田七郎
原文：
武承休，辽阳人。喜交游，所与皆知名士。夜梦一人告之曰：“子交游遍海内，皆滥交耳。惟一人可共患难，何反不识？”问：“何人？”曰：“田七郎非与？”醒而异之。诘朝见所与游，辄问七郎。客或识为东村业猎者。武敬谒诸家，以马箠*挝门。未几，一人出，年二十余，貙*目蜂腰，着腻帢*，衣皂犊鼻*，多白补缀。拱手于额而问所自。武展姓氏；且托途中不快，借庐憩息。问七郎，答曰：“我即是也。”遂延客入。见破屋数椽，木岐*支壁。入一小室，虎皮狼蜕*，悬布槛间，更无杌榻可坐。七郎就地设皋比*焉。武与语，言词朴质，大悦之。遽贻*金作生计，七郎不受。固予之，七郎受以白母。俄顷将还，固辞不受。武强之再四。母龙钟而至，历色曰：“老身止此儿，不欲令事贵客！”武惭而退。归途展转，不解其意。适从人于室后闻母言，因以告武。先是，七郎持金白母，母曰：“我适睹公子，有晦纹*，必罹奇祸。闻之：受人知者分人忧，受人恩者急人难。富人报人以财，贫人报人以义。无故而得重赂，不祥，恐将取死报于子矣。”武闻之，深叹母贤；然益倾慕七郎。
注释：
1．箠：鞭子。读“垂”。2。貙：山猫，读“出”。3。帢：圆形便帽。4。犊鼻：围裙。5。木岐：树杈。岐，岔，读“齐”，同“歧”。6。狼蜕：狼皮。皋比：虎皮。7。贻：赠送。读“移”。8。晦纹：晦气的纹理。
白话：
武承休，辽阳人。喜欢结交朋友，和他相识的都是知名人士。夜间梦见一个人告诉他：“你结交的朋友遍及海内，可都是胡乱结交。只有一个人可以和你共患难，为什么反而不认识？”武生问：“谁？”对方说：“田七郎你没有结交吧？”醒后感到十分奇怪。一早出去，碰到人就打听田七郎。有人说认识，或许就是东村的一个打猎人。武生恭恭敬敬地登门拜访，用马鞭敲门。不大一会儿，出来一个人，二十多岁，生一双山猫眼，头戴油腻腻的圆帽，腰窄窄的，系着黑色围裙，上面有很多白色的补丁。把手举到额头打着拱问他从哪里来。武生通报了自己的姓名；并且假说途中遇到不开心的事，想借他家休息一下。武生打听田七郎，对方答道：“我就是。”于是把武生请进屋。只见有几间破屋，用树杈支撑着墙壁。走进一个小房间，到处是虎皮狼皮，门框上挂一块布（帘），更是没有小凳和床可坐。七郎就地铺一张虎皮。武生和他说话，他言词质朴，武生非常喜欢他。急忙以黄金相赠，让他贴补生活费用，七郎不接受。武生坚持要给，七郎这才拿过去告诉母亲。不大一会儿，他又拿回来，坚决不接受。武生再三再四地强行相赠。老态龙钟的母亲走过来，神情严肃地说：“老身只有这么一个儿子，不想让他与贵客共事！”武生惭愧地退出来。回来的路上反复琢磨，不明白他们的意思。刚才有个人在屋后听到了七郎母亲的话，就来告诉武生。刚才，七郎拿着金子告诉母亲，母亲说：“我刚才看那位公子，脸上有晦气的面相，他必定要遭大祸。我听说：与人相知就要和人家分忧愁，接受别人恩典，就要急人所难。富人以钱财相报，穷人以义气相报。无缘无故接受他的馈赠，不吉利，恐怕将来要以死相报。”武生听后，深深地赞叹七郎母亲的贤良；然而也因此愈发钦佩七郎。
英译：
Wu Chengxiu of Liaoyang County, Liaoning Province was fond of social activities. He was a good mixer. Many of his friends were celebrities. One night, he had a peculiar dream.
“Although you have a wide acquaintanceship, it’s only an indiscriminate association.” said a man in his dream. “There’s only one man who can share weal and woe with you. You should have made friends with him. But on the contrary, you still don’t know him now. Why?”
“Who is he?” Wu asked.
“Tian Qilang. You know him.” the man told him.
Waking up, Wu felt quite strange. He inquired of anyone he met about Tian from morning till night. In the end, he learnt that Tian was a hunter of East Village.
Riding his horse, Wu went to pay a visit to Tian. On arrival, he knocked the door with his horse-whip.
