THE SHE KING; OR, THE BOOK OF ANCIENT POETRY

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THE BOOK OF POETRVT.
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[PART I.
The Soo Ttrcan; narrative. SOME ONE DEPLORES THE DECAY OF
FILIAL FEELING, AS SEEN IN THE NEGLECT OF THE MOURNING HABIT.
Both Maou and Choo quote, in illustration of the sentiment of the
piece, various conversations of Confucius on the three years' mourning for
parents ;—Bee the Analects, XVII. xxi. The " white cap " spoken of was
one assumed by mourners for a parent at the end of two years. The
skirt, or lower robe, and the knee-covers were then also of plain white
silk.
1 O that I saw the mourning robe of white,
Assumed when two years from the death are o'er,
And earnest mourner's form, to leanness worn !
Not seeing this, my heart with grief is sore.
2 0 that I saw the lower robe to match
This cap of white ! I'd with the wearer go,
And live with him, my heart eased of its smart,—
Its sadness gone, such mourner true to know.
3 0 that I saw the white knee-covers worn,
Suiting the cap and skirt! I should feel bound
To him whose lasting grief so sought relief.
The sympathy would heal my heart's deep wound.
III.
The SiJi yew ch^ang-ts^oo; narrative. SOME ONE, GROANING TJ5DEB
THE OPPRESSION OF THE GOVERNMENT, WISHES HE WERE AN UN
CONSCIOUS TREK.
1 Where the grounds are wet and low,
There the trees of goat-peach grow,
With their branches small and smooth,
Glossy in their tender youth.
Joy it were to me, O tree.
Consciousness to want like thee.
2 Where the grounds are wet and low,
There the trees of goat-peach grow.
Soft and fragrant are their flowers,
Glossy from the vernal showers.
Joy it were to me, O tree,
Ties of home to want like thee.
BK- XIII. IV.] THE BOOK OF POETRY. 1 75
3 Where the grounds are wet and low,
There the trees of goat-peach grow.
What delicious fruits they bear,
Glossy, soft, of beauty rare!
Joy it were to me, O tree,
Household cares to want like thee.
IV.
The Fei fling ; narrative and allusive. SOME ONE TELLS HIS SORROW
FOR THE DECAY OF THE POWER OF CHOW.
It is certainly a homely subject which the writer employs in the third
stanza to introduce the expression of his sympathy with the friends of
Chow.
1 Not for the stormy wind,
Nor rushing chariots' roar,
But when I view the road to Chow,—
I'm pained to my heart's core.
2 Not for the whirlwind's sweep,
Nor car's unsteady roll,
But when I view the road to Chow,—
Deep sadness dulls my soul.
3 For one who fish can cook,
His boilers I would clear ;
So him whose heart beats westward true,
With these good words I cheer.
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