Wu Collection, Middle Volume
Radical: Arrow (shí)
矣
Kangxi strokes: 7
Page 823, Entry 37
Ancient script.
According to Tang Rhymes (Tangyun) and Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), pronounced yi (rising tone). According to Rhyme Compilation (Yunhui), pronounced yi (rising tone). According to Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), pronounced yi (rising tone).
According to Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen), it is a final particle indicating the end of a statement. Xu says, "The character yi denotes a direct and rapid sound. If one speaks the word yi, the breath is released directly and rapidly," suggesting it is a compound ideograph. Liu Zongyuan says, "It is a word of resolution."
Also, it may rhyme as yi.
From Book of Odes (Shijing), Lesser Odes (Xiao Ya): "They tore down our walls and houses; the fields were all turned to weeds and waste. They said, 'I have not destroyed them; such is the rule.'" The character lai is pronounced li.
According to Comprehensive Interpretation of Characters (Zhengzitong), it is used interchangeably with the character si. Pronounced yi (rising tone). It is distinct from the character yi (already).