Book IV. The Decade of Ch‘i Fu: IV. Wo Hsing Ch‘i Yeh

IV The Wo Hsing Ch‘i Yeh; narrative. An officer, who had left the royal domain, and sought for protection in a state where he had affinities by marriage, relates his disappointment, and the unworthy cause of it. 1All through the fields I traveled sad, Th’ ailanthus foul my only shade. Through our relationship I came, Shelter to find with you and aid. But me you show no wish to entertain;— Back to my state and clan I go again! 2All through the fields I traveled sad, And for my food the sheep's-foot cooked. Through our relationship, to you For lodging for a time I looked. But me you show no wish to entertain;— Back to my kindred now I go again! 3All through the fields I went and tried Hunger with pokeweed to appease. I came to you; your love is cold; And your new mate you seek to please. Grant that your heart her riches have not won,— Her charms are new; my relative's are gone!