SBE 3: Shih King: Major Odes, First Decade: Ode 5. The Han Lû
Look at the foot of the Han 3, How abundantly grow the hazel and arrow-thorn 4. Easy and self-possessed was our prince, In his pursuit of dignity (still) easy and self-possessed.
Massive is that libation-cup of jade, With the
yellow liquid sparkling in it 1. Easy and self-possessed was our prince, The fit recipient of blessing and dignity.
The hawk flies up to heaven, The fishes leap in the deep 2. Easy and self-possessed was our prince:--Did he not exert an influence on men?
His clear spirits were in the vessels; His red bull was ready 3;--To offer, to sacrifice, To increase his bright happiness.
Thick grow the oaks and the buckthorn, Which the people use for fuel 4. Easy and self-possessed was our prince, Cheered and encouraged by the spirits 4.
Luxuriant are the dolichos and other creepers, Clinging to the branches and stems. Easy and self-possessed was our prince, Seeking for happiness by no crooked ways.
386:3 Where mount Han was cannot now be determined.
386:4 As the foot of the hill was favourable to vegetable growth, so were king Wăn's natural qualities to his distinction and advancement.
387:1 As a cup of such quality was the proper receptacle for the yellow, herb-flavoured spirits, so was the character of Wăn such that all blessing must accrue to him.
387:2 It is the nature of the hawk to fly and of fishes to swim, and so there went out an influence from Wăn unconsciously to himself.
387:3 Red, we have seen, was the proper colour for victims in the ancestral temple of Kâu.
387:4 As it was natural for the people to take the wood and use it, so it was natural for the spirits of his ancestors, and spiritual beings generally, to bless king Wăn.