THE SHE KING; OR, THE BOOK OF ANCIENT POETRY

I.)
318 THE BOOK OF POETEY. [PAET III.
2 Yes, burdened sore, the people live in grief,
But we perchance may give them some relief.
This is the nation's heart.—Here kindness show,
And hither all will come with constant flow.
On wily flatterers look with angry scorn;—
Lo ! noisy braggarts of their pride are shorn.
The fierce oppressors with strong hand repress ;—
This course the people's sufferings shall redress.
What service you have done, keep on to do;—
So shall the king enjoy his rest through you.
3 Yes, burdened sore, the people live in grief,
But we perchance may give them some relief.
Show kindness here.—This is the nation's heart;—
Repose will spread from this to every part.
The indignant face to wily flatterers show,
Thus awing those whose deeds no limits know.
The fierce oppressors check with firmest will,
So hindering them from acting out their ill.
Then let us keep ourselves with reverent care,
And to the virtuous for their help repair.
4 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 thus dispel the people's anxious fear.
To wily flatterers no indulgence give,
Thus warning all who but for evil live.
The fierce oppressors with strong hand keep down,
That so the right no more be overthrown.
As children, for such trust unfit are you,
But vast the service which you have to do!
5 Yes, burdened sore, the people live in grief,
But we perchance may give them some relief.
Show kindness here.—This is the nation's heart;—
So shall you soothe and heal the people's smart.
View wily flatterers with indignant eye,
And from the court the parasites will fly.
' Gainst fierce oppressors wage determined fight,
And thus from vile reversal save the right.
The king us all as priceless jade would prize;—
Thus therefore I reprove you and advise.
BK II. x.] THE BOOK OF POETEY.
X.
319
The Pan; narrative. Ay OFFICER OF EXPEKIEXCE MOUBNS OVER
THE PBEVAILING MISEEY ; COMPLAINS OF THE WANT OF SYMPATHY
WITH HIM SHOWN BY OTHEE OFFICERS, ADMONISHES THEM, AM) SETS
FOETH THE DUTY REQUIRED OF THEM, ESPECIALLY IN THE ANGEY
MOOD IN WHICH IT MIGHT BE SUPPOSED THAT HEAVEN WAS.
1 Reversed is now the providence of God;—
The lower people groan beneath their load.
The words you speak,—how far from right are they !
The plans you form no reach of thought display.
" Sages are not, no guidance have we here ! "
So say you, but your words are not sincere.
Through this your plans are narrow and confined;—
I therefore warn you, and speak out my mind.
2 Calamities Heaven now is sending down;—
Be not complacent, but the crisis own.
Such movements now does angry Heaven produce ;—
Be not indifferent and your trust abuse.
If in your counsels harmony were found,
The people's hearts in union would be bound.
If to speak kind and gentle words you chose,
How soon would these their restless minds compose!
3 You have your duties; mine are not the same.
King's servants all,—such is our common name.
I come your comrade, with you to advise,
But you resent it, and my words despise.
Urgent the matters I would fain submit!
O think them not for laughter matters fit!
Remember what in days of old they spake:—
" With grass and fuel-gatherers counsel take."
4 Heaven now exerts a fierce and cruel sway;—
Is this a time your mockeries to display ?
I'm old, but speak with tongue that never lied,
While you, my juniors, are puffed up with pride.
Never a word of age have I expressed,
But saddest themes you make a theme for jest.
The troubles soon like blazing fires shall rage,
Beyond our power to lessen or assuage.