Religion

The Ts‘ing Méaou

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 IV, Book I

Religion

Solemn and pure the ancestral temple stands.
The princes aiding in the service move
With reverent harmony. The numerous bands
Of officers their rapt devotion prove.
All these the virtues of king Wan pursue ;
And while they think of him on high in heaven,
With grace and dignity they haste to do
The duties to them in his temple given.
Glory and honour follow Wan’s great name,
And ne’er will men be weary of his fame.

✦ ✦ ✦

Celebrating the reverential manner in which a sacrifice to king Wan was performed, and further praising him.

MLA

Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Ts‘ing Méaou.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/261/.

Chicago

Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Ts‘ing Méaou.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/261/.

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