{"collection":"cfu","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/cfu/bop/bop170.htm","path":"cfu/bop/bop170.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/cfu/bop/bop170.htm","text":"The Book of Poetry, tr. by James Legge, [1876]\n2Come pluck the ferns, the ferns sharp-pointed pull;\n Their fronds uncurled, they tender look and cool.\n Onwards we march. O when shall we return?\n Disconsolate, our hearts in sadness mourn.\n Yes, sad our hearts! In sorrow forth we go,\n To thirst and hunger and each pinching woe. p. 196\n While serving thus the frontiers to defend,\n To those at home no message can we send.\n3Come pluck the ferns, their sharp points disregard;\n Some time has passed, and now their leaves are hard.\n What is the date for our return assigned?\n Next year's tenth month.\u2014We keep it well in mind.\n But the king's work no grudging heart requires;\n Denied our rest, we fan our valor's fires.\n Home thoughts may often cause us weary hours,\n But home we go not, till success is ours.\n4What gorgeous sight was that which fixed our gaze?\n The mass of flowers the cherry tree displays.\n But here a sight we see, as fair and grand;\u2014\n Our leader's car, given by his sovereign's hand.\n It stands equipt, imposing in our sight,\n With steeds all strong, and eager for the fight. p. 197\n And shall not we the inspiration own?\n One month our arms with victories three shall crown.\n5Grand are those four steeds, harnessed to the car!\n Conducted this, we boldly dare the war.\n With confidence the general takes his seat;\n The men behind rejoice the foe to meet.\n On move the steeds in step. The quiver made\n Of sealskin tough is to the view displayed,\n And bow with ivory ends,\u2014the Hsien-y\u00fcn\u2019s dread.\n Daily each other's courage we provoke,\n And hope to end our service by a stroke.\n6Ah! vain our efforts to assuage our grief!\n None know our sadness; nought can give relief.\n Last year, when from our homes the field we took,\n \u2019Twas sweet on willows fresh and green to look.\n When we return, \u2019twill be the winter stern,\n And hard our path through snow clouds to discern.\n Alas! how great the toilsome journey's length,\n With thirst and hunger to exhaust our strength!","title":"The Book of Poetry: Book I. Decade of Lu Ming: VII. Ts\u2018ai Wei","type":"page"}