The Héa Woo

Kings die in Chow, and others rise,
And in their footsteps tread.
Three had there been, and all were wise ;
And still they ruled, though dead.
T‘ae, Ke, and Wan were all in heaven,
When Woo to follow them was given.

Yes, Woo to follow them was given.
To imitate his sires,
And to obey the will of Heaven,
He ardently desires.
Through all his course this aim endured,
And this the people’s trust secured.

Yes, Woo secured the people’s faith,
And gave to all the law
Of filial duty, which till death
Shining in him they saw.
Such piety possessed his mind ;
Such pattern did he leave behind.

Thus the one man was Woo,—the One,
The king, whom all did love.
They saw in him the pattern son ;
Such sons to be they strove.
The filial aim in him bright shone ;
In him were seen the dead and gone.

In Woo his sires were thus brought back.
The kings that from him spring,
Continuing in his steps to walk,
Upon themselves shall bring,
Through myriad years, to Chow still given,
The blessing of impartial Heaven.

An! yes, Heaven’s blessing will descend,
And men their names shall bless.
Thousands from Chow’s remotest end,
Their praises shall express.
Their sway through myriad years shall last,
Nor helpers fail, strong friends and fast.