Religion

The King to the Princes assisting him at Sacrifices

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 IV, Book i

Religion

Illustrious and accomplished lords and princes!
Ye have conferred on me this happiness.
The unbounded loyalty thus shown to me —
Such may my children's children long retain!

While in your realms ye hoard not, neither waste,
Your conduct shall have honour from your king
Who, mindful too of these high services,
Shall still exalt those who succeed to you.

None is so strong as (he who plays) the man:
Of him the people everywhere will learn.
Nought shines so bright as Virtue: this it is
Whereto all princes for example turn.

Ah, not forgotten are our former kings!

MLA

Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The King to the Princes assisting him at Sacrifices.” Translated by William Jennings. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/437/.

Chicago

Shi Jing (The Book of Songs). “The King to the Princes assisting him at Sacrifices.” Translated by William Jennings. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/shi-jing/437/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by Shi Jing (The Book of Songs)