The Ke Yuh

How rich the clumps of green bamboo,
Around each cove of K‘e !
They lead my thoughts to our duke Woo ;—
Of winning grace is he !
As knife and file make smooth the bone,
As jade by chisel wrought and stone,
Is stamp upon him set.
Grave and of dignity serene ;
With force of will as plainly seen ;
Accomplished, elegant in mien ;
Him we can ne’er forget.

Strong grow the clumps of green bamboo,
Around each cove of K‘e.
They lead my thoughts to our duke Woo ;—
Of winning grace is he!
His ear-plugs are of pebbles fine;
And gems like stars bright glittering shine,
All o’er his cap of state.
Grave and of dignity serene;
With force of will as plainly seen;
Accomplished, elegant in mien ;
Him we can ne’er forget.

How thick the clumps of green bamboo,
Around each cove of K‘e!
They lead my thoughts to our duke Woo ;—
Of winning grace is he!
Pure as the finest tin or gold,
And as the sceptre princes hold
So strong, while mild in mood !
See him in car with lofty side,
Magnanimous and free from pride.
His words to jest are oft allied,
But never are they rude.