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Shi Jing VII

Odes Of Zheng

  1. How well do the black robes befit you! When worn out, we will make others for you. We will go to your court, And when we return [from it], we will send you a feast!

    How good on you are the black robes! When worn out, we will make others for you. We will go to your court, And when we return [from it], we will send you a feast!

    How easy sit the black robes on you! When worn out, we will make others for you. We will go to your court, And when we return [from it], we will send you a feast!

  2. Note:

    Zhou King Xuan Wang (826 – 781 BC) granted his brother Bo You the territory of Zheng and later received the title Zheng Huang Gong (806 – 771 BC). He was killed in 771 B.C. while defending the Zhou king You Wang (781 – 771 B.C.) whose capital was destroyed by the Quang Rong people. Zhou You Wang was also killed. His son, Jue Tu, after succeeding his father's position, succeeded in expelling the Quan Rong people and received the title Zheng Wu Gong (770 – 744 BC). The verse above expresses the praise of the people of the country of Zheng for prince Zheng Wu Gong.

  3. I pray you, Mr. Zhong, Do not come leaping into my hamlet; Do not break my willow trees. Do I care for them? But I fear my parents. You, O Zhong, are to be loved, But the words of my parents, Are also to be feared.

    I pray you, Mr. Zhong, Do not come leaping over my wall; Do not break my mulberry trees. Do I care for them? But I fear the words of my brothers. You, O Zhong, are to be loved, But the words of my brothers, Are also to be feared.

    I pray you, Mr. Zhong, Do not come leaping into my garden; Do not break my sandal trees. Do I care for them? But I dread the talk of people. You, O Zhong, are to be loved, But the talk of people, Is also to be feared.

  4. Note:

    This poem tells the story of a woman who begs her lover to leave her alone and not arouse suspicion from her parents or others. Related to its history, it is said that in 742 BC, the position of prince Zheng Wu Gong was replaced by his eldest son named Wu Sheng and later titled Zheng Zhuang Gong. This son was not liked by his mother who loved his younger brother named Duan. This story ends tragically because the younger brother rebelled and was crushed.

  5. Shu has gone hunting; And in the streets there are no inhabitants. Are there indeed no inhabitants? [But] they are not like Shu, Who is truly admirable and kind.

    Shu has gone to the grand chase; And in the streets there are none feasting. Are there indeed none feasting? [But] they are not like Shu, Who is truly admirable and good.

    Shu has gone into the country; And in the streets there are none driving about. Are there indeed none driving about? [But] they are not like Shu, Who is truly admirable and martial.

  6. Note:

    This verse tells about Shu Duan, the younger brother of prince Zheng Zhuang Gong, his behavior was arbitrary and boring to the people. He was loved by his mother so much that his older brother gave him the power to become an official in the city of Jing. It turned out that he intended to rebel - to strengthen his country - he increased weapons and trained people to use them.

  7. Shu has gone hunting, Mounted in his chariot and four. The reins are in his grasp like ribbons, While the two outside horses move [with regular steps], as dancers do. Shu is at the marshy ground; - The fire flames out all at once, And with bared arms he seizes a tiger, And presents it before the duke. O Shu, try not [such sport] again; Beware of getting hurt.

    Shu has gone hunting, Mounted in his chariot with four bay horses. The two insides are the finest possible animals, And the two outsides follow them regularly as in a flying flock of wild geese. Shu is at the marshy ground; - The fire blazes up all at once, A skillful archer is Shu! A good charioteer also! Now he gives his horse the reins; now he brings them up; Now he discharges his arrows; now he follows it.

    Shu has gone hunting, Mounted in his chariot with four grey horses. His two insides have their heads in a line, And the two outsides come after like arms. Shu is at the marsh; - The fire spreads grandly all together. His horses move slowly; He shoots but seldom; Now he lays aside his quiver; Now he returns his bows to his case.

  8. Note:

    This verse also tells the story of prince Shu Duan, the younger brother of prince Zheng Zhuang Gong, which describes his skill and dexterity in hunting.

  9. The men of Qing are in Peng; The chariot with its team in mail ever moves about; The two spears in it, with their ornaments, rising, one above the other. So do they roam about the He.

    The men of Qing are in Xiao; The chariot with its team in mail looks martial; And the two spears in it, with their hooks, rise one above the other. So do they saunter about by the He.

