The Léeh Tsoo

Ah! from our sire, whose merit vast we own,
What blessings ever upon us come down,
Abiding, oft-repeated; deeds of grace!
And you, O king, receive them in this place.

Here in our vessels shine the spirits clear,
And T‘ang himself, much wished for, shall appear.
Here too are set the soups of flavour rare,
Tempered, and mixed, with cunning and with care.
These offerings we set forth, without a word,
Without contention, and with one accord,
To beg the presence of the honoured lord.
He will the eye-brows of long life confer,
And face of wrinkled age, and whitening hair.

With yokes adorned, and naves with leather bound,
While at the bits the eight bells tnkling sound,
The feudal princes come, to take their part
In all the offerings made with rev’rent heart.
To us the mighty sovereignty was given ;
And prosperous fortune long sent down from Heaven
Our fruitful harvests clearly prove. And now
Himself pleased with our service Tang will show,
And on us blessings without end bestow.

May ‘lang regard the rites his son thus pays,
As round the summer comes, and autumn days!