A moment later, a young man came out. Over twenty years old, wild shoulders, narrow waist, flashing eyes, he looked strong and healthy. His hat greasy, his black apron covering his knees, his clothes dotted with patches, the young guy was obviously a son of a poor family.
Politely cupping his hands before his forehead as an obeisance, the lad asked where Wu came from.
Telling his name to the young chap, Wu was going to stay overnight at his home on the pretext of an unhappy journey.
Wu told him that he wanted to see Tian.Qilang
“I’m Tian Qilang,” said the young fellow.
Tian ushered Wu into the house. There were several shabby rooms with logs supporting the walls. Entering a small room, Wu found it was full of tiger hides, wolf hides, fox furs, but without any stools or a bed to sit on. Tian spread a piece of tiger hide onto the floor for them to sit on.
Finding Tian’s words quite honest and simple, Wu was very happy and had a great esteem for the young chap. He was going to give him some money to help support his family, but he didn’t accept. Owing to Wu’s perseverance, Tian took the money to his mother. Shortly, Tian came back with the money and persisted in declining. Yet, time and again, Wu still persuaded Tian in accepting the money.
The old lady came out. Severe in voice and countenance, she said, “I have only this son. I don’t want him to make friends with anyone with riches and honors!”
Hearing this, Wu felt much ashamed and went back. On his way back, he still thought over what the mother said but he just couldn’t understand.
The man accompanying with him said that he once heard the old lady say something strange to her son in her room.
When Tian showed her the money, she said, “I saw some signs of bad luck on the guest’s body. He is doomed to meet with disaster. People say: If you are thought highly by a man, you must share his cares and burden. If you are granted a favor by a man, you must be eager to meet his needs. To a rich man, you must repay him with money. To a poor man, you must repay him with feelings. If you accept a large amount of bribe without any reasons, this is not auspicious. If you accept it, I’m afraid that you must repay him with your death.”
Hearing this, Wu was deeply moved by the mother’s virtue and at the same time had an ever greater admiration for Tian.
原文：
翼日*，设筵招之，辞不至。武登其堂，坐而索饮。七郎自行酒，陈鹿脯，殊尽情礼。越日，武邀酬之，乃至。款洽甚欢。赠以金，即不受。武托购虎皮，乃受之。归视所蓄，计不足偿，思再猎而后献之。入山三日，无所猎获。会妻病，守视汤药，不遑操业。浃旬*，妻淹忽*以死。为营斋葬*，所受金稍稍耗去。武亲临唁送，礼仪优渥。既葬，负弩山林，益思所以报武。武探得其故，辄劝勿亟。切望七郎姑一临存*；而七郎终以负债为憾，不肯至。武因先索旧藏，以速其来。七郎检视故革，则蠹蚀殃败，毛尽脱，懊丧益甚。武知之，驰行其庭，极意慰解之。又视败革，曰：“此亦复佳。仆所欲得，原不以毛。”遂轴鞟*出，兼邀同往。七郎不可，乃自归。七郎终以不足报武为念，裹粮入山，凡数夜，得一虎，全而馈之。武喜，治具，请三日留。七郎辞之坚。武键*庭户，使不得出。宾客见七郎朴陋，窃谓公子妄交。武周旋七郎，殊异诸客。为易新服，却不受；承*其寐而潜易之，不得已而受。既去，其子奉媪命，返新衣，索其敝裰。武笑曰：“归语老姥，故衣已拆作履衬矣。”自是，七郎以兔鹿相贻，召之即不复至。武一日诣七郎，值出猎未返。媪出，踦闾*而语曰：“再勿引致吾儿，大不怀好意！”武敬礼之，惭而退。
注释：
翼日： 同“翌日”，次日，转天。“翌”读“义”。2。淹忽：忽然。3。浃旬：满十天。浃，周匝，圆满。读“颊”。旬，十天。4。斋葬：祭祀埋葬。斋，斋祭。5。临存：看望，拜访。6。轴鞟：卷起皮革。轴，像卷画轴一样卷。鞟，去毛的兽皮。读“阔”。7。键庭户：把门窗庭院锁起来。键，插门的金属棍，俗称门插管。此处作动词，锁。8。承：乘机。9。踦闾：倚门。踦，倚靠。读“己”。闾，门。
白话：
