權輿 Then and Now
於我乎，夏屋渠渠，今也每食無餘。于嗟乎，不承權輿！
於我乎，每食四簋，今也每食不飽。于嗟乎，不承權輿！
What has become of us?
Once we ate from dishes towered so high.
Now after each meal -
Nothing is left behind.
How can we compare this to the good old times?
What has become of us!
Once we had four dishes of grain
At every meal.
Now we barely have enough
To keep our bellies satisfied
How can we compare this to the good old times?
Poetry Interpretation
This song originated from the ancient state of Qin, which eventually conquered all the other rival states in China to establish the first unified empire – the Qin dynasty – in 221 BCE. It’s believed that the song was composed by old advisors of Duke Mu (reign 659–621 BCE) whose political acumen and military campaigns laid the foundation for Qin's eventual rise. However, Duke Mu’s successor Duke Kang was apparently an incompetent ruler who ignored advice from his father’s old counsellors, leading them to compose this song about their mistreatment at the hands of the new ruler. But perhaps, beneath the song's resentful surface, lies a sense of acceptance. These old advisors could be singing this song as they leave their foolish overlord in search of a more worthy employer.
這首歌曲比對昔日輝煌與當下困境時。雖然不免透出一絲不甘的怨懟，但隱約間又流露出一種接受的智慧：有時，我們無能為力，唯有一笑置之，輕吟一曲。
Written by Dr. Annie Luman Ren