Book VIII. The Decade of Tu Jên Shih: VII. Hu Yeh

VII The Hu Yeh; narrative. Where the provisions are most frugal, all the rules of polite intercourse may yet be preserved. 1A few gourd leaves that waved about Cut down and boiled;—the feast how spare! p. 327 But the good host his spirits takes, Pours out a cup, and proves them rare. 2A single rabbit on the mat, Or baked, or roast:—how small the feast! But the good host his spirits takes, And fills the cup of every guest. 3A single rabbit on the mat, Roasted or broiled:—how poor the meal! But the guests from the spirit vase Fill their host's cup, and drink his weal. 4A single rabbit on the mat, Roasted or baked:—no feast we think! But from the spirit vase they take, Both host and guests, and joyous drink.