History & Politics

Drinking Song

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 II, Book viii

History & Politics

Waving gourd-leaves cuts he there,
Boils them, (will not waste them)!
Yet our host has drinks to spare;
See him pour, and taste them.

One poor rabbit all the fare, —
Roast they it, or bake it!
Yet our host has wine to spare;
Fills, and bids us take it.

One poor rabbit all the fare, —
Broil they him, or roast him!
Yet our host has wine to spare;
Fill we up, and toast him!

One poor rabbit all the fare, —
Broil they him, or grill him!
Yet our host has wine to spare;
Each for other fill him!

MLA

Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “Drinking Song.” Translated by William Jennings. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/427/.

Chicago

Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “Drinking Song.” Translated by William Jennings. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/427/.

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