    The men of Qing are in Zhou; The mailed team of the chariot prance proudly. [The driver] on the left wheels it about, and [the spearman] on the right brandishes his weapon, While the general in the middle looks pleased.

  10. Note:

    This poem is a satire on Prince Zheng Wen Gong (672 – 627 BC) who wasted his time mobilizing the Qing army to the battlefield. This happened during the time of Lu Min Gong (659 BC) when the Di people invaded the Wei state.

  11. His lambs's fur is glossy, Truly smooth and beautiful. That officer, Rests in his lot and will not change.

    His lambs's fur, with its cuffs of leopard-skin. Looks grandly martial and strong. That officer, In the country will ever hold to the right.

    How splendid is his lamb's fur! How bright are its three ornaments! That officer, Is the ornament of the country.

  12. Note:

    This poem tells the story of the bravery of several officers of the Zheng state. There are three poems with the same title, Gao Qiu, namely I.X.VII and I.XIII.I

  13. Along the highway, I hold you by the cuff. Do not hate me; - Old intercourse should not be suddenly broken off.

    Along the highway, I hold you by the hand. Do not think me vile; - Old friendship should not hastily be broken off.

  14. Note:

    This poem is about a hope that old friendships will not be broken by a single event. Some interpret this as a depiction of the people of Zheng who hope that Prince Zheng Zhuang Gong will not break off relations with the good people who left him because they were dissatisfied with his policies.

  15. Says the wife, ' It is cock-crow; ' Says the husband, ' It is grey dawn. ' ' Rise, Sir, and look at the night, - ' If the morning star be not shining. Bestir yourself, and move about, To shoot the wild ducks and geese.

    When your arrows and line have found them, I will dress them fitly for you. When they are dressed, we will drink [together over them], And I will hope to grow old with you. Your lute in your hands, Will emits its quiet pleasant tones.

    When I know those whose acquaintance you wish, I will give them of the ornaments of my girdle. When I know those with whom you are cordial, I will send to them of the ornaments of my girdle. When I know those whom you love, I will repay their friendship from the ornaments of my girdle.

  16. Note:

    This poem tells of the joy of a family, a wife supporting her husband in carrying out his duties and strengthening friendship.

  17. There is the lady in the carriage [with him], With the countenance like the flower of the ephermeral hedge-tree. As they move about, The beautiful Ju-gems of her girdle-pendant appear. That beautiful eldest Jiang, Is truly admirable and elegant.

    There is the young lady walking [with him], With a countenance like the ephermeral blossoms of the hedge-tree. As they move about, The gems of her girdle-pendant tinkle. Of that beautiful eldest Jiang, The virtuous fame is not to be forgotten.

  18. Note:

    This poem contains praise for several women. Some speculate that this poem was intended for the eldest son of Prince Zheng Zhuang Gong named Hu who twice rejected the marriage offers from Prince Qi Hou and finally married a princess from a country that was smaller in territory and power. All of his advisors expected him to accept Prince Qi Hou's offer to support his future position as prince of Zheng. In 700 BC, he became prince of Zheng with the title Zheng Zhao Gong, but was overthrown by his brother. In 696 BC he regained the throne and was killed in 694 BC.

  19. On the mountain is the mulberry tree; In the marshes is the lotus flower. I do not see Zidu, But I see this mad fellow.

    On the mountain is the lofty pine; In the marshes is the spreading water-polygonum.. I do not see Zichong, But I see this artful boy.

  20. Note:

    This poem is a satire on a woman mocking her lover. It is said that this poem was addressed to Prince Hu who rejected the wise girl he was offered and even took a wife who was unable to help. On Zi Du see Mengzi VI a.7.7. a handsome prince from the Song country. What is meant by a fool and a cunning child is Prince Hu.

  21. Ye withered leaves! Ye withered leaves! How the wind is blowing you away! O ye uncles, Give us the first note, and we will join in with you.

    Ye withered leaves! Ye withered leaves! How the wind is carrying you away! O ye uncles, Give us the first note, and we will complete [the song].

  22. Note:

    This poem expresses the hopes of the young officers of the Zheng state to accompany their senior officers in facing the worrying conditions of the country.

  23. That artful boy! He will not speak with me! But for the sake of you, Sir, Shall I make myself unable to eat?

    That artful boy! He will not eat with me! But for the sake of you, Sir, Shall I make myself unable to rest?

