Oh, solemn and reverent virtue,
The common people make the emperor theirs.
Only this true token of mandate,
Vast and mighty, carries his affairs.
Benevolence envelops the flesh,
No blade can completely slaughter.
Favor dries the cooking pot,
Steam and flame can wash it with water.
Exterminate that vicious virtue,
Then drive it out, then level it flat.
Admirable, this fine custom,
Is warmed, is fanned, just like that.
Father and son, joyful and bright,
Find peace together in play and delight.
Taxes collected and stored away,
Enrich our provisions of dried grain.
Punishments light and clear,
Our flesh suffers no wound or pain.
Bequeathed to our sons and grandsons,
For a hundred generations, health will remain.
Ten sages succeeded in governance,
Sons of benevolent sovereigns, one and all.
Sons think filial thoughts of fathers,
Changing worry for oneself, standing tall.
Support him, uphold him,
The spirits all find you fitting and right.
Extol it in elegant odes,
Receive Heaven's blessing, pure and bright.
Heaven, truly divine,
Should look upon benevolence as sign.
On what do the spirits rely?
To benevolence they should incline.
From the Pu River in the north,
To Zhu Li in the south, far and wide,
From the breadth of the west to the east,
Only one heart resides inside.
Pray for the Tang's recorded reign,
That hereafter, Heaven never lets it fall.
Pray for the emperor's longevity,
As lasting as the earth, encompassing all.
Why merely pray with words?
Sincerity of heart must be deep and true.
Spirits harmonize with men,
Through the Dao, we announce it to you.
Cause it to last for millions of years,
Without tremor, without peril or fear.
The extension of our dynasty's line,
Forever and ever, draw it near.
Benevolence increases to lofty height,
Why do you not think of this with all your might?
There is a cry to Heaven,
All say, 'Alas!'
We consult you, Imperial Spirits,
Do not let this token pass.