范仲淹记 (Memorial on Behalf of Fan Zhongyan)
Introduction:
范仲淹（989年1052年），北宋政治家、文学家、军事家，被誉为中国历史上的杰出人物之一。他以忠诚、正直和清廉而闻名，对北宋政治和文化的发展产生了深远影响。他的《范文正公集》是中国古代文学的重要组成部分。
Background:
范仲淹在政治上曾有过丰硕的成就，但也面临着挑战和困境。此次《范仲淹记》是为了向朝廷呈递他的政治理念和对国家形势的分析，以期促进改革和提出建议。
Memorial:
臣茲思遠，忠維先聖，節之高，名之彰。陛下聖躬若鍾，神魂同率。輔弼之臣，欲以至聖之道，竊誠不逮。皇天后土，垂靈佑之，我國家宜祀仰之恩，報效其德。
Your Majesty, as I ponder the distant past, I am deeply moved by the loyalty and integrity upheld by our ancient sages, and the heights of virtue they attained, bringing glory to their names. Your Majesty's noble spirit resonates like a bell, guiding both your physical and spiritual endeavors. As a minister assisting in governance, I earnestly desire to follow the path of sagacity, yet humbly acknowledge my shortcomings. Our nation is blessed by the benevolence of Heaven and Earth; it is only fitting that we honor and repay their grace.
君臣之義，如魚之為水，日月之行於空。苟非有所存而後生之者，安得其不離乎？今君臣相失，義勢易同，兩情則異，所以阻離，弗能相親，所以害忠，而曲為忘義。昔日興武之說，豈不足傷哉！茲乃爰改經營之弊，規行政之道，廣開政之源，而充節忠之懷，以全國家之安危也。
The relationship between ruler and minister is akin to that of fish and water, or the sun and moon traversing the sky. Without a foundation upon which to thrive, how can harmony be maintained? Currently, the bond between ruler and minister is strained, as the alignment of principles has faltered, leading to divergent sentiments. This rift impedes closeness and hinders genuine affection, thus jeopardizing loyalty and veering towards forgetfulness of duty. The discussions of military expansion in the past were regrettable indeed. Now is the time to rectify past mistakes, establish righteous governance, broaden the channels of administration, and fortify the spirit of loyalty, thereby safeguarding the welfare of our nation.
昔日之興武，正為外難之來，而非內憂之由。今日之修文，雖以禦寇為名，實為割據之勢，誰能免此際之禍？故請關心四海，禁其外交，節其財賦，以補其不足，而不以大舉兵之不經，苟以干戈為安，臣竊為之慮。
The military campaigns of the past were launched in response to external threats, not due to internal unrest. The current emphasis on cultural development, though ostensibly for defense against invaders, serves to consolidate power domestically. Who can escape the calamities that arise from such pursuits? Therefore, I beseech Your Majesty to focus on pacifying the seas, restricting foreign relations, moderating taxation, and addressing deficiencies through prudent means, rather than resorting to unjustifiable warfare. Should the path of peace be forsaken for the sake of military might, I fear the consequences that may ensue.
臣茲幸承至聖之明，奉天命而聽臣之說，宜其切擇之也。若聖心有所不行，臣之罪固無所恕也。茲乃獨忠陳情，乞匡國家之道，以定萬世之基，而無為天下患也。
I am fortunate to receive the benevolent wisdom of Your Majesty, and it is my duty to offer counsel in accordance with the mandate of Heaven. Your discernment shall determine the course of action. If, however, my advice is disregarded, I shall bear the guilt alone, with no plea for forgiveness. Therefore, I implore Your Majesty to heed this sincere plea, rectify the path of our nation, and establish the foundation for generations to come, thereby averting calamity from befalling our land.
Conclusion:
《范仲淹记》是范仲淹在北宋政治上的一次重要表述，展现了他对国家命运的忧虑和对政治改革的迫切呼吁。作为一位忠臣，范仲淹始终将国家利益置于至高无上的位置，并以清廉正直的态度为政。这份奏疏也为后人留下了宝贵的政治智慧和历史教训。
