Religion
The Yéw Kih
Translated by James Legge (1876) · From The She King (1876), Part IV, Book I
Behold our noble visitor,
The son of Shang’s high line.
His steeds, like those of his great sires,
All white and spotless shine.
The polished members of his train
Are with him come in state.
With reverence and dignity,
For his commands they wait.
Our noble visitor will stay
But for one night or two.
Glad should we be if he would think
Two nights or four were due.
Bring forth the ropes to bind his steeds.
Alas! he will not bide.
To him be every comfort given !
A parting feast provide !
The greatest dignity is his.
’Tis right our noble guest
Should with their choicest favours be
By men and Spirits graced !
Codex Note
Celebrating the duke of Sung on one of his appearances at the capital to assist at the sacrifice in the ancestral temple of Chow;—showing how was esteemed and cherished by the king.
Cite this poem
MLA
Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Yéw Kih.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/279/.
Chicago
Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Yéw Kih.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/279/.
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