也？”	朱家问：“您看季布是个怎样的人？”	“What is your opinion of Ji Bu?”
曰：“贤者也。”	滕公说：“是个贤能的人。”	“An able man.”
朱家曰：“臣各为其主用，季布为项籍用，职耳。	朱家说：“臣子各自为自己的君主效力，季布为项籍效力，不过是尽他的职责罢了。	“Every subject serves his own master. Ji Bu, serving Xiang Yu, was doing no more than his duty.
项氏臣可尽诛邪？	项氏的臣子难道能全都杀掉吗？	Does the emperor mean to kill all Xiang Yu's followers?
今上始得天下，独以己之私怨求一人，何示天下之不广也！	如今皇上刚夺得天下，却只为自己的私怨捉拿一个人，这多让天下人看出他心胸不宽广啊！	The empire is newly won and if the emperor hounds one man on account of a private grudge, how narrow-minded the world is going to think him!
且以季布之贤而汉求之急如此，此不北走胡即南走越耳。	况且像季布这样贤能的人，汉朝却如此急迫地追捕他，他不是向北逃到匈奴，就是向南逃到南越（只会帮敌国）。	Besides, if Ji Bu is an able man and the emperor hounds him like this, he will escape north to the Huns or south to the Yues.
夫忌壮士以资敌国，此伍子胥所以鞭荆平王之墓也。	忌恨壮士反而让他去帮助敌国，这就是当年伍子胥掘楚平王墓鞭尸的原因啊。	Goading a good man into helping an enemy state was what made Wu Zixu whip the grave of the king of Chu.
君何不从容为上言邪？”	您为什么不找个合适的机会对皇上说说这些呢？”	Might you mention this to the emperor if an occasion arises?”
汝阴侯滕公心知朱家大侠，意季布匿其所，乃许曰：“诺。”	汝阴侯滕公心里知道朱家是有名的侠义之士，猜测季布就藏在他家里，于是答应说：“好。”	Lord Teng knew that Zhu Jia was noble-minded and guessed that Ji Bu was hiding with him, so he agreed.
待间，果言如朱家旨。	等到有了机会，滕公果然按朱家的意思向皇上进言。	Later he found occasion to speak to the emperor as Zhu Jia had suggested.
上乃赦季布。	皇上于是赦免了季布。	and Ji Bu was pardoned.
当是时，诸公皆多季布能摧刚为柔，朱家亦以此名闻当世。	当时，大臣们都赞赏季布能“变刚强为柔顺”（放下身段避祸），朱家也因此在当时闻名。	Ji Bu won general approval at the time for the way he adapted himself to circumstances, while Zhu Jia made a name for himself on this account too.
季布召见，谢，上拜为郎中。	季布被皇上召见，他向皇上谢罪，皇上任命他为郎中（宫廷侍卫官）。	Ji Bu was summoned to court, where he apologized to the emperor and was appointed an imperial guardsman.
孝惠时，为中郎将。	汉惠帝在位时，季布担任中郎将（宫廷侍卫统领）。	During the reign of Emperor Hui, while Ji Bu was captain of the imperial guards.
单于尝为书嫚吕后，不逊，吕后大怒，召诸将议之。	匈奴单于曾写信侮辱吕后，言辞不恭敬，吕后非常愤怒，召集众将领商议对策。	the Hunnish khan sent a coarse and insulting letter to Empress Lü. In a rage, she summoned the generals for a consultation.
上将军樊哙曰：“臣愿得十万众，横行匈奴中。”	上将军樊哙说：“我愿率领十万人马，在匈奴境内横冲直撞（打败他们）。”	Fan Kuai the high marshal said, “Give me a hundred thousand men and the Huns will scatter before me."
诸将皆阿吕后意，曰：“然。”	众将领都迎合吕后的心意，说：“对。”	Other generals, to please the empress, expressed approval.
季布曰：“樊哙可斩也！	季布说：“樊哙该杀！	But Ji Bu said, "Fan Kuai deserves to lose his head.
