{"collection":"cfu","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/cfu/bop/bop267.htm","path":"cfu/bop/bop267.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/cfu/bop/bop267.htm","text":"The Book of Poetry, tr. by James Legge, [1876]\n2\"The drought consumes us. As on wing\n Its fervors fly, and torment bring.\n With purest mind and ceaseless care\n My sacrifices I prepare.\n At thine own border altars, Heaven,\n And in my father's fane, I've given\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0What might relief have found.\n What powers above, below, have sway,\n To all my precious gifts I pay,\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Then bury in the ground.\n Yes, every spirit has received\n Due honor, and, still unrelieved,\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Our sufferings greater grow.\n Hou-chi can't give the needed aid,\n And help from God is still delayed!\n The country lies a ruined waste.\n O would that I alone might taste\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0This bitter cup of woe!\n3\"The drought consumes us. Nor do I\n To fix the blame on others try.\n I quake with dread; the risk I feel,\n As when I hear the thunder peal, p. 404\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Or fear its sudden crash.\n Our black-haired race, a remnant now,\n Will every one be swept from Chou,\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0As by the lightning's flash.\n Nor I myself will live alone.\n God from His great and heavenly throne\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Will not spare even me.\n O friends and officers, come, blend\n Your prayers with mine; come, lowly bend.\n Chou's dynasty will pass away;\n Its altars at no distant day\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0In ruins all shall be!\n4\"The drought consumes us. It keeps on\n Its fatal course. All hope is gone.\n The air more fierce and fiery glows.\n Where can I fly? Where seek repose?\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Death marks me for its prey.\n Above, no saving hand! Around,\n No hope, no comfort, can be found.\n The dukes and ministers of old\n Give us no help. Can ye withhold\n Your sympathy, who lately reigned? p. 405\n And parents, how are you restrained,\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0In this so dreadful day?\n5\"The drought consumes us. There on high\n The hills are parched. The streams are dry.\n Drought's demon stalks abroad in ire,\n And scatters wide his flames and fire.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Alas my woeful heart!\n The fires within its strength consume;\n The heats without create a-gloom\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0That from it will not part.\n The dukes and ministers bygone\n Respond not to my prayer and moan.\n God in great Heaven, permission give\n That I may in retirement live,\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0And try to heal my smart!\n6\"The drought consumes us. Still I strive,\n And will not leave while I survive.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Duty to shun I fear.\n Why upon me has come this drought? p. 406\n Vainly I try to search it out,\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Vainly, with quest severe.\n For a good harvest soon I prayed,\n Nor late the rites I duly paid,\n To spirits of the air and land.\n There wanted nought they could demand,\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Their favor to secure.\n God in great heaven, be just, be kind!\n Thou dost not bear me in Thy mind.\n My cry, ye wisest spirits, hear!\n Ye whom I constantly revere,\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Why do I this endure?\n7\"The drought consumes us. People fly,\n And leave their homes. Each social tie\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0And bond of rule is snapt.\n The heads of boards are all perplexed;\n My premier's mind is sorely vexed;\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0In trouble all are wrapt.\n The masters of my horse and guards;\n My cook, and men of different wards:\u2014\n Not one has from the struggle shrunk. p. 407\n Though feeling weak, they have not sunk,\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0But done their best to aid.\n To the great sky I look with pain;\u2014\n Why do these grievous sorrows rain\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0On my devoted head?\n8\"Yes, at the mighty sky I gaze,\n And lo! the stars pursue their maze,\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0And sparkle clear and bright.\n Ah! Heaven nor helps, nor seems to ken.\n Great officers and noble men,\n With all your powers ye well have striven,\n And reverently have sought from Heaven\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Its aid in our great fight.\n My death is near; but oh! keep on,\n And do as thus far you have done.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Regard you only me?\n No, for yourselves and all your friends,\n On whom for rule the land depends,\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0You seek security.\n I turn my gaze to the great sky;\u2014\n When shall this drought be done, and I\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Quiet and restful be?\"","title":"The Book of Poetry: Book III. Decade of Tang: IV. Y\u00fcn Han","type":"page"}