Introduction to Literary Chinese - Lesson 9, Text 3
Adapted from the 1927 book by J. Brandt
Grammatical section
禁止字 The prohibitive particles
The structures formed with the aid of the prohibitive particles are similar to the imperative mood from negative verbs.
These particles are:
不 勿 毋 無 莫 休
Examples of using the prohibitive particles:
① 不寶遠物。印遠人格。
Prize not far-fetched commodities (lit. far-off things) and people from remote parts will come (and submit).
② 無名草木年年發。不信男兒一世窮。
Unnamed grass comes forth every year. Do not believe that a man will be poor for ever.
③ 勿言人之短
Do not speak of other people's shortcomings.
④ 己所不欲。勿施於人。
Do not do to others that which you would not wish for yourself.
⑤ 過則勿憚改
When you have faults do not fear to correct them.
⑥ 勿恃富而欺窮
Do not trust in your wealth and ill-treat the poor.
⑦ 毋友不如己者
Have no friends not equal to yourself.
⑧ 毋令一名漏網
Do not let a single man escape.
⑨ 毋違此示
Do not disobey this proclamation.
⑩ 毋胎後悔
Do not leave cause for regret.
⑪ 子曰。無欲速。無見小利。
The Master said,” Do not be desirous to have things done quickly, do not look at small advantages.
⑫ 王請無好小勇
I beg your Majesty not to have small valour.
⑬ 施恩莫望報
When you do a kindness, do not look for repayment.
⑭ 閑談莫論人非
When talking at your leisure, do not discuss other men's wrong-doings.
⑮ 莫笑他人老。誰能永少年。
Laugh not at others' old age; who can remain a youth for ever?
⑯ 對於師友休傲慢
Do not treat scornfully (your) teacher and (your) friends.
⑰ 無錢休入衆
Without money do not enter a crowd.
⑱ 休題起
Do not bring the matter up.
⑲ 君如不肯。休想活命。
If you won't agree, do not expect to save your life.