The Paou Yu

The wild geese fly the bushy oaks around,
With clamour loud. Suh-suh their wings resound,
As for their feet poor resting-place is found.
The king’s affairs admit of no delay ;
Our millets still unsown, we haste away.
No food is left our parents to supply ;
When we are gone, on whom can they rely?
O azure Heaven, that shinest there afar,
When shall our homes receive us from the war ?

The wild geese on the bushy jujube trees
Attempt to settle, and are ill at ease ;—
Suh-suh their wings go flapping in the breeze.
The king’s affairs admit of no delay ;
Our millets still unsown, we haste away.
How shall our parents their requirements get ?
How in our absence shall their wants be met?
O azure Heaven, that shinest there afar,
When shall our homes receive us from the war?

The bushy mulberry trees the geese in rows
Seek.eager, and to rest around them close,—
With rustling loud, as disappointment grows.
The king’s affairs admit of no delay ;
To plant our rice and maize we cannot stay.
How shall our parents find their wonted food ?
When we are gone, who will to them be good ?
O azure Heaven, that shinest there afar,
When shall our homes receive us from the war ?