Section III. The Decade of Min Yü Hsiao Tzŭ: VII. Ssŭ I

VII The Ssŭ I; narrative. An ode, appropriate to a sacrifice and the feast after it. In robes of silk, all bright and clean, And temple cap, with reverent mien, p. 459 The officer walks from the hall Straight to the porch, and looks at all The sheep and oxen doomed to bleed. Back he returns, and gives good heed To tripods and the mighty horn By the rhinoceros once borne. No need for it! The feasters drink The spirits good and mild, but shrink From wanton revelry and pride. By this an auspice is supplied Of the long life which those shall reap Who thus the rules of virtue keep.