History & Politics
The Héung Choh
Translated by James Legge (1876) · From The She King (1876), Part III, Book II
Bring water from the distant pool,
And let it settle in a jar.
Millet or rice ’twill steam—such use
May come from things that paltry are.
You are our happy, courteous king ;
On you a noble duty lies.
Father and mother, joined in one,
With all the people sympathize !
Bring water from the distant pool,
And let it settle in a jar.
A spirit-vase ’twill wash ;—such use
May come from things that paltry are.
You are our happy, courteous king,
Born subject to a noble law.
Like centre to which all should turn,
So you the people ever draw.
Bring water from the distant pool,
And let it settle in a jar.
All things ’twill serve to cleanse ;—such use
May come from things that paltry are.
You are our happy, courteous king,
Set to fulfil a noble end.
The centre in which all have rest,
The people’s hearts to you should tend.
Codex Note
The most unlikely things may by human ingenuity be made useful; how much more should a sovereign fulfil the duties of his position!.
Cite this poem
MLA
Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Héung Choh.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/246/.
Chicago
Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Héung Choh.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/246/.
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