Religion
The Ts‘ing Méaou
Translated by James Legge (1876) · From The She King (1876), Part IV, Book I
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.
Codex Note
Celebrating the reverential manner in which a sacrifice to king Wan was performed, and further praising him.
Cite this poem
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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