Book V. The Odes of Wei: X. Mu Kua

X The Mu Kua; metaphorical. Small gifts of kindness should be responded to with greater; while friendship is more than any gift. 1A tree gourd they gave me in compliment, And I in return gave a lovely chü gem, ’Twas not in return for the compliment;— I wished to make lasting my friendship with them. 2A peach they presented in compliment, And I in return gave a lovely yao gem. ’Twas not in return for the compliment;— I wished to make lasting my friendship with them. 3A plum they presented in compliment, And I in return gave a lovely ch‘i stone. ’Twas not in return for the compliment;— Our friendship to knit was my motive alone.