Book II. The Praise Odes of Lu: I. Kung

Book II. The Praise Odes of Lu I The Kung; narrative. Celebrating some marquis of Lu for his constant and admirable thoughtfulness, especially as seen in the number and quality of his horses. 1 On the wide plains, our frontiers near, The stallions, sleek and large, appear. There, sleek and large, they meet our sight; Some black, with their hind quarters white; Pale yellow, some; some black; some bay:— For carriage teams good horses they! p. 463 To the duke's thoughts we can assign no bound; Turned to his steeds, lo! thus good are they found! 2 On the wide plains, our frontiers near, The stallions, sleek and large, appear. Those stallions, sleek and large, are seen; Some piebald,—white and flushed with green, And others white, with yellow sheen; Some chestnuts; and some dapple gray:— From carriage teams strong horses they! To the duke's thoughts no limit can we set; Turned to his steeds, such is the strength they get! 3 On the wide plains, our frontiers near, The stallions, sleek and large, appear. Oh! sleek and large, those sprightly males! Some that appear as flecked with scales; Some black, with manes of spotless white; Some white or red, manes dark as night:— In carriage yoked, obedient quite! The duke's thoughts never cease and never tire; Turned to his steeds, lo! thus they rule their fire! p. 464

4 On the wide plains, our frontiers near, The stallions, sleek and large, appear. Oh! sleek and large, those stallions bright! Cream-colored, some; some, red and white; Some, with white hairy legs; with eyes Like those of fishes, some:—men prize Such horses, grand in strength and size. His thoughts without depravity, our prince Thinks of his steeds, and such powers they evince!