第二天，武生设宴招待七郎，可七郎推辞不到。武生就对七郎登门拜访，坐下来讨酒喝。七郎自办酒菜，摆上鹿肉干，礼数十分周到。过一天，武生邀请七郎想酬谢一番，七郎才到。两人谈得非常融洽。武生以金相赠，七郎不接受。武生假装说购买虎皮，七郎才接受。七郎回家一看自己储存的兽皮，算一算抵不了这么多金子，就想再去打猎，然后再交给武生。可是进山三天，一无所获。又赶上妻子生病，看护喂药，没时间去打猎。十天之后，妻子忽然去世。为妻子办理祭祀葬礼，把武生给的金子慢慢都花光了。武生亲自登门吊唁，讲究礼仪，馈赠丰厚。妻子下葬后，七郎身背弓箭进山，更是思考该如何报答武生。武生得知七郎这样做的原因，就劝他别着急。热切希望七郎能到家看一看他；而七郎终究因为负债感到遗憾，不肯到。于是武生向他要一些旧藏品，以此方法来催促七郎迅速到来。七郎查看一下旧有的皮革，都已经被蠹虫咬坏，全都脱了毛，感到非常懊丧。武生得知后，迅速赶到七郎家，极其诚恳地安慰他。又看了看坏掉的皮革，说：“这也不错。我想得到的，本来就不是毛。”于是卷起皮革走出去，还邀请七郎一起走。七郎不去，武生就自己回家了。七郎始终念念不忘报答武生，于是带着吃的进山打猎，好几个晚上之后，才打到一只虎，他把老虎整个都送给了武生。武生非常高兴，置办筵席，请七郎在他家住三天。七郎坚决辞谢。武生就把庭院门窗都锁上，使七郎无法出去。宾客见七郎穿戴朴素简陋，都暗地里劝武生不要胡乱交朋友。武生忙里忙外地照料七郎，和客人们的态度大不一样。为七郎换新衣服，七郎谢绝不接受；就趁他睡着的时候偷偷地换，七郎不得已才接受。回家之后，这个孝顺儿子遵照母亲的意见，退还新衣，要回原来的破衣烂衫。武生笑着说：“回去告诉老太太，你的旧衣服已经拆掉，做了鞋里。”从此以后，七郎就以兔鹿相赠，可叫他到他家，他却不再去。有一天，武生去找七郎，赶上他出外打猎还没有返回。老太太走出来，倚着门说：“别再招引我的儿子，恐怕你不怀好意！”武生连忙施礼，十分惭愧地退了出去。
英译：
Next day, Wu held a diner and invited Tian. But he politely declined and didn’t come. Wu then visited Tian and sat in the hall asking for a drink. Tian cordially entertained him with wine and dry deer meat. Tian bore himself extremely courteous and refined.
A few days later, Wu invited Tian again. This time he came. Wu warmly accorded him. They were very happy. Wu, once again, wanted to present some money to Tian. But Tian still politely declined.
Having a brainwave, Wu changed his tactics. He gave the money to Tian on the pretext of buying his tiger hides. Tian had to accept the money. But, back at home, Tian found all his tiger hides were not worth the money. He was going to hunt more and then give them to Wu as compensation. But he got nothing though hunting in the mountains three days.
Just at this critical moment, Tian’s wife was ill. Fully occupied in taking care of her, he had no time to go hunting. Worse of all, his wife suddenly died ten days later. All the money was spent as funeral expenses. Wu personally came to Tian’s home condoling with Tian on the death of his wife. He strictly observed all the funeral proprieties.
Firmly remembering to repay Wu, Tian went hunting in the mountains immediately after the funeral. But he always came back empty-handed. Learning this, Wu dissuaded him from being impatient for success and eagerly hoped Tian could visit his home. But Tian thought he owed debts to Wu and was reluctant to go.
Wu urged Tian to come to his home as soon as possible, saying he wanted to buy the old tiger hides he kept at home. After checking up, Tian felt very sad because he found his old tiger hides completely hairless because of being moth-eaten.
Learning this, Wu went to his home immediately and did his best to comfort him. Checking up the old tiger hides, Wu said, “They’re still perfect. I buy your tiger hides not for their hair.” After picking out several moth-eaten hides, Wu asked Tian to go with him. Tian declined and he left alone.
Still thinking he hadn’t fully repaid Wu, Tian took some food and clothes and went into the mountains again. Several days later, he finally got a tiger. He went to Wu’s home at once and gave the whole tiger to him.
Wu was delighted and cordially entertained him and asked him to stay three days. But Tian firmly declined. Wu could do nothing but ask his servants to guard the door closely so as to prevent Tian from going home.
Seeing Tian was so simple and shabby in dress, some guests stealthily said to Wu that he made friends with others too wantonly. But Wu not only refused to listen to them but also entertained him more cordially than before. Comparing Tian to other guests, people found Wu treated him in a different way.
Wu was going to replace Tian’s clothes with new ones, but he refused. Wu had to change his clothes stealthily when Tian was fast asleep. Only this time did Tian accept the new clothes.
