Book I. Decade of King Wên: IV. Yü Po

IV The Yü Po; allusive and narrative. In praise of King Wên, celebrating his activity, influence, and capacity to rule. 1Abundant grow the oaks, and round them rise A mass of shrubs, both yielding large supplies Of firewood, or to burn or store. In grace and grandeur shone our prince and king; From left and right all haste, and to him cling, As bent from him to part no more. p. 342 2In grace and grandeur shone our prince and king. At sacrifice his ministers all bring Their cups, each handle half a mace. Solemn and grave, on left and right they stand, And pour libations with a reverent hand;— Well do such men the service grace! 3Upon the king the boats are borne along, As to their oars the rowers bend, and strong Impel them to their utmost speed. So marched our king in his avenging wrath, His six hosts swiftly following on his path;— How could his plans fail to succeed? 4The Milky Way reveals its span on high, With light and beauty bright’ning all the sky;— Men view it with admiring gaze. Long lived the king, and lasting influence shed Throughout the land, where his great son displayed The glorious issues of his ways. 5The vessels, formed of metal and of jade, By graver's tools are still more precious made;— With grace their worth is thus combined. p. 343 Unceasing were the labors of our king; East, west, north, south, his laws and rules shall bring The reverent homage of each mind.