The Book of Poetry: Book II. The Odes of Shao and the South: VI. Hsing Lu
The Book of Poetry, tr. by James Legge, [1876]
2You say that sparrow has a horn.—
How could it else bore through your house?
You say this trial is a proof
That I exchanged betrothal vows.
But though you've made me here appear in court,
Yet at betrothal what you did fell short.
3You say the rat's teeth are complete.—
How could it else bore through your wall?
You say this trial proves my vows
Of plighted troth were perfect all.
But though to court you've forced me here to come,
My will is firm;—I'll not with you go home.