Book IX. The Odes of Wei: II. Fên Chü Ju

II The Fên Chü Ju; allusive. Against the parsimoniousness of the officers of Wei. 1 Where near the Fên damp is the ground, The sorrel gatherers are found, To eke their scanty food. Such arts that officer displays, (Whose elegance exceeds all praise;) In him they are not good. Charged with the cars of state, we look to find His conduct show a higher style of mind. 2 On the Fên's banks the poor are found, Who pluck the mulberry leaves around, A little gain to make. In grace and beauty like a flower, That officer himself doth lower, Such small mean ways to take. The cars of state to marshal is his charge;— Strange such high post his mind should not enlarge! 3Where the Fên bends to join the Ho, For ox-lip leaves the people go, Some nourishment to find. p. 118 That officer we gemlike call, Yet shrinks he not from ways as small, To greed too much inclined. The ruler's kindred he has for his care;— Should he not show a loftier character?