The Fun Tseu-Joo

The sorrel-gatherers are found,
To eke their scanty food.
Such arts that officer displays, .
(Whose elegance exceeds all praise ;)
In him they are not good.
Charged with the cars of State, we look to find
His conduct show a higher style of mind.

On the Hwun’s banks the poor are found,
Who pluck the mulberry leaves around,
A little gain to make.
In grace and beauty like a flower,
That officer himself doth lower,
Such small mean ways to take.
The cars of State to marshal is his charge ;—
Strange such high post his mind should not enlarge !

Where the Hwun bends to join the Ho,
For ox-lip leaves the people go,
Some nourishment to find.
That officer we gem-like call,
Yet shrinks he not from ways as small,
To greed too much inclined.
The ruler’s kindred he has for his care ;—
Should he not show a loftier character ?