管子语录 汉英双解

【原文】古者有二言：“墙有耳，伏寇在侧。”墙有耳者，微谋外泄之谓也；伏寇在侧者，沈疑得民之道也。微谋之泄也，狡妇袭主之请而资游慝也。沈疑之得民也者，前贵而后贱者为之驱也。《君臣下》

【汉解】古时候有两句话：“墙上有耳，身旁有暗藏的贼寇。”所谓墙上有耳，是说机密的谋划可能泄露在外。所谓身旁有暗藏的贼寇，是说阴谋家可能争得人心。机密谋划的泄露，是由于狡猾的宠扫刺探君主内情去帮助暗藏的奸细。阴。谋家争得人心，是由于从前受到贵宠后来沦为低贱的人愿意为他奔走效劳。

【英译】In ancient times there were expressions:” The walls have ears” and “Unseen bandits are at your side.” “The walls have ears,” means that secret plans have leaked out. “Unseen bandits are at your side” is to say that concealed usurpers are winning over the hearts of your people. When secret plans have leaked out, it is because designing women have ferreted out the true state of the ruler’s affairs to assist roving conspirators. When concealed usurpers win over the hearts of the people, it is because those who were formerly honored but later reduced in rank chase about in their service.