文／南梁．周興嗣（469～521）

知過必改，得能莫忘。

罔談彼短，靡恃己長。

景行維賢，克念作聖。

德建名立，形端表正。

禍因惡積，福緣善慶。

尺璧非寶，寸陰是競。

資父事君，曰嚴與敬。

孝當竭力，忠則盡命。

──選自《梁文紀》

A Thousand Character Classic (Excerpt)

Zhou Xingsi (469 - 521, Southern Liang Dynasty)

English translation: Venerable Zhi Yue

Correct errors when they are identified,

and forget the abilities that one has acquired.

Speak not of others’ shortcomings,

and presume not upon one’s own strengths.

Admire only the conducts of the virtuous,

restrain one’s desire to become a sage.

Establish virtue and make a good name,

keep a proper and upright image.

Calamities accumulate due to evil,

virtue is celebrated by fortune and blessing.

A foot of jade is no treasure,

rather, a moment of time is worth contending for.

Provide for your father and serve your king,

speak with solemnity and respect.

Do one’s best to be filial,

and devote one’s life out of loyalty

-----from Liang Wen Ji

(Literary Records of the Liang Dynasty)