Book VII. Decade of Sang Hu: IV. Ch‘ê Hsia

IV The Ch‘ê Hsia; narrative and allusive. The rejoicing of a bridegroom over his young, beautiful, and virtuous bride. 1With axle creaking, all on fire I went, To fetch my young and lovely bride. No thirst or hunger pangs my bosom rent,— I only longed to have her by my side. I feast with her, whose virtue fame had told, Nor need we friends our rapture to behold. 2The long-tailed pheasants surest covert find, Amid the forest on the plain. Here from my virtuous bride, of noble mind, And person tall, I wisdom gain. I praise her while we feast, and to her say, "The love I bear you ne’er will know decay. 3"Poor we may be; spirits and viands fine My humble means will not afford. p. 301 But what we have, we'll taste and not repine; From us will come no grumbling word. And though to you no virtue I can add, Yet we will sing and dance, in spirit glad. 4"I oft ascend that lofty ridge with toil, And hew large branches from the oaks; Then of their leafy glory them I spoil, And fagots form with vigorous strokes. Returning tired, your matchless grace I see, And my whole soul dissolves in ecstasy. 5"To the high hills I looked, and urged each steed; The great road next was smooth and plain. Up hill, o’er dale, I never slackened speed; Like lutestring sounded every rein. I knew, my journey ended, I should come To you, sweet bride, the comfort of my home."