夫高帝将兵四十余万众，困于平城，今哙奈何以十万众横行匈奴中，面欺！	高祖曾率领四十多万大军，还被匈奴围困在平城，如今樊哙怎么能凭十万人马就说能在匈奴境内横冲直撞，这是当面骗人！	The First Emperor, with more than four hundred thousand men, was nevertheless surrounded at Pingcheng. Now Fan Kuai with a hundred thousand will make the Huns scatter before him. A bare-faced lie!
且秦以事于胡，陈胜等起。	况且秦朝就是因为对匈奴用兵，才引发陈胜等人的起义。	Besides, it was Qin's campaigns against the Huns that enabled Chen She and the rest to start a rebellion.
于今创痍未瘳，哙又面谀，欲摇动天下。”	至今战争的创伤还没痊愈，樊哙又当面阿谀奉承，想让天下陷入动荡。”	The country has not yet recovered from the ravages of war, but Fan Kuai is flattering you to stir up fresh trouble for the empire.”
是时殿上皆恐，太后罢朝，遂不复议击匈奴事。	当时殿上的人都很惊恐，太后宣布退朝，从此不再商议攻打匈奴的事。	The whole court was aghast. Empress Lü dismissed the generals, and no more was said about attacking the Huns.
季布为河东守，孝文时，人有言其贤者，孝文召，欲以为御史大夫。	季布担任河东郡太守时，汉文帝在位，有人说他贤能，汉文帝召见他，想任命他为御史大夫（三公之一，掌监察）。	In the reign of Emperor Wen, when Ji Bu was governor of Hedong, someone recommended him to the emperor, who summoned him to the capital with the intention of making him a chief counsellor.
复有言其勇，使酒难近。	又有人说他勇猛，但爱喝酒、发脾气，让人难以亲近。	Then, however, it was reported that he was reckless, headstrong when in his cups, and hard to deal with.
至，留邸一月，见罢。	季布到了京城，在客馆住了一个月，只被皇上召见一次就没了下文（未被任用）。	So after his arrival he was lodged in a government hostel for a month and then dismissed.
季布因进曰：“臣无功窃宠，待罪河东。	季布于是进言：“我没有功劳却承蒙恩宠，在河东郡担任太守（自谦“待罪”，指任职）。	When he went to take his leave of the emperor, he said, "For no merit of mine, I was favoured with the governorship of Hedong.
陛下无故召臣，此人必有以臣欺陛下者。	陛下平白无故召见我，这一定是有人拿我来欺骗陛下（夸大我的能力）。	then received an unexpected summons to court, due no doubt to an unwarranted recommendation.
今臣至，无所受事，罢去，此人必有以毁臣者。	如今我到了京城，却没被安排任何职务就被打发回去，这一定是有人在陛下面前诋毁我。	Since my arrival, however, I have been given no new appointment but dismissed, due no doubt to some detractor.
夫陛下以一人之誉而召臣，一人之毁而去臣，臣恐天下有识闻之有以窥陛下也。”	陛下因为一个人的称赞就召见我，因为一个人的诋毁就赶走我，我担心天下有见识的人听说这件事后，会借此看透陛下的胸襟啊。”	Apparently Your Majesty summoned me on one man's recommendation and dismissed me because another spoke ill of me. I fear that all intelligent men who hear this will know how to judge you, sir.”
上默然惭，良久曰：“河东吾股肱郡，故特召君耳。”	汉文帝沉默不语，面露惭愧，过了好一会儿才说：“河东是我重要的郡（像大腿和胳膊一样关键），所以特地召见你罢了。”	After a long, embarrassed silence the emperor said, “Hedong is a vital province in my eyes. That is why I sent for you.”
布辞之官。	季布于是告辞，回到河东郡任职。	Then Ji Bu returned to his post.
楚人曹丘生，辩士，数招权顾金钱。	楚国人曹丘生，是个能言善辩的人，多次凭借权势谋取钱财（依附权贵捞好处）。	An orator of Chu known as Master Caoqiu relied on influential connections to make money.
