汉英对照《小儿语》

Words Given to Children

四  言


一切言动，
都要安详，
十差九错，
只为慌张。

You should behave with composure whenever you speak and act. Errors result mostly from haste.

沉静立身，
从容说话，
不要轻薄，
惹人笑骂。

You should be steady in your conduct and unhurried in your talks. Be neither frivolous in your behavior nor caustic in your words so that you won't be laughed at or abused by others.

先学耐烦，
快休使气，
性躁心粗，
一生不济。

First learn to be patient and don't lose your temper. If you behave in haste and carelessly, you won't be successful in your life career.

能有几句，
见人胡讲，
洪钟无声，
满瓶不响。

You can't say things carelessly and wantonly when you talk with people. A big bell doesn't toll without being struck, and a bottle makes no sound when it is full.

自家过失，
不须遮掩，
遮掩不得，
又添一短。

If you have any error, you don't have to cover it. To cover it is a new error although you cannot succeed in covering it.