Living

A Reverent Helpmate

by Shi Jing (The Book of Songs) poems c. 1000–600 BC; compilation traditionally ascribed to Confucius

Translated by William Jennings (1891) · From The Shi King (Jennings, 1891), Part I, Book ii

Living

There gathers she the fragrant herb
Along the islets, by the pools,
To mingle with the votive gifts
Of him that o'er the princedom rules.

There gathers she the fragrant herb
Amid the mountain streams again,
To mingle with the votive gifts
Her prince will offer in the fane.

With head-gear all erect and high
Ere dawn the temple she attends;
With head-gear all uncared for now
Back to her place her way she wends.

MLA

Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “A Reverent Helpmate.” Translated by William Jennings. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/309/.

Chicago

Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “A Reverent Helpmate.” Translated by William Jennings. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/309/.

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