事贵人赵同等，与窦长君善。	他侍奉权贵赵同等人，还和窦长君（汉文帝皇后之兄）关系很好。	He undertook certain tasks for Zhao Tong and other high officials, and was on good terms with Empress Jing's uncle, Dou Changjun.
季布闻之，寄书谏窦长君曰：“吾闻曹丘生非长者，勿与通。”	季布听说后，寄信劝窦长君说：“我听说曹丘生不是品德高尚的人，别和他来往。”	When Ji Bu knew this he wrote to warn Lord Dou, “I hear bad reports of Caoqiu Sheng. Better have nothing to do with the man!”
及曹丘生归，欲得书请季布。	等到曹丘生要返回楚国，想让窦长君写封介绍信去拜见季布。	As Caoqiu Sheng was about to return to Chu, he asked Lord Dou for a letter of introduction to Ji Bu.
窦长君曰：“季将军不说足下，足下无往。”	窦长君说：“季将军不喜欢您，您别去了。”	“General Ji has taken a dislike to you,” said Lord Dou. "I advise you to steer clear of him.”
固请书，遂行。	曹丘生坚持要介绍信，最终拿到信出发了。	But Caoqiu insisted on going.
使人先发书，季布果大怒，待曹丘。	他先派人把信送给季布，季布果然非常愤怒，等着曹丘生前来。	The letter of introduction was sent on ahead and, sure enough, Ji Bu was very angry as he waited for the orator.
曹丘至，即揖季布曰：“楚人谚曰‘得黄金百，不如得季布一诺’，足下何以得此声于梁楚间哉？	曹丘生到了，马上向季布作揖说：“楚国有句谚语‘得到一百斤黄金，不如得到季布的一句承诺’，您怎么能在梁国、楚国一带获得这样的名声呢？	Caoqiu, arriving, bowed to Ji Bu and said, ‘The men of Chu have a saying, ‘A promise from Ji Bu is worth more than a hundred catties of gold.' How did you make such a name for yourself in Liang and Chu?
且仆楚人，足下亦楚人也。	况且我是楚国人，您也是楚国人。	I am a native of Chu and so are you.
仆游扬足下之名于天下，顾不重邪？	我周游天下，到处宣扬您的名声，难道这还不重要吗？	Have I not done much to spread your fame through the world?
何足下距仆之深也！”	您为什么这么坚决地拒绝我呢！”	Why should you be so prejudiced against me?”
季布乃大说，引入，留数月，为上客，厚送之。	季布于是非常高兴，把曹丘生请进屋里，留他住了几个月，待为上宾，临走时还送了他丰厚的礼物。	Ji Bu was very pleased. He invited Caoqiu in and kept him for several months as his honoured guest, loading him with rich gifts when he left.
季布名所以益闻者，曹丘扬之也。	季布的名声之所以更加响亮，就是因为曹丘生替他宣扬啊。	It was indeed Caoqiu who helped to spread Ji Bu's fame.
季布弟季心，气盖关中，遇人恭谨，为任侠，方数千里，士皆争为之死。	季布的弟弟季心，勇气和胆略在关中最有名，待人恭敬谨慎，行侠仗义，方圆数千里之内，士人都争着为他尽力效死。	Ji Bu's younger brother Ji Xin was so renowned within the Pass for his courtesy and chivalry that gentlemen for a thousand li around would risk their lives for him.
尝杀人，亡之吴，从袁丝匿。	他曾经杀了人，逃亡到吴国，躲在袁丝家里。	Once he killed a man and fled to Wu to take refuge with Yuan Si.
长事袁丝，弟畜灌夫、籍福之属。	他以服侍长辈之礼对待袁丝，像对待弟弟一样照顾灌夫、籍福等人。	He treated Yuan Si as his senior and men like Guan Fu and Ji Fu as his juniors.
