THE SHE KING; OR, THE BOOK OF ANCIENT POETRY

260 THE BOOK OF POETET. [PAST II.
X.
•The SJianff-shang chay lima ; allusive and narrative. EESPONSIVE TO
THE FOEMEE ;—THE KING CELEBRATES THE PEAISES OF THE PEINCES.
1 Like the flowers which splendid shine,
Amidst the leaves that cluster dense,
Are these noble lords of mine,
On whom I look with joy intense.
All that my heart desires in them is met;
Praise and good fortune they deserve to get.
2 Like the flowers that splendid shine,
Displaying yellow's deepest hue,
Are these noble lords of mine,
In whom such elegance I view.
In all their words and manners is no flaw;—
So to themselves all blessing shall they draw.
3 Like the flowers that splendid shine,
Some yellow, some of purest white,
Are these noble lords of mine,
Urging their steeds to rapid flight.
White are the steeds they drive, but black their manes,
And soft and glossy in their hands the reins !
4 Left or right they wheel and move.
Each order given they straight obey.
Instant their skill and power they prove
Equal, as needed, to display.
Boundless resources in themselves there dwell;
'Tis right their outward movements should excel!
BE VII. I.] THE BOOK OF FOETBY 261
BOOK VH.
DECADE OF SANG SbO.
I. '
THE Saiig-hoo ; allusive and narrative. THE KINO, ENTERTAINING
THE CHIEF AMONG THE FEUDAL PRINCES, EXPRESSES HIS ADMIRATION
OF THEM, AND GOOD WISHES FOR THEM.
1 Flitting round the greenbeaks see,
With their wings of brilliancy !
Birds they are that men admire ;
More those lords my soul inspire
With admiring joy and love.
Heaven will bless them from above !
2 Here and there the greenbeaks light,
Showing necks with feathers bright.
WTio but must the creatures prize ?
But it more delights my eyes,
When these noble lords are seen,
Who my States from danger screen.
3 Screens they are, and bulwarks strong;
All the chiefs around them throng,
And on them as patterns gaze.
Self-restraint each hero lays
On himself, — from folly free ; —
Great their happiness must be !
4 See the mighty cup of horn,
Round their ranks in order borne !
Full of spirits soft and good,
It excites no conduct rude.
Surely blessings haste to greet
Lords of virtue so complete !