Yet, back at home, his mother asked him to return the new clothes and take back the old ones. Tian had to go back to Wu’s home.
Wu smilingly said, “Back home and tell your old mother that I’ve already unpicked your old clothes and used them to make shoe-pads.”
From then on, Tian frequently presented rabbits or deer to Wu, but never go to Wu’s home again even if Wu invited him.
One day, Wu went to Tian’s home. But unluckily, Tian went hunting. Coming out and leaning against the door frame, the old lady said to him, “Don’t induce my son again. I think you have bad intentions!”
On hearing her words, Wu felt terribly ashamed. Saying good-bye with all courtesy and respect, he left melancholy.
原文：
半年许，家人忽白：“七郎为争猎豹，殴死人命，捉将官里去。”武大惊，驰视之，已械收在狱。见武无言，但云：“此后烦恤老母。”武惨然出，急以重金赂邑宰；又以百金赂仇主。月余无事，释七郎归。母慨然曰：“子发肤*受之武公子耳，非老身所得而爱惜者。但祝公子终百年*无灾患，即儿福。”七郎欲诣谢武，母曰：“往则往耳，见公子勿谢也。小恩可谢，大恩不可谢。”七郎见武，武温言慰藉，七郎唯唯。家人咸怪其疏*；武喜其诚笃，厚遇之。由是恒数日留公子家。馈遗辄受，不复辞，亦不言报。
注释：
1．发肤：指身体，全句意思是你的性命是武公子给的。即再生父母之恩。2。终百年：终生。3。疏：疏失，疏忽失礼。
白话：
过半年左右，家人忽然说：“七郎打猎为争一只豹，打死一个人，即将被捕见官。”武生大吃一惊，急忙去探望，七郎已经锒铛入狱。见到武生也默不作声，只是说：“今后就得麻烦你替我关照老娘。”武生伤心地离开，急忙以重金贿赂县令；又以百金贿赂仇家。一个多月没有事，七郎获释回家。母亲感慨地说：“武公子真是你的再生父母，老身无法和他相比，我很钦佩他。只是祝愿公子终生无灾无病，这也是我儿你的福分。”七郎想去感谢武生，母亲说：“去就去吧，见了公子不要表示感谢。小恩可谢，大恩不可谢。”七郎见到武生，武生好言安慰，七郎只是唯唯诺诺的答应着。家人都怪他没有礼貌；武生却喜欢他的诚恳，热情地款待他。于是七郎在武生家住了好几天。只要馈赠礼物他就接受，不再推辞，也不说报答。
英译：
Half year later, the servants suddenly told Wu, “Tian was arrested because he beat a man to death when fighting for a leopard.”
Taken aback at the bad news, Wu hurriedly went to see him, but found Tian was already put into jail. Seeing Wu, Tian became tongue-tied and then said, “May I trouble you to take care of my mother?”
Wu sorrowfully came back. Without any delay, he bought over the relative official with a large amount of money and at the same time, greased the palm of Wu’s enemy with some gold. With nothing happening within a month, Tian was released.
The old lady said to her son with deep feelings, “Wu is your savior. Although I’m your mother, I can’t save you at the critical moment. I’d like to wish Wu a long life without any misfortunes. In this case, it’s also your happy lot.”
Tian was going to pay a visit to Wu and wanted to thank him face to face.
“You can visit him, but don’t thank him.” The mother said. “You can thank for small favors. For big favors, you can’t.”
Meeting with Tian, Wu cordially comforted him. Tian acted just like a yes-man. The other members of Wu’s family complained of his breach of etiquette. But Wu appreciated his honesty and treated him ever more warmly.
Tian stayed in Wu’s home quite a few days. Accepting whatever Wu gave him, he neither refused his presents nor said anything about repayment.
