Book XIV. The Odes of Ts‘ao: I. Fou Yu

Book XIV. The Odes of Ts‘ao I The Fou Yu; metaphorical. Against some parties in the state, occupied with frivolous pursuits, and oblivious of important matters. 1Like splendid robes appear the wings Of the ephemeral fly; And such the pomp of those great men, Which soon in dust shall lie! I grieve! Would they but come to me! To teach them I should try. 2The wings of the ephemeral fly Are robes of colors gay; And such the glory of those men, Soon crumbling to decay! I grieve! Would they but rest with me, They’d learn a better way! 3The ephemeral fly bursts from its hole, With gauzy wings like snow; So quick the rise, so quick the fall, Of those great men we know! I grieve! Would they but lodge with me, Forth they would wiser go.