Book V. The Odes of Wei: II. K‘ao P‘an

II The K‘ao P‘an; narrative. A happy recluse. 1By the stream in the vale his hut he has reared, That man tall and stout, looking free from all cares. He lives all alone; he sleeps, wakes, and then talks;— And ne’er to forget what he prizes, he swears. 2In the bend of the mound his hut he has reared, That man tall and stout, gay and lightsome of heart. He lives all alone; he sleeps, wakes, and then sings;— He swears from this spot he will never depart. 3There on that level height his hut he has reared, That man tall and stout, who himself so contains. He lives all alone; he sleeps, wakes, sleeps again;— He swears he'll ne’er tell what in his mind reigns.