The Book of Poetry: Book XIV. The Odes of Ts‘ao: II. Hou Jên
The Book of Poetry, tr. by James Legge, [1876]
2Like pelicans, upon the dam
Which stand, and there their pouches cram,
Unwet the while their wings,
Are those who their rich dress display,
But no befitting service pay,
Intent on meanest things.
3Like pelicans which eager watch
Upon the dam, their prey to catch,
And spare to wet the beak,
Are those who richest favors share,
But take no part in toil or care,
Nor the state's welfare seek. p. 165
4Like grass luxuriant on its side,
While morning mists the south hill hide,
These creatures seem to grow;
But men of worth, like virtuous maid,
Lovely but poor, denied wealth's aid,
No recognition know.