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


p. 293

IX

The Chan Pi Lo I; narrative. The feudal princes, met at some gathering in the eastern capital, praise the king as he appears among them.

1Fitness for war, ’mid peace, we here acquire,
Around the Lo, whose waters, broad and deep,
Flow swiftly on. Eastward our king has come,
Of happiness and dignities the fount.
His red knee covers, madder-dyed, shine bright;—
So his six hosts to battle he would lead.

2Fitness for war, ’mid peace, we here acquire,
Around the Lo, whose waters, broad and deep,
Flow swiftly on. Eastward our king has come,
With gems far gleaming round his scabbard's mouth.
Long may he live;—for myriads of years,
And still maintain the fortunes of his house!

3Fitness for war, ’mid peace, we here acquire,
Around the Lo, whose waters, broad and deep
Flow swiftly on. Eastward our king has come,
Happy, and of all dignities possessed.
Long may he live;—for myriads of years,
Preserving safe his many clans and states!


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