原文：
会武初度*，宾从烦多，夜舍履满。武偕七郎卧斗室中，三仆即床下卧。二更向尽，诸仆皆睡去，两人犹刺刺语*。七郎背剑挂壁间，忽自腾出匣数寸，铮铮作响，光闪烁如电。武惊起。七郎亦起，问：“床下卧者何人？”武答：“皆厮仆。”七郎曰：“此中必有恶人。”武问故，七郎曰：“此刀购诸异国，杀人未尝濡缕*。迄佩三世矣。决首至千计，尚如新发于硎*。见恶人则鸣跃，当去杀人不远矣。公子宜亲君子，远小人，或万一可免。”武颔之。七郎终不乐，辗转床席。武曰：“災祥数*耳，何忧之深？”七郎曰：“我别无恐怖，徒以有老母在。”武曰：“何遽至此？”七郎曰：“无则便佳。”盖床下三人：一为林儿，是老弥子*，能得主欢；一僮仆，年十二三，武所常役者；一李应，最拗拙，每因细事与公子裂眼争，武恒怒之。当夜默念，疑此人。诘旦*，唤至，善言绝令去。
注释：
初度：生日。2。刺刺语：说话多，不停地说。3。濡缕：不沾衣服。4。硎：磨刀石。读“刑”。5。数：天数，天意。6。老弥子：久经受宠的娈童。娈，貌美。7。诘旦：等到天亮。
白话：
赶上武生过生日，宾客很多，夜间睡觉后满屋都是鞋。武生和七郎睡在一个小房间里，三名仆人就睡在床下。二更天快结束时，仆人都睡着了，两人还叽叽咕咕说个不停。七郎的佩剑挂在墙壁上，忽然之间自己从匣子里窜出好几寸，铮铮作响，闪闪发光，好像闪电光。武生吃惊地起来。七郎也起来了，问：“床下睡的是什么人？”武生答：“都是仆人。”七郎说：“其中必有恶人。”武生问原因，七郎说：“这把刀是从外国买的，刀过头落，流的血连衣服都不沾。到现在已经有三辈人使用它了。斩首数以千计，还像刚在磨刀石上磨过一样。见恶人就一边发出响声一边从匣子里跳出来，估计离杀人不远了。公子应该亲君子，远小人，或许万一还可免灾。”武生点头回应。七郎始终闷闷不乐，在床上辗转反侧。武生说：“是凶是吉全由天意决定，何必过于担忧？”七郎说：“我别的都不怕，只是老母还健在。”武生说：“何至于这样？”七郎说：“没事就好。”床下三人：一个叫林儿，是个娈童，深得武生喜欢；一个是僮仆，十二三岁，武生经常派他干活；再一个是李应，脾气最佞，手脚最笨，经常因为小事和武生翻脸，武生对他窝了一肚子火。武生那天夜里默默祷念，怀疑就是此人。等天一亮，就把他叫过来，和颜悦色地把他辞掉了。
英译：
On Wu’s birthday, a lot of friends came to convey their congratulations to him. Wu asked them to make an overnight stop. He and Tian stayed in his room with three servants to sleep on the floor.
On the second watch of the night, the servants were already asleep but Wu and Tian still talked and talked. Tian hang his sword on the wall. Suddenly, the sword jumped out of its box nearly an inch, crackling like firecrackers and glistening like lightning flash.
Much startled, Wu got up immediately. And Tian got up, too.
“Who are sleeping on the floor?” Tian asked.
“My servants,” said Wu.
“There must be some evil doers among them,” Tian told him.
To be asked by Wu, Tian told him the story of his sword.
“This sword was brought from a foreign country,” said Tian. “It can behead a person without letting any blood stain his clothes. I’m the third generation to have it. Although it has killed thousands upon thousands of people, it looks still like a new one. It makes a sound and jumps out of its box whenever there are some evil doers. It seems to me someone will be killed very soon. You should be near and dear to gentlemen and keep evil doers at a distance. Only by doing so, can you probably avert disasters?”
Wu nodded his consent. Anxiously tossing about in bed, Tian couldn’t fall asleep.
“Able or unable to turn misfortune into blessing, it only depends on the will of Heaven. Why do you worry about it so deeply?” Wu asked.
“I’ve nothing to worry about. I’m only worried about my mother,” said Tian.
“Even so, it’s unnecessary for you not to sleep.” Wu smiled.
Tian said, “If only there is nothing wrong.”
There were totally three servants on the floor, namely Lin, a boy and Li. Lin won his master’s favor. The boy was only twelve or thirteen yeas old. Only Li was a problem. Stubborn by nature, he frequently went red to the ears in heated arguments with Tian about some trifling. Tian was often filled with anger owing to this guy.
Tian began to doubt whether Li was going to do something evil. Next morning, Tian called Li over and fired him on a certain pretext.
