History & Politics
The Chen Pe Loh E
Translated by James Legge (1876) · From The She King (1876), Part II, Book VI
Fitness for war, ’mid peace, we here acquire,
Around the Loh, whose waters, broad and deep,
Flow swiftly on. Hastward our king has come,
Of happiness and dignities the fount.
His red knee-covers, madder-dyed, shine bright ;—
So his six hosts to battle he would lead.
Fitness for war, ’mid peace, we here acquire,
Around the Loh, whose waters, broad and deep,
Flow swiftly on. Eastward our king has come,
With gems far gleaming round his scabbard’s mouth,
Long may he live ;—for myriads of years,
And still maintain the fortunes of his House!
Fitness for war, ’mid peace, we here acquire,
Around the Loh, whose waters, broad and deep
Flow swiftly on. Eastward our king has come,
Happy, and of all dignities possessed.
Long may he live ;—for myriads of years,
Preserving safe his many Clans and States !
Codex Note
The feudal princes, met at some gathering in the eastern capital, praise the king as he appears among them.
Cite this poem
MLA
Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Chen Pe Loh E.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/208/.
Chicago
Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Chen Pe Loh E.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/208/.
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