Section III. The Decade of Min Yü Hsiao Tzŭ: II. Fang Lo

II The Fang Lo; narrative. Seems to be a sequel to the preceding piece. The young king tells of his difficulties and incompetences; asks for counsel to help to copy the example of his father; states how he meant to do so; and concludes with an appeal or prayer to his father. At, the beginning of my sway, Counsel I seek to know How in my shrinèd father's way My feet may surely go. Far-reaching were, his life proclaims, The plans of his great mind; But how to carry out his aims I fail as yet to find. p. 452 When most my powers I shall have tried To reach to his grand height, My steps will ever turn aside, Or to the left or right. I'm but a child, how can I hope Aright my seat to fill, Or with the many troubles cope That bode disturbance still? O excellent and mighty sire, To help thy son now deign! With thy high wisdom me inspire, And on thy throne maintain. To thee, as ever near, I'll try My virtue true to prove. In court, in house, before my eye, Thy form shall always move.