Book IV. The Odes of Yung: VIII. Hsiang Shu

VIII The Hsiang Shu; allusive. A man without propriety is not equal to a rat. 1Behold a rat! Its skin has glossy sheen! Then mark that man's demeanor, poor and mean! Bearing of bearing void!—what means it? This:— ’Twere better death than longer life were his! 2Behold a rat! Its teeth can sharply bite! Then mark deportment careless of what's right! Manners thus careless of what's right declare ’Twere well the man himself for death prepare. 3Behold a rat! How small its limbs, and fine! Then mark the course that scorns the proper line! Propriety's neglect may well provoke A wish the man would quickly court death's stroke.