The Wisdom of Confucius with Critical and Biographical Sketches · Confucius
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 fagots 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 fagots 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. Like the broad Han are they, Through which one cannot dive; And like the Keang's long stream, Wherewith no raft can strive. Careful he sets his rabbit-nets all round; _Chang-chang_ his blows upon the pegs resound. Stalwart the man and bold! his bearing all Shows he might be his prince's shield and wall. Careful he is his rabbit-nets to place Where many paths of rabbits' feet bear trace. Stalwart the man and bold! 'tis plain to see He to his prince companion good would be. Careful he is his rabbit-nets to spread, Where in the forest's depth the trees give shade. Stalwart the man and bold! fit his the part Guide to his prince to be, and faithful heart.
We gather and gather the plantains; Come gather them anyhow. Yes, gather and gather the plantains, And here we have got them now. We gather and gather the plantains; Now off the ears we must tear. Yes, gather and gather the plantains, And now the seeds are laid bare. We gather and gather the plantains, The seeds in our skirts are placed. Yes, gather and gather the plantains. Ho! safe in the girdled waist! Along the raised banks of the Joo, To hew slim stem and branch I wrought, My lord away, my husband true, Like hunger-pang my troubled thought! Along the raised banks of the Joo, Branch and fresh shoot confessed my art. I've seen my lord, my husband true, And still he folds me in his heart. As the toiled bream makes red its tail, Toil you, Sir, for the Royal House; Amidst its blazing fires, nor quail:-- Your parents see you pay your vows. _The Odes of Shaou and the South_ In the magpie's nest Dwells the dove at rest. This young bride goes to her future home; To meet her a hundred chariots come. Of the magpie's nest Is the dove possessed. This bride goes to her new home to live; And escort a hundred chariots give. The nest magpie wove Now filled by the dove. This bride now takes to her home her way; And these numerous cars her state display.
Ideas discussed in this chapter
Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain in the United States.