History & Politics
The Chung-Nan
Translated by James Legge (1876) · From The She King (1876), Part I, Book XI
What trees grow on the Chung-nan hill?
The white fir and the plum.
In fur of fox, ’neath broidered robe,
Thither our prince is come.
His face glows with vermilion hue.
O may he prove a ruler true!
What find we on the Chung-nan hill?
Deep nook and open glade.
Our prince shows there the double Ke
On lower robe displayed.
His pendant holds each tinkling gem.
Long life be his, and deathless fame !
Codex Note
Celebrating the growing opulence of some ruler of ts'in, and admonishing, while praising, him.
Cite this poem
MLA
Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Chung-Nan.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/125/.
Chicago
Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Chung-Nan.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/125/.
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