Hunminga (Poems for the Education of People)
1
My father bore me and my mother raised me.
Without my parents I could not exist at all.
How can I repay them for their incomparable and boundless love?
2
The sovereign is heaven and his subject the earth.
His Majesty wants to know everything we suffer from.
So how can we eat even green vegetables alone?
3
Brothers, feel each other's flesh.
Who bore you and made you look alike?
Grown up in the same bosom,
never be unfaithful to one another.
4
Devote yourself to your parents
while they are still alive.
What good is it to lament over their death?
This alone is your irrevocable duty in your lifetime.
5
Man and wife are created by dividing one body in two.
Together the two grow old,
together the two lie in the grave.
How foolish it is too scowl at each other!
6
Men detour from where women come and go.
Women stray from where men come and go.
It's only right not to ask even the name
of other's husband or wife.
7
How much has your son learned with Hyogyeong?
My son will soon finish reading Sohak.
When will they master the books and become gentlemen?
8
Villagers, let's act properly.
If we human beings act against humanity,
We may not differ from horse and ox
dressing and eating like man.
9
When an old man holds your wrist,
lend him your hands.
When he wants to go out,
follow him with a staff.
When the feast he attends at is over,
accompany him to his home.
10
Friends, next to your relatives, are the most reliable.
They are willing to point out all your errors and faults,
How can you act like a man without your dear friends?
11
Oh, my nephew, how miserable you have no rice to cook!
Oh, my uncle, how pitiable you have no clothes to wear!
Let me know what you want so I may take care of you.
12
How much will you prepare for your funeral rite?
When will you choose a spouse for your daughter?
Though I'm not well-off, I'll help you with pleasure.
13
Another day is breaking.
Let's go to the rice paddy with hoes.
After weeding my rice paddy, I shall help you weed yours.
On our way home let's pick mulberry leaves for silkworms.
14
Although you wear tattered coats, don't take others' by force.
Although you have little to eat, don't beg for your bread.
Once you are stained with dirt, it is hard to wash it off.
15
Don't gamble with dice or chess, nor start a lawsuit.
Or you will be driven to bankruptcy and earn many grievances.
Remember the state laws enacted to punish criminals.
16
Let me help you, sir,
carrying packs on your head and back.
As I am young, I can even carry stones for you.
To grow old is sad-how can I leave you alone?
