History & Politics
The Koh Keu
Translated by James Legge (1876) · From The She King (1876), Part I, Book IX
Thin cloth of dolichos supplies the shoes,
In which some have to brave the frost and cold.
A bride, when poor, her tender hands must use,
Her dress to make, and the sharp needle hold.
This man is wealthy, yet he makes his bride
Collars and waistbands for his robes provide.
Conscious of wealth, he moves with easy mien ;
Politely on the left he takes his place ;
The ivory pin is at his girdle seen ;
His dress and gait show gentlemanly grace.
Why do we brand him in our satire here?
’Tis this,—his niggard soul provokes the sneer.
Codex Note
The extreme parsimoniousness even of wealthy men in Wei.
Cite this poem
MLA
Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Koh Keu.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/103/.
Chicago
Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Koh Keu.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/103/.
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