The Book of Poetry: Section III. The Decade of Min Yü Hsiao Tzŭ: III. Ching Chih
The Book of Poetry, tr. by James Legge, [1876]
Only a child am I.
Treading in duty's way,
With effort vain I try
Due reverence to display.
Each day throughout the year,
How slight the progress seems!
But to the vision clear
I'll pass from broken gleams.
Aid then my feeble youth
To bear the heavy crown.
Teach me the right and truth
Through all my life to own.