Abstract: The translation and diffusion of a prestigious classic is influenced by the tran slator's strategy in accordance with his experience and purpose of translation. The essay carries out a comparative study between James Legge's English version of The Confucius Analects and Gu Hong-ming's version of The Discourses and Sayi ngs of Coufucius in three aspects: background information, translation of the ke y words and realia in the original culture. A conclusion is drawn that the trans lation of a prestigious classic work is a comprehensive issue. An effective tran slation strategy is able to promote the position of a national culture and the d ignity of a nation.