尝为中司马，中尉郅都不敢不加礼。	他曾经担任过中司马，中尉郅都也不敢不礼遇他。	When he served as major to the metropolitan commander Zhi Du, the latter had to show him respect.
少年多时时窃籍其名以行。	年轻人很多常常假冒他的名义在外行事。	Many young men went about doing things in his name.
当是时，季心以勇，布以诺，著闻关中。	那个时候，季心以他的勇敢，季布以他的信用，闻名关中。	For at that time Ji Xin's courage and Ji Bu’s integrity were famed throughout the area within the Pass.
季布母弟丁公，为楚将。	季布的舅舅丁公，是楚王项羽的将领。	Ji Bu's maternal uncle, Lord Ding, was a general of Chu who had served under Xiang Yu.
丁公为项羽逐窘高祖彭城西，短兵接，高祖急，顾丁公曰：“两贤岂相厄哉!”	丁公曾经为项羽率军追困高祖于彭城之西，短兵相接，高祖危急，回头对丁公说：“两个贤能的人何必相互残害呢!”	He had driven the Han emperor west of Pengcheng, where the two of them crossed swords. The emperor in desperation had turned to ask him, “Why should two good men harass each other like this?”
于是丁公引兵而还，汉王遂解去。	于是丁公带兵返回，汉王才得以脱险而去。	Then Lord Ding led his forces back, allowing the emperor to escape.
及项王灭，丁公谒见高祖。	等项王被消灭，丁公去拜见高祖。	After Xiang Yu had been destroyed Lord Ding went to see the emperor.
高祖以丁公徇军中，曰：“丁公为项王臣不忠，使项王失天下者，乃丁公也。”	高祖将丁公在军营中示众，说：“丁公身为项王的臣子而不忠于项王，使项王丧失天下的，正是丁公。”	Who denounced him publicly before the army. “Lord Ding was disloyal to Xiang Yu,” he said. “It was he who lost Xiang Yu his empire.”
遂斩丁公，曰：“使后世为人臣者无效丁公!”	于是杀了丁公，说：“让后代做人臣子的不要效法丁公!	He had him beheaded and warned, “Let no subject henceforward follow Lord Ding's example!”
栾布者，梁人也。	栾布，是梁国人。	Luan Bu was a man of Liang.
始梁王彭越为家人时，尝与布游。	当初梁王彭越还是普通百姓的时候，曾与栾布交往。	Who befriended Peng Yue, king of Liang, when he was still a common citizen.
穷困，赁佣于齐，为酒人保。	栾布家里穷，到齐地做工，在一家酒店里当雇工。	Being hard pressed for money, they worked as hired hands in Qi and as waiters in a tavern.
数岁，彭越去之巨野中为盗，而布为人所略卖，为奴于燕。	过了几年，彭越离家到巨野一带当了强盗，而栾布被人劫去卖掉，在燕地当奴隶。	Some years later Peng Yue became a brigand in the Juye Marshes, but Luan Bu was captured and sold as a slave in Yan.
为其家主报仇，燕将臧荼举以为都尉。	栾布替他的主人报仇，燕国的将军臧荼推荐他做了都尉。	Subsequently he avenged his master's death and General Zang Tu of Yan made him a commander.
臧荼后为燕王，以布为将。	臧荼后来当了燕王，任用栾布为将军。	After Zang Tu became king of Yan, he made Luan Bu a general.
及臧荼反，汉击燕，虏布。	到臧荼反叛时，汉朝攻打燕国，俘虏了栾布。	When Zang Tu revolted, the army of Han attacked Yan and Luan Bu was captured.
梁王彭越闻之，乃言上，请赎布以为梁大夫。	梁王彭越听说了这件事，就去请求皇上，赎回栾布让他做了梁国的大夫。	News of this reached Peng Yue, then king of Liang, who interceded with the emperor for Luan Bu's release and made him one of his ministers.
