Religion
The Woo
Translated by James Legge (1876) · From The She King (1876), Part IV, Book I
You were august and great, O royal Woo,
And showed your matchless strength in every plan.
Your father Wan, accomplished he and true,
Had on the road to triumph led the van.
The heritage you from your sire obtained,
And soon the oppressive rule of Yin was staid.
O’er all its hosts the victory you gained,
And, firmly ’stablished, all the land you swayed.
Codex Note
Sung in the ancestral temple to the music regulating the dance in honour of the achievements of king Woo.
Cite this poem
MLA
Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Woo.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/280/.
Chicago
Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Woo.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/280/.
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