《中庸》英译（十五）

君子之道，辟如行远必自迩，辟如登高必自卑。《诗》曰：“妻子好合，如鼓瑟琴。兄弟既翕，和乐且耽。宜尔室家，乐尔妻孥。”子曰：“父母其顺矣乎！”

XV.

The moral life of man may be likened to travelling to a distant place; one must start from the nearest stage. It may also be likened to ascending a height; one must begin from the lowest step.

The Book of Songs says:

“When wife and children dwell in unison,

‘Tis like to harp and lute well played in tune;

When brothers live in concord and at peace

The strain of harmony shall never cease.

Make then your home thus always gay and bright,

Your wife and dear ones shall be your delight.”

Confucius, commenting on the above, remarked: “In such a state of things what more satisfaction can parents have?”