The Book of Poetry: Book II. The Decade of Pai Hua: III. Yü Li
The Book of Poetry, tr. by James Legge, [1876]
2In simplest fish traps that might useless seem,
They take abundant store of tench and bream;—
Such issue from our good rule springs.
And here our host his spirits forth has set,
Abundant, good;—sure proof we now are met,
When ordered rule great riches brings.
3Into the simplest fish traps largely go
Mudfish and carp;—captures that clearly show
How with good rule the land is crowned.
And here our host his spirits forth has set,
Good and most ample;—proof we here are met,
When ordered rule makes wealth abound.
4The mats in great abundance viands show;
And these of rarest quality we know.
5The viands excellent are here revealed;
Both land and sea their contributions yield.
6Viands in ample store the feast displays;
And all in season, all beyond our praise.