The Book of Poetry: Book II. Decade of Shêng Min: VII. Chiung Cho
The Book of Poetry, tr. by James Legge, [1876]
2Bring water from the distant pool,
And let it settle in a jar.
A spirit vase ’twill wash;—such use
May come from things that paltry are.
You are our happy, courteous king,
Born subject to a noble law.
Like center to which all should turn,
So you the people ever draw. p. 376
3Bring water from the distant pool,
And let it settle in a jar.
All things ’twill serve to cleanse;—such use
May come from things that paltry are.
You are our happy, courteous king,
Set to fulfill a noble end.
The center in which all have rest,
The people's hearts to you should tend.