蒙學漢文初階 第一百三十八課 Beginning Chinese - Entry Level Lesson #138 以木架一橋形 with wood frame one bridge shape 狹甚 narrow very 數兒賽步於上 some kids compete walk from up 一兒不敢行 one child not dare walk 數兒曰 some kids said 此雖遊戲 this although leisure play 所以練膽也 for with practice gall! 人而無膽 man and no gall 豈能大事哉 how able great achieve ! With some wood, a bridge like contraption was made. It was very narrow. Some children compete by walking on it. One child dared not. So they taunted him, "This is only a game to practise your bravery. Man without bravery, how greatness be achieved!" Notes: The Chinese believe that the seat of bravery is the gall. Very similar to the English expression, "have the gall/nerve" to express confidence in a negative way.