原文：
武长子绅，娶王氏。一日，武出，留林儿居守。斋中菊花方灿。新妇意翁出，斋庭当寂，自诣摘菊。林儿突出勾戏。妇欲遁，林儿强挟入室。妇啼拒，色变声嘶。绅奔入，林儿始释手逃去。武归闻之，怒觅林儿，竟已不知所之。过二三日，始知其投身某御史*家。某官都中，家务皆委决于弟。武以同袍义*，致书索林儿，某弟竟置不发。武益恚*，质词邑宰。勾牒*虽出，而隶不捕，官亦不问。武方愤怒，适七郎至。武曰：“君言验矣。”因与告愬*。七郎颜色惨变，终无一语，即径去。武嘱干仆*逻察林儿。林儿夜归，为逻者所获，执见武。武掠楚*之。林儿语侵武。武叔恒，故长者，恐侄暴怒致祸，劝不如治以官法。武从之，絷*赴公庭。而御史家刺书邮至；宰释林儿，付纪纲*以去。林儿意益肆，倡言丛众中，诬主人妇与私。武无奈之，忿塞欲死。驰登御史门，俯仰叫骂。里舍慰劝令归。逾夜，忽有家人白：“林儿被人脔割*，抛尸旷野间。”武惊喜，意稍得伸。俄闻御史家讼其叔侄，遂偕叔赴质。宰不听辨，欲笞恒。武抗声曰：“杀人莫须有！至辱詈搢绅*，则生实为之，无与叔事。”宰置不闻。武裂眦欲上，群役禁捽之。操杖隶*皆绅家走狗，恒又老耄*，籤数*未半，奄然*已死。
注释：
御史：本为史官，但秦以后置御史大夫，职位仅次子丞相，主管弹劾、纠察官员过失诸事。2。同袍义：同事的情谊。3。恚：怨恨。读“会”。4。勾牒：拘捕犯人的文书。5。告愬：告诉。愬，音义都同“诉”。6。干仆：干练的仆人。7。掠楚：拉过来痛打。8。絷：拴捆，拘捕。读“直”。9。脔割：碎割。脔，碎肉。10。纪纲：管家；管制仆人的头儿。11。搢绅：同“缙绅”。古代称有官职或做过官的人。12。操杖隶：执行杖刑的衙役。13。老耄：八九十岁的高龄老人。耄，读“冒”。有“耄耋之年”、“耄耋老人”之说。耋，读“蝶”，指七八十岁的年纪。14。籤数：杖刑的杖数。就是打了多少下。15。奄然：突然。与“奄忽”相同。“奄”，读“演”。
白话：
武生的长子绅，娶王氏为妻。一天，武生外出，留下林儿看家。家里菊花刚开。新媳妇觉得公公外出，庭院应当寂静无人，就独自一人去摘菊花。林儿突然出来调戏。媳妇想躲，林儿硬把她抱入室内。媳妇啼哭拒绝，花容失色，声音嘶哑。武绅跑进来，林儿才撒手逃走。武生回来听说后，怒火中烧，到处寻找林儿，竟然不知他逃到哪里去了。过了两三天，才得知他投靠到某御史家。这位御史在城里做官，家务都委托给弟弟办理。武生以同事的情谊，给他写信想要回林儿，御史的弟弟竟置之不理。武生越发恼怒，告到县令那里。拘捕的公文虽然已经发出，但是衙役却不拘捕，当官的也不再过问。武生愤怒已极，正巧七郎来到。武生说：“你的话真灵验呀。”随后把事情经过告诉他。七郎脸色变得很难看，始终一言不发，随即转身就走。武生嘱托干练的仆人搜寻林儿。林儿夜间回来，被搜巡他的仆人抓获，随即被带去见武生。武生拉过去就打。林儿对武生口出恶语。武生的叔叔武恒，身为长者，怕侄儿暴怒惹祸，劝说不如把林儿送官法办。武生听从他的话，就把林儿捆绑着押送公庭。可御史家写给官府的信早已送到；县令就把林儿释放，交给来接的管家，让他们走了。林儿更加肆无忌惮，公然大造谣言，诬陷主人的儿媳妇和他私通。武生没有办法，愤懑得想死。立即跑到御史的门前，前俯后仰地叫骂。邻居们一边安慰一边劝他回去。过了一夜，忽然有家人说：“林儿被人大卸八块，抛尸旷野了。”武生惊喜万分，觉得稍微出了这口恶气。可不久又听说御史家把他们叔侄俩告官了，于是就和叔父一起去对质。县令不容分说，就想打武恒。武生抗议说：“说我杀人，那是没有的事！至于辱骂缙绅，那其实是我干的，不关我叔叔的事。”县令置若罔闻。武生龇牙咧嘴就想冲上去，被一群衙役拦住了。这些执行杖刑的衙役都是缙绅的走狗，武恒又年老体弱，还没打够数，就突然死去了。
英译：
One day, Wu and his son went out. Only Lin was at home to watch the house. Autumn had already come and the chrysanthemum was in flower. Wu’s daughter-in-law stealthily went into Wu’s room to pick flower. Lin suddenly came to seduce her. The young lady wanted to run away but it was too late. Lin already grasped her. She screamed aloud and some neighbors ran over immediately on hearing her voice. Lin let go his hold promptly and fled hurry-scurry.
On learning this back at home, Wu burst into anger and searched for Lin everywhere. But Lin was nowhere to be found. A few days later, he learnt that Lin had already gone to a higher official for refugee.
