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CELEBRATING T‘AE-SZE's FREEDOM FROM JEALOUSY
In the South are the trees whose branches are bent,
And droop in such fashion that o'er their extent
All the dolichos' creepers fast cling.
See our princely lady, from whom we have got
Rejoicing that's endless! May her happy lot
And her honors repose ever bring!
In the South are the trees whose branches are bent,
And droop in such fashion that o'er their extent
All the dolichos' creepers are spread.
See our princely lady, from whom we have got
Rejoicing that's endless! Of her happy lot
And her honors the greatness ne'er fade!
In the South are the trees whose branches are bent,
And droop in such fashion that o'er their extent
All the dolichos' creepers entwine.
See our princely lady, from whom we have got
Rejoicing that's endless! May her happy lot
And her honors complete ever shine!
THE FRUITFULNESS OF THE LOCUST
Ye locusts, wingd tribes,
Gather in concord fine;
Well your descendants may
In numerous bright hosts shine!
[Pg 148]
Ye locusts, wingd tribes,
Your wings in flight resound;
Well your descendants may
In endless lines be found!
Ye locusts, wingd tribes,
Together cluster strong;
Well your descendants may
In swarms forever throng!
LAMENTING THE ABSENCE OF A CHERISHED FRIEND
Though small my basket, all my toil
Filled it with mouse-ears but in part.
I set it on the path, and sighed
For the dear master of my heart.
My steeds, o'er-tasked, their progress stayed,
When midway up that rocky height.
Give me a cup from that gilt vase—
When shall this longing end in sight?
To mount that lofty ridge I drove,
Until my steeds all changed their hue.
A cup from that rhinoceros's horn
May help my longing to subdue.
Striving to reach that flat-topped hill,
My steeds, worn out, relaxed their strain;
My driver also sank oppressed:—
I'll never see my lord again!
[Pg 149]
CELEBRATING THE GOODNESS OF THE DESCENDANTS OF
KING WAN
As the feet of the lin, which avoid each living thing,
So our prince's noble sons no harm to men will bring.
They are the lin!
As the front of the lin, never forward thrust in wrath,
So our prince's noble grandsons of love tread the path.
They are the lin!
As the horn of the lin, flesh-tipped, no wound to give,
So our prince's noble kindred kindly with all live.
They are the lin!
[Note.—The "lin" is the female of "K‘e"—a fabulous animal—the symbol
of all goodness and benevolence; having the body of a deer, the tail
of an ox, the hoofs of a horse, one horn, the scales of a fish, etc. Its feet
do not tread on any living thing—not even on live grass; it does not butt
with its forehead; and the end of its horn is covered with flesh—to show
that, while able for war, it wills to have peace. The "lin" was supposed to
appear inaugurating a golden age, but the poet finds a better auspice of
that in the character of Wan's family and kindred.]
THE VIRTUOUS MANNERS OF THE YOUNG WOMEN
High and compressed, the Southern trees
No shelter from the sun afford.
The girls free ramble by the Han,
But will not hear enticing word.
Like the broad Han are they,
Through which one cannot dive;
And like the Keang's long stream,
Wherewith no raft can strive.
[Pg 150]
Many the fagots bound and piled;
The thorns I'd hew still more to make.
As brides, those girls their new homes seek;
Their colts to feed I'd undertake.
Like the broad Han are they,
Through which one cannot dive;
And like the Keang's long stream,
Wherewith no raft can strive.
Many the fagots bound and piled;
The Southern-wood I'd cut for more.
As brides, those girls their new homes seek;
Food for their colts I'd bring large store.
Like the broad Han are they,
Through which one cannot dive;
And like the Keang's long stream,
Wherewith no raft can strive.
PRAISE OF A RABBIT-CATCHER
Careful he sets his rabbit-nets all round;
Chang-chang his blows upon the pegs resound.
Stalwart the man and bold! his bearing all
Shows he might be his prince's shield and wall.
Careful he is his rabbit-nets to place
Where many paths of rabbits' feet bear trace.
Stalwart the man and bold! 'tis plain to see
He to his prince companion good would be.
Careful he is his rabbit-nets to spread,
Where in the forest's depth the trees give shade.
Stalwart the man and bold! fit his the part
Guide to his prince to be, and faithful heart.
