The Këang Han

On grandly flowed the Keang and Han;
As grandly moved our mighty force.
We rested not, nor idly strayed ;
Straight te the Hwae we held our course.
Forth all our cars of war had come;
Unfurled, our falcon banners flew.
We rested not, nor were remiss,—
Marshalled the Hwae tribes to subdue.

Again come to the mighty stream,
The troops in martial splendour shone.
Of the whole land to order brought
Announcement to the king had gone.
Peace through the hostile region reigned ;—
The king’s State breathed, and was at rest.
The battle-strife no longer raged,
And quiet filled the royal breast.

The king had charged our Hoo of Shaou,
Where the two streams their waters join :—
“Go, open all the country up ;
As law requires, its lands define.
I would not have those tribes distressed,
But this State must their model be.
Their lands, in small and larger squares,
Must stand, far as the southern sea.”

And now thus says at court the king :—
“Great lord, your work is nobly done.
Your ancestor was their support,
When Wan and Woo received the throne.
Compared with them, a child am I;
You are the great duke’s worthy heir.
Grand has your merit now appeared ;
Your happiness shall be my care.

“This jade libation-cup, and jar
Of flavoured spirits, now receive.
For further grant of hills and streams,
I’ve asked our cultured founder’s leave.
More than your sire received in Shaou,
These in K‘e-chow to you give.”
Hoo, grateful, bowed his head, and said,
“Great son of Heaven, for ever live!”

He bowed, then rose, and loud proclaimed
The gracious goodness of the king,
And vowed he still would do his best,
That through the land Shaou’s praise should ring.
“Yes, live for ever, son of Heaven,
Display thy wisdom, spread thy fame !
Thy civil virtues still go forth,
Till all the realm shall bless thy name!”