History & Politics
The Fow-Yéw
Translated by James Legge (1876) · From The She King (1876), Part I, Book XIV
Like splendid robes appear the wings
Of the ephemeral fly ;
And such the pomp of those great men,
Which soon in dust shall lie!
I grieve! Would they but come to me!
To teach them I should try.
The wings of the ephemeral fly
Are robes of colours gay ;
And such the glory of those men, .
Soon crumbling to decay !
I grieve ! Would they but rest with me,
They’d learn a better way !
The ephemeral fly bursts from its hole,
With gauzy wings like snow;
So quick the rise, so quick the fall,
Of those great men we know!
I grieve! Would they but lodge with me,
Forth they would wiser go.
Codex Note
Against some parties in the State, occupied with frivolous pursuits, and oblivious of important matters.
Cite this poem
MLA
Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Fow-Yéw.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/145/.
Chicago
Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Fow-Yéw.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/145/.
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