It was said that this higher official entrusted his household duties to his brother. Wu wrote a letter to the brother asking for Lin. But the brother refused to give up Lin. Angrier than before, Wu sued the higher official. A warrant was issued, but the official attendants refused to arrest the higher official. Nobody asked about the case.
Just at the moment Wu was filled with boiling anger, Tian came.
“Your words have been confirmed.” Wu said to Tian and then told him the whole story.
Tian pulled a long face and left without saying anything.
Wu asked his servants to watch Lin’s move. Coming back at night, Lin was caught and escorted to Wu. Wu gave a good beating to Lin. And Lin attacked Wu with a sharp sword.
Seeing this, Wu’s uncle was afraid that the anger of his niece would cause disaster and therefore persuaded him into letting the case handled by government. Accepting his uncle’s advice, Wu escorted Lin to the court of law. But just at the moment, a letter came to the court from the higher official and Lin was released immediately.
From then on, Lin felt secure with a strong backing and wantonly slandered Wu in public that it was Wu’s wife that seduced him.
Without knowing what to do, Wu was so angry that he even wanted to die. One day, he went to blame the higher official. The neighbors comforted him and persuaded him into going home.
Next morning Wu was told that the evil doer Lin was killed with his body cut into pieces and thrown in the wild.
Filled with elation and amazement, Wu’s melancholy was somewhat eased. But shortly he learned that the higher official sued him and his uncle. Wu and his uncle went to the court to confront themselves with their accuser. The judge didn’t listen to their explanation and wanted to torture his uncle.
“We didn’t kill anyone,” said Wu. “It’s me that blamed the higher official. There’s nothing to do with my uncle.”
The judge paid no attention to his words. Burst into anger, Wu was going to rush forward but stopped by the attendants.
The judge ordered the attendants to put Wu and his uncle to cruel torture. Being mostly running dogs of the higher official, the attendants were wicked and merciless. As a feeble old man, Wu’s uncle had already been beaten to death before the torture was half-finished.
原文：
宰见武叔垂毙，亦不复究。武号且骂，宰亦若弗闻者。遂舁叔归，哀愤无所为计。因思欲得七郎谋，而七郎终不一吊问*。窃自念：待伊不薄，何遽如行路人？亦疑杀林儿必七郎。转念：果尔，胡得不谋？于是遣人探索其家，至则扃鐍*寂然，邻人并不知耗。一日，某弟方在内廨*，与宰关说。值晨进薪水*，忽一樵人至前，释担抽利刃，直奔之。某惶急，以手格*刃，刃落断腕；又一刀，始决其首。宰大惊，窜去。樵人犹张皇四顾。诸役吏急阖署门，操杖疾呼。樵人乃自刭死。纷纷集认，识者知为田七郎也。宰惊定，始出验。见七郎僵卧血泊中，手犹握刃。方停盖*审视，尸忽突然跃起，竟决宰首，已而复踣*。衙官捕其母子，则亡去已数日矣。武闻七郎死，驰哭尽哀。咸谓其主使七郎。武破产夤缘当路*，始得免。七郎尸弃原野月余，禽犬环守之。武厚葬之。其子流寓于登，变姓为佟。起行伍*，以功至同知将军*。归辽，武已八十余，乃指示其父墓焉。
注释：
吊问：慰问。2。扃鐍：门上安锁的钮。扃，自外关门的门栓或门环。读“炯”第一声。3。内廨：官署的内舍。泛指官署。廨，古代官吏办事的地方。读“谢”。4。薪水：柴和水。5：格：抵挡。6。停盖：停车。盖，古代把伞叫做盖。此外，车上伞状的篷子也叫盖。这里指车。7。踣：向前跌倒。读“博”。8。夤缘当路：拉关系贿赂当权者。夤缘，攀附上升，拉关系巴结讨好。当路，当权者。9。行伍：旧称军队的行列。后泛指军队。俗话就是当兵的。10。同知将军：副将军。同知，辅佐他人的官阶，就是副官阶。
白话：
县令见武生的叔父被打死，也不再追究。武生哭嚎痛骂，县令也只当没听见。武生就把叔父的尸首抬回家，哀痛愤怒，不知所措。本想找七郎商量对策，可七郎始终不来慰问一下。心中暗自想到：我待他不薄，可他为什么忽然之间就与我形同路人？同时他也怀疑杀林儿的必定是七郎。转念一想：果真如此的话，为什么不找他去商量呢？于是派人到他家去探望，可到那里一看，门户紧闭，寂静无人，邻居还不知道这回事呢。一天，御史的弟弟刚好在衙署，和县令说话。此时正是早晨进柴水的时候，忽然有一个樵夫来到面前，放下担子拔出一把锋利的刀，一直跑了过去。御史惊惶失措，用手挡刀，手腕立即被砍断；又一刀，才把他的头砍掉。县令大惊，狼狈逃窜。樵夫也慌忙地环顾四方。衙役们立即关闭衙署，拿起刑杖大声喊叫。樵夫就自刎身亡。大家纷纷聚集起来辨认，认识的人都知道是田七郎。县令惊魂初定，才坐车出来观看。只见七郎僵卧在血泊中，手里还握着刀。他刚刚停车细看，尸体突然跃起，竟然砍掉了县令的头，然后又跌倒在地。衙役追捕七郎母子俩，可是早已经逃走好几天了。武生听说七郎死了，背痛地大哭。都说是他主使七郎干的。武生不惜变卖全部家当贿赂当权者，才得以免罪。七郎尸体被抛弃在野外好几个月，鸟和狗一直围起来守护。武生对七郎加以厚葬。七郎儿子流落到登州，改姓佟。从当小兵开始，屡建功勋，官拜副将军。返回辽宁老家时，武生已八十多岁，领着他去拜谒父亲的坟墓。
