THE SHE KING; OR, THE BOOK OF ANCIENT POETRY

316 THE BOOK OF POBTET. [PART III.
2 " You roam, with jocund spirits blest,
And now, serene, at ease you rest,
0 happy, courteous king !
May you your destined years fulfil,
And, like your noble fathers still,
Life to good issue bring !
3 " How vast and glorious is your realm,
Where peace sits steadfast at the helm,
0 happy, courteous lord !
May you your destined years complete,
While ever as their host you treat
All Spirits at your board!
4 " Heaven to your sires assigned the crown,
To you 'mid greatest peace come down,
0 happy, courteous king !
Through all your term of years, may joy
And happiness without alloy,
Their charm around you fling !
5 " Men filial proved, and virtuous, stand
Near to your throne on either hand,
Wise guidance to afford.
Like wings they bear you up on high,
Where you their pattern all descry,
0 happy, courteous lord !
6 " Like mace of jade, pure, clear, and strong,
What majesty and grace belong
To those, your helpers true !
The hope of all, their praise all sing.
Through them, 0 courteous, happy king,
The nation's guide are you.
7 " See how the phoenixes appear,
And their wings rustle on the ear,
As now they settle down !
Such are those noble men who wait,
0 happy king, upon your state,
The servants of your crown !
8 " The male and female phoenix, lo !
With rustling wings about they go,
Then up to heaven they soar.
II. IX.] THE BOOK OF POETKY. 317
Such are those noble men who stand,
Prompt to obey your least command;—
None love your people more.
9 " Hark how the phoenixes emit
Their notes, as on that ridge they sit!
There the dryandras grow,
And on its eastern slope they rise
With richer growth; and thence the cries
Sweet and still sweeter flow !
10 " Numerous your chariots ! Fleet your steeds,
And trained ! Your name for noble deeds
Shall be renowned for long.
0 king, these verses I have made,
And humbly at your feet they're laid,
Inspired by your own song."
The Mm loon; narrative. IN A TIME or DISOEDEE AND SUFFERING,
SOME OFFICER OF DISTINCTION CALLS UPON HIS COLLEAGUES TO JOIN
WITH FIM TO EFFECT A REFORMATION IN THE CAPITAL, AND PUT
AWAY THE PAKTIES. ESPECIALLY FLATTERING PABASITES, WHO WEBB
THE CAUSE OF THE PREVAILING MISERY.
The Preface assigns the composition of the piece to duke Muh of
Shaou, a descendant Of duke K'ang, to whom the three preceding pieces
are ascribed. It further says that he made it to reprehend king Le (B.C.
877—825). This then is the first of the " Major Odes of the Kingdom,
Degenerate." But the reprehending of the king is needlessly tacked on,
to it.
1 Yes, burdened sore, the people live in grief,
But we perchance may give them some relief.
This is the nation's heart.—Show kindness here,
And through our regions peace will re-appear.
On wily flatterers look with angry frown,
Thus warning those who conscience do not own.
With fierce oppressors deal by strictest law,
Till of Heaven's will they learn to stand in awe.
Gentle to men from far, assist those near;—
So shall the king be strong, with nought to fear.