The Book of Poetry: Book II. Decade of Shêng Min: III. Chi Tsui
The Book of Poetry, tr. by James Legge, [1876]
2You gave us of the brimming cup,
And dainty viands spread.
May you, great king, forever live!
Your splendor never fade!
3Yea, perfect may your wisdom be,
Achieving its high aim!
"First ends in last; last springs from first;—
Revealed, that message came. p. 366
4What said the message from your sires?
"Vessels and gifts are clean;
And all your friends, assisting you,
Behave with reverent mien.
5"Most reverently you did your part,
And reverent by your side
Your son appeared. On you henceforth
Shall ceaseless blessings bide.
6"What shall the ceaseless blessing be?
That in your palace high
For myriad years you dwell in peace,
Rich in posterity.
7"What of the sons shall from you flow?
Through you, thus blessed of Heaven,
Those myriad years of royal sway
Shall to your sons be given.
8"And whence shall come that lustrous race?
From your heroic wife.
From her shall come the line of sons
To live again your life."