The Book of Poetry: Book I. Decade of King Wên: V. Han Lu
The Book of Poetry, tr. by James Legge, [1876]
2From the large cup of jade
Fragrant spirits down flow.
Self-possession and ease
Did our prince ever show.
Could there but on him descend
Rank and blessing without end? p. 344
3 Up to heaven flies the hawk;
Fishes spring in the deep.
Self-possession and ease
Did our prince ever keep.
Grand the influence he shed,
As those virtues he displayed!
4 In the vessel behold
How his spirits shine clear!
The red bull is ready,
Nor the knife views with fear.
Thus he paid the sacred rite,
Brighter blessing to invite!
5 Oaks and shrubs thickly grow,
Which for firewood men hew.
Self-possession and ease
In our prince all could view.
Spirits cheered him in his course,
Nerving him with secret force.
6 How the creepers close twine
Round the branches and stems!
Self-possession and ease
Robed our prince as with gems.
Happiness increased unsought,
Nor by crooked ways was bought.