History & Politics

The Lae

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

History & Politics

King Wan with earnest purpose toiled,
And nothing left undone.
Tis right his sons should now be styled
Lords of the realm he won.

Abroad his virtue we will spread ;
Him in our hearts we’ll shrine ;
Our aim that peace establishéd
May last while lasts our line.

Through him it was there came to Chow
Heaven’s favour and decree.
Him in our breasts we cherish now ;
Our pattern shall he be.

✦ ✦ ✦

The praise of king Wan.

MLA

Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Lae.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/290/.

Chicago

Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The Lae.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/290/.

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