使于齐，未还，汉召彭越，责以谋反，夷三族。	栾布奉命出使齐国，还没有回来，汉高祖召见彭越，指责他图谋反叛，将他父母、兄弟、妻子三族斩尽杀绝。	Luan Bu was sent as an envoy to Qi, but before his return the emperor summoned Peng Yue to court, accused him of treason and wiped out all his kinsmen.
已而枭彭越头于洛阳下，诏曰：“有敢收视者，辄捕之。”	行刑后又将彭越的头颅割下悬挂在洛阳城楼下，颁布诏令说：“有敢收殓或看望彭越的头颅的，就把他抓起来。”	Peng Yue's head was displayed on the gate of Luoyang with the warning: “The watch shall arrest any man who dares remove this head!”
布从齐还，奏事彭越头下，祠而哭之。	栾布从齐国回来，到彭越的头颅下面汇报，祭奠哭吊他。	When Luan Bu came back from Qi, he reported on his mission to Peng Yue's head, sacrificed to it and mourned.
吏捕布以闻。	官吏抓住栾布向皇上报告。	The officers arrested him and reported the matter to the emperor.
上召布，骂曰：“若与彭越反邪?吾禁人勿收，若独祠而哭之，与越反明矣。趣亨之。”	皇上召见栾布，骂道：“你参加彭越的造反了吗?我禁止人不得收殓或看望他，你偏偏跑去祭奠哭吊，分明是参与了彭越的造反。赶快烹杀他!”	Who sent for Luan Bu and swore at him, "Were you involved in Peng Yue's revolt? I gave orders that his head was not to be taken down, yet you sacrificed to it and mourned him. It is obvious that you plotted treason with him. Throw this fellow into the cauldron!”
方提趣汤，布顾曰：“愿一言而死。”	正当把栾布提着奔向开水锅的时候，栾布回过头来说：“我还要说一句话再去死。”	As Luan Bu was being dragged to the cauldron, he looked over his shoulder and called, "I beg to say one word before I die!"
上曰：“何言?”	皇上说：“还要说什么?”	"What is it?" demanded the emperor.
布曰：“方上之困于彭城，败荥阳、成皋间，项王所以不能遂西，徒以彭王居梁地，与汉合从苦楚也。”	栾布说：“当年皇上被围困在彭城，在荥阳、成皋一带战败的时候，项王之所以不能最终向西追击，只是由于彭王在梁地，与汉军联合牵制楚军的缘故。”	"When Your Majesty was hard pressed at Pengcheng and lost a battle between Xingyang and Chenggao, Xiang Yu could not advance further west because Peng Yue was harassing him for you in Liang."
当是之时，彭王一顾，与楚则汉破，与汉而楚破。	在那个时候，彭王一回头，帮楚则汉败，帮汉则楚败。	All depended on Peng Yue then. Had he gone over to Chu, Han would have been beaten. By aiding Han, he brought about Chu's defeat.
且垓下之会，微彭王，项氏不亡。	况且垓下会战，不是彭王参战，项氏也不会灭亡。	If not for his help at Gaixia, you could not have destroyed Xiang Yu.
天下已定，彭王剖符受封，亦欲传之万世。	天下平定以后，彭王接过玺印接受分封，也希望能够万代相传。	“After the empire was secure, Peng Yue received a tally and a fief, and expected to hand them down to his heirs for countless generations.
今陛下一征兵于梁，彭王病不行，而陛下疑以为反，反形未见，以苛小案诛灭之，臣恐功臣人人自危也。	现在陛下一声令下到梁国征调军队，彭王因重病不能随行，而陛下就怀疑是要造反，造反的证据也没看到，就以琐细的事情为罪名把他杀了，我担心功臣会人人自危了。	Then you summoned his army from Liang and, just because he was too ill to come, suspected that he had rebelled. With no real evidence, you executed him on a flimsy pretext. All your other worthy subjects must fear for their lives.
今彭王已死，臣生不如死，请就亨。”	现在彭王已经死了，我活着还不如死了，请把我扔进开水锅吧。”	Now that he has been killed; I would rather die than live. Lead me to the cauldron!”
