Religion
The King to the Princes assisting him at Sacrifices
Translated by William Jennings (1891) · From The Shi King (Jennings, 1891), Part IV, Book i
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!
Cite this poem
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/.
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