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The Book of Poetry, tr. by James Legge, [1876], at sacred-texts.com


XI

The T‘o Hsi; metaphorical. An appeal from the inferior officers of Chêng to their superiors on the sad condition of the state.

1Ye withered leaves, ye withered. leaves,
    Blown by the wind away!
So tossed is Chêng. My spirit grieves
    To see its sad decay.
Ye uncles, nobles of the land,
Reform the state; we'll by you stand! p. 96

2Ye withered leaves, ye withered leaves,
  By winds so wildly tossed!
What grief my mourning heart receives
  From Chêng thus foully lost!
Uncles, your starting note we wait;
We'll follow and reform the state.


Next: XII. Chiao T‘ung