于是上乃释布罪，拜为都尉。	于是皇上便赦免了栾布的罪，拜任他为都尉。	The emperor pardoned him and made him a commander.
孝文时，为燕相，至将军。	孝文帝的时候，栾布任燕相，官至将军。	During the reign of Emperor Wen, he served as prime minister of Yan and rose to the rank of general.
布乃称曰：“穷困不能辱身下志，非人也；富贵不能快意，非贤也。”	栾布声称：“贫穷困顿的时候不能忍辱求全，就不是一个真正的人；富贵以后不能实现自己的意愿，就不是一个贤能的人。”	Luan Bu declared, “He who cannot humble himself in adversity is no true man; he who cannot fulfill his aspirations in prosperity is no worthy man.”
于是尝有德者厚报之，有怨者必以法灭之。	于是对那些曾于他有恩的人都厚厚地报答人家，对那些有仇的人都一定藉法律杀掉。	He amply rewarded those who had befriended him and destroyed his enemies by legal means.
吴楚反时，以军功封俞侯，复为燕相。	吴、楚七国反叛时，栾布以战功受封为俞侯，又作了燕国的国相。	During the revolt of the prince of Wu he distinguished himself in battle and was enfeoffed as marquis of Yu, after which he served as Yan's prime minister again.
燕齐之间皆为栾布立社，号曰栾公社。	在燕、齐一带许多地方都为栾布建造祠堂，称之为“栾公社”。	The people of Yan and Qi instituted temple sacrifices for him, calling him Lord Luan.
景帝中五年薨。	孝景帝中元五年(公元前145年)，栾布去世。	He died in the fifth year of the middle era of Emperor Jing.
子贲嗣，为太常，牺牲不如令，国除。	他的儿子栾贲继承侯位，担任太常，后来因为祭祀时所用的祭品牲畜不合规定，封国被撤销。	His son Fen, who succeeded to his title and was a master of ceremonies, was deprived of his fief for sacrificing in a way contrary to government orders.
太史公曰：以项羽之气，而季布以勇显于楚，身屦军搴旗者数矣，可谓壮士。	太史公说：以项羽那样的气概，而季布却能够凭勇敢闻名于楚国，多次亲身踏灭敌军夺得军旗，真可以称得上是壮士。	The Grand Historian comments: Thanks to Xiang Yu, Ji Bu became known for his courage in Chu. On several occasions at the head of his troops he captured the enemy flag. He was a brave warrior.
然至被刑戮，为人奴而不死，何其下也!	但到被施以刑罚，做了人家的奴隶却仍然不肯一死，又是何等的卑下啊!	Yet when humiliated and sold as a slave he suffered meekly and did not kill himself.
彼必自负其材，故受辱而不羞，欲有所用其未足也，故终为汉名将。	他一定是自负自己有才干，因此虽然受到侮辱却并不感到羞耻，是希望找到地方施展自己尚未施展的抱负啊，所以他终于成为汉朝的名将。	He must have had such confidence in his own ability that he endured disgrace without shame, determined to fulfil his ambitions later. So finally he became a great general of Han.
贤者诚重其死。	贤能的人的确很看重自己的生命。	A great man will not die in vain.
夫婢妾贱人感慨而自杀者，非能勇也，其计画无复之耳。	那些婢女、小妾、微贱的人因怨愤而自杀的，并不是勇敢，是他们没有什么计划要实践罢了。	When slave girls and concubines kill themselves in a passion, this is not because they are brave but because they have no way out.
栾布哭彭越，趣汤如归者，彼诚知所处，不自重其死。	栾布哭吊彭越，走向开水锅就如同是回家，那是他的确知道自己的处境，已经不再畏惧一死了。	Luan Bu mourned for Peng Yue and courted death in the cauldron because he knew where he stood, and therefore did not set great store on his life.
虽往古烈士，何以加哉!	即使是古代的有志有节之人，又怎么能超过他呢!	Even the heroes of old could have done no more.