英译：
Seeing Wu’s uncle was already died, the judge didn’t make a further investigation and dropped the case halfway. Wu cried and cursed, but the judge turned a deaf ear to it.
Torn by sorrow and anger, Wu took back his uncle’s body without knowing what to do next. He was going to ask Tian for an advice. But Tian did nothing to comfort him.
Stealthily thinking that he treated Tian not so bad, but he just didn’t know why Tian should regard him as a stranger. But he suspected it must be Tian that killed Li. Yet, thinking better of it, why didn’t he discuss with him about such an important matter?
Wu asked a servant to call on Tian’s home to look into the causes. But the servant found Tian’s house closely locked. And the neighbors didn’t know anything about it.
One morning, the higher official and his brother were making a plot for something evil with the judge in his office. Some people came to deliver firewood. A woodcutter suddenly stepped up. Putting down his firewood, he drew a sharp knife and stabbed the higher official. Hurriedly blocking the knife with his hand, the higher official had his wrist cut down. Being stabbed again, he lost his head.
Greatly astonished, the judge fled in panic. The woodcutter looked around alertly. The attendants quickly shut the doors and cried aloud with sticks in hands. The woodcutter cut his own throat. People stepped up and found it was Tian.
The panic-stricken judge composed himself, then came out. Seeing Tian lie stiff in a pool of blood still with the knife in hand, he stepped up to have a look. Suddenly, Tian’s corpse took a leap and beheaded the judge and then fell down again.
The court issued an order to arrest Tian’s mother and son. But they were nowhere to be found.
Learning Tian already died, Wu was sorrowfully chocked with tears. The court thought it was Wu that instigated Tian to kill the judge. Only after offering bribes to the court, was Wu be released without being punished.
Thrown into the wild, Tian’s body had been well guarded by birds and dogs for over thirty days. Wu laid Tian’s body in a delicately-made coffin and gave a grand funeral to his true friend.
原文：
异史氏曰：“一钱不轻受，正一饭不敢忘者*也。贤哉母乎！七郎者，愤未尽雪，死犹伸之，抑何其神？使荆卿*能尔，则千载无遗恨矣。苟有其人，可以补天网之漏；世道茫茫，恨七郎少也。悲夫！”
注释：
1．一饭不敢忘：据《史记》记载：汉代韩信，小时候家境贫寒，常在淮阴城下的河里钓鱼。曾接受漂母送的饭食。韩信后来成了楚王，也没有忘记这一饭之恩，向漂母赠送千金致谢。2。荆卿：即荆轲。
白话：
作者感言：“一钱不轻受，正像一饭不敢忘一样。七郎老母多贤良啊！七郎，生时未能雪恨，死后还去申冤，真是神奇呀？假使荆轲刺秦王成功，那就没有千载遗恨了。如果真有其人，倒是可以弥补天网的漏洞；世道茫茫，恨七郎这样的人太少啦。可悲呀！”
英译：
Author’s Commentary:
Do not accept even one single penny from others lightly. Do not forget even one single meal given by others. These two are just the same. What a virtuous mother! Qilang couldn’t help Wu avenge himself for his father’s death when he was alive, but he did after he died. If Jing Ke could do like Tian Qilang, there should be no eternal regret. If this kind of people really exist in this world, even the leaks of Heaven Net could be mended. It’s a pity that this kind of people was too few.
Note: Jing Ke was a hero who died before he could kill the first emperor of Qin Dynasty.
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