Chinese Literature Part 39

To add true l.u.s.tre to your name, See Shang expire in Heaven's dread flame.

For Heaven's high dealings are profound, And far transcend all sense and sound.

From Wan your pattern you must draw, And all the States will own your law.

[Book II. is omitted]

BOOK III [*]

DECADE OF TANG

~King Seuen on the Occasion of a Great Drought~

Grand shone the Milky Way on high, With brilliant span athwart the sky, Nor promise gave of rain.

King Seuen long gazed; then from him broke, In anguished tones the words he spoke.

Well might he thus complain!

"O Heaven, what crimes have we to own, That death and ruin still come down?

Relentless famine fills our graves.

Pity the king who humbly craves!

Our miseries never cease.

To every Spirit I have vowed; The choicest victim's blood has flowed.

As offerings I have freely paid My store of gems and purest jade.

Hear me, and give release!

"The drought consumes us. As on wing Its fervors fly, and torment bring.

With purest mind and ceaseless care My sacrifices I prepare.

At thine own border altars, Heaven, And in my father's fane, I've given What might relief have found.

What Powers above, below, have sway, To all my precious gifts I pay, Then bury in the ground.

Yes, every Spirit has received Due honor, and, still unrelieved, Our sufferings greater grow.

How-tseih can't give the needed aid, And help from G.o.d is still delayed!

The country lies a ruined waste.

O would that I alone might taste This bitter cup of woe!

"The drought consumes us. Nor do I To fix the blame on others try.

I quake with dread; the risk I feel, As when I hear the thunders peal, Or fear its sudden crash.

Our black-haired race, a remnant now, Will every one be swept from Chow, As by the lightning's flash.

Nor I myself will live alone.

G.o.d from his great and heavenly throne Will not spare even me.

O friends and officers, come, blend Your prayers with mine; come, lowly bend.

Chow's dynasty will pa.s.s away; Its altars at no distant day In ruins all shall be!

"The drought consumes us. It keeps on Its fatal course. All hope is gone.

The air more fierce and fiery glows.

Where can I fly? Where seek repose?

Death marks me for its prey.

Above, no saving hand! Around, No hope, no comfort, can be found.

The dukes and ministers of old Give us no help. Can ye withhold Your sympathy, who lately reigned?

And parents, how are you restrained, In this so dreadful day?

"The drought consumes us. There on high The hills are parched. The streams are dry.

Drought's demon stalks abroad in ire, And scatters wide his flames and fire.

Alas, my woful heart!

The fires within its strength consume; The heat without creates a gloom That from it will not part.

The dukes and ministers by-gone Respond not to my prayer and moan.

G.o.d in great Heaven, permission give That I may in retirement live, And try to heal my smart!

"The drought consumes us. Still I strive, And will not leave while I survive.

Duty to shun I fear.

Why upon me has come this drought?

Vainly I try to search it out, Vainly, with quest severe.

For a good harvest soon I prayed, Nor late the rites I duly paid, To Spirits of the air and land.

There wanted nought they could demand, Their favor to secure.

G.o.d in great heaven, be just, be kind!

Thou dost not bear me in Thy mind.

My cry, ye wisest Spirits, hear!

Ye whom I constantly revere, Why do I this endure?

"The drought consumes us. People fly, And leave their homes. Each social tie And bond of rule is snapt.

The Heads of Boards are all perplexed; My premier's mind is sorely vexed; In trouble all are wrapt.

The Masters of my Horse and Guards; My cook, and men of different wards:-- Not one has from the struggle shrunk.

Though feeling weak, they have not sunk, But done their best to aid.

To the great sky I look with pain;-- Why do these grievous sorrows rain On my devoted head?

"Yes, at the mighty sky I gaze, And lo! the stars pursue their maze, And sparkle clear and bright.

Ah! Heaven nor helps, nor seems to ken.

Great officers and n.o.ble men, With all your powers ye well have striven, And reverently have sought from Heaven Its aid in our great fight.

My death is near; but oh! keep on, And do as thus far you have done.

Regard you only me?

No, for yourselves and all your friends, On whom for rule the land depends, You seek security.

I turn my gaze to the great sky;-- When shall this drought be done, and I Quiet and restful be?"

[NOTE *: Selections from Book II. are omitted.--EDITOR.]

PART IV.--ODES OF THE TEMPLE AND ALTAR

BOOK I

SACRIFICIAL ODES OF CHOW