History & Politics

The Ts‘éen-Ts‘éen Che Shih

by Shi Jing (The Book of Songs) poems c. 1000–600 BC; compilation traditionally ascribed to Confucius

Translated by James Legge (1876) · From The She King (1876), Part II, Book VIII

History & Politics

How high those frowning rocks arise !
With awe they fill the mind. go
Our way through streams, o’er mountains lies ;
Toilsome the march we find.
Hastward our expedition goes,
Nor has our chief one hour’s repose

Those frowning rocks the heights surmount,
And fill the mind with dread.
O’er hills, through streams, our steps we count ;—r
When shall our march be sped ?
Our warrior hastens on the track,
Nor thinks he of our drawing back.

Look at the swine, with legs all white,
Washed by the pools from stain !
The moon wades through the Hyads bright, F
Foretelling heavier rain.
He at whose word we eastward fare
No leisure has for other care.

✦ ✦ ✦

Commemorating the hardships of a long and difficult expedition to the east, aggravated by great rains.

MLA

Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Ts‘éen-Ts‘éen Che Shih.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/227/.

Chicago

Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Ts‘éen-Ts‘éen Che Shih.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/227/.

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