The Wisdom of Confucius Part 23

Hark! from the islet in the stream the voice Of the fish-hawks that o'er their nests rejoice!

From them our thoughts to that young lady go, Modest and virtuous, loth herself to show.

Where could be found to share our prince's state, So fair, so virtuous, and so fit a mate?

See how the duckweed's stalks, or short or long, Sway left and right, as moves the current strong!

So hard it was for him the maid to find!

By day, by night, our prince with constant mind Sought for her long, but all his search was vain.

Awake, asleep, he ever felt the pain Of longing thought, as when on restless bed, Tossing about, one turns his fevered head.

Here long, there short, afloat the duckweed lies; But caught at last, we seize the longed-for prize.

The maiden modest, virtuous, coy, is found; Strike every lute, and joyous welcome sound.

Ours now, the duckweed from the stream we bear, And cook to use with other viands rare.

He has the maiden, modest, virtuous, bright; Let bells and drums proclaim our great delight.

CELEBRATING THE INDUSTRY OF KING WAN'S QUEEN

Sweet was the scene. The spreading dolichos Extended far, down to the valley's depths, With leaves luxuriant. The orioles Fluttered around, and on the bushy trees In throngs collected--whence their pleasant notes Resounded far in richest melody.

The spreading dolichos extended far, Covering the valley's sides, down to its depths, With leaves luxuriant and dense. I cut It down, then boiled, and from the fibres spun Of cloth, both fine and coa.r.s.e, large store, To wear, unwearied of such simple dress.

Now back to my old home, my parents dear To see, I go. The matron I have told, Who will announcement make. Meanwhile my clothes, My private clothes I wash, and rinse my robes.

Which of them need be rinsed? and which need not?

My parents dear to visit, back I go.

IN PRAISE OF A BRIDE

Graceful and young the peach-tree stands; How rich its flowers, all gleaming bright!

This bride to her new home repairs; Chamber and house she'll order right.

Graceful and young the peach-tree stands; Large crops of fruit it soon will show.

This bride to her new home repairs; Chamber and house her sway shall know.

Graceful and young the peach-tree stands, Its foliage cl.u.s.tering green and full.

This bride to her new home repairs; Her household will attest her rule.

CELEBRATING T'AE-SZE's FREEDOM FROM JEALOUSY

In the South are the trees whose branches are bent, And droop in such fas.h.i.+on 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 fas.h.i.+on 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 fas.h.i.+on 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 s.h.i.+ne!

THE FRUITFULNESS OF THE LOCUST

Ye locusts, winged tribes, Gather in concord fine; Well your descendants may In numerous bright hosts s.h.i.+ne!

Ye locusts, winged tribes, Your wings in flight resound; Well your descendants may In endless lines be found!

Ye locusts, winged tribes, Together cl.u.s.ter 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!

CELEBRATING THE GOODNESS OF THE DESCENDANTS OF KING WAN

As the feet of the _lin_, which avoid each living thing, So our prince's n.o.ble 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 n.o.ble 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 n.o.ble 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 gra.s.s; it does not b.u.t.t 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.

Many the f.a.gots 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 f.a.gots 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.