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


III

The Hêng Mên; narrative. The contentment and happiness of a poor recluse.

1My only door some pieces of crossed wood,
  Within it I can rest enjoy. p. 153
I drink the water wimpling from the spring;
  Nor hunger can my peace destroy.

2Purged from. ambition's aims, I say, "For fish,
  We need not bream caught in the Ho;
Nor, to possess the sweets of love, require
  To Ch‘i, to find a Chiang, to go.

3"The man contented with his lot, a meal
  Of fish without Ho carp can make;
Nor needs, to rest in his domestic joy,
  A Tzŭ of Sung as wife to take."


Next: IV. Tung Mên Chih Ch‘ih