Cricket

Preface to “Cricket”: The poem “Cricket” is a satire directed at Duke Xi of Jin. He was overly frugal and did not adhere to proper ritual, so this poem was composed to admonish him, hoping that he would take timely pleasure in accordance with ritual. Although this is a poem from the state of Jin, it is called “Tang” because, upon examining its customs, the people are deeply thoughtful, frugal yet observant of ritual, preserving the legacy of Yao.

The cricket is in the hall,

The year is drawing to its close.

If I do not seize joy now,

The days and months will slip away.

But do not be overly indulgent,

And remember your duties still.

To delight in pleasure without neglecting one’s work,

The virtuous man is cautious and alert.

The cricket is in the hall,

The year is swiftly passing by.

If I do not seize joy now,

The days and months will flee away.

But do not be overly indulgent,

And remember the tasks beyond your lot.

To delight in pleasure without neglecting one’s work,

The virtuous man is diligent and strives.

The cricket is in the hall,

The service carts have ceased their toil.

If I do not seize joy now,

The days and months will vanish away.

But do not be overly indulgent,

And remember the sorrows yet to come.

To delight in pleasure without neglecting one’s work,

The virtuous man is calm and at ease.

“Cricket” consists of three stanzas, each of eight lines.