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


III

The Shih Yu Ch‘ang Ts‘oo; narrative. Some one, groaning under the oppression of the government, wishes he were an unconscious tree.

1Where the grounds are wet and low,
There the trees of goat-peach grow,
With their branches small and smooth,
Glossy in their tender youth.
Joy it were to me, O tree,
Consciousness to want like thee.

2Where the grounds are wet and low,
There the trees of goat-peach grow.
Soft and fragrant are their flowers,
Glossy from the vernal showers.
Joy it were to me, O tree,
Ties of home to want like thee. p. 162

3Where the grounds are wet and low,
There the trees of goat-peach grow.
What delicious fruits they bear,
Glossy, soft, of beauty rare!
Joy it were to me, O tree,
Household cares to want like thee.?


Next: IV. Fei Fêng