  24. Note:

    This verse tells of the regrets of Prince Zi Hu (See the Book of Chun Qiu Jing - Lu Huan Gong year 15) who only acted according to his own opinion, and did not want to consult with his subordinates. There are also those who interpret this poem as describing after the harvest season a female singer invites her friends to sing and dance together.

  25. If you, Sir, think kindly of me, I will hold up my lower garments, and cross the Zhen. If you do not think of me, Is there no other person [to do so]? You, foolish, foolish fellow!

    If you, Sir, think kindly of me, I will hold up my lower garments, and cross the Wei. If you do not think of me, Is there no other gentleman [to do so]? You, foolish, foolish fellow!

  26. Note:

    This poem tells of a woman who is doubtful about her lover. It is also interpreted as an expression of the hearts of the people of the Zheng country who chose to choose Prince Hu or Prince Tu. In 700 B.C. Prince Hu became prince Zheng Bo. In that same year he was overthrown by his younger brother, Tu. In 696 BC Tu was defeated and fled, then Hu returned to power. But before the end of the year Tu was restored to power in a strong city in Zheng which he held until Hu was killed in 694 b.c.e.; then Hu was compared to a stupid child.

  27. Full and good looking was the gentleman, Who waited for me in the lane! I repent that I did not go with him.

    A splendid gentleman was he, Who waited for me in the hall! I regret that I did not accompany him.

    Over my embroidered upper robe, I have put on a [plain] single garment; Over my embroidered lower robe, I have done the same. O Sir, O Sir, Have your carriage ready for me to go with you.

    Over my embroidered lower robe, I have put on a [plain] single garment; Over my embroidered upper robe, I have done the same. O Sir, O Sir, Have your carriage ready to take me home with you.

  28. Note:

    This poem tells the story of a woman regretting having lost an opportunity and hoping to get another chance. Some interpret the verse as depicting the lost authority of the Zheng state.

  29. Near the level ground at the east gate, Is the madder plant on the bank. The house is near there, But the man is very far away.

    By the chestnut trees at the east gate, Is a row of houses. Do I not think of you? But you do not come to me.

  30. Note:

    This poem tells the story of a woman who thinks about her lover's residence in a nearby place and complains about his absence. The house of the person she misses is close by but he is in a very far place because of his duties. What is meant by the eastern gate is the main gate of the Zheng state.

  31. Cold are the wind and the rain, And shrilly crows the cock. But I have seen my husband, And should I but feel at rest?

    The wind whistles and the rain patters, While loudly crows the cock. But I have seen my husband, And could my ailment but be cured?

    Through the wind and rain all looks dark, And the cock crows without ceasing. But I have seen my husband, And how should I not rejoice?

  32. Note:

    This poem tells of a wife who is heartened by the arrival of her husband. In this poem the husband is referred to as Junzi the susilawan.

  33. O you, with the blue collar, Prolonged is the anxiety of my heart. Although I do not go [to you], Why do you not continue your messages [to me]?

    O you with the blue [strings to your] girdle-gems, Long, long do I think of you. Although I do not go [to you], Why do you not come [to me]?

    How volatile are you and dissipated, By the look-out tower on the wall! One day without the sight of you, Is like three months.

  34. Note:

    This poem tells of a woman who laments that her lover is indifferent and does not come to her. It is said that the verse refers to students who neglected their studies because of the collapse of the Zheng state.

  35. The fretted waters, Do not carry on their current a bundle of thorns. Few are our brethren; There are only I and you. Do not believe what people say; They are deceiving you.

    The fretted waters, Do not carry on their current a bundle of firewood. Few are our brethren; There are only we two. Do not believe what people say; They are not to be trusted.

  36. Note:

    This poem is an allusion to a group of people who have agreed to refute those who doubt. Some say that this poem criticizes the weaknesses of Prince Hu Bo (Zi Hu) and his followers who cannot be trusted.

  37. I went out at the east gate, Where the girls were in clouds. Although they are like clouds, It is not on them that my thoughts rest. She in the thin white silk, and the grey coiffure, - She is my joy!

    I went out by the tower on the covering wall, Where the girls were like flowering rushes. Although they are like flowering rushes, It is not of them that I think. She in the thin white silk, and the madder-[dyed coiffure], - It is she that makes me happy!

  38. Note:

    This poem tells of a husband who praises his wife who is simple, in contrast to women who only show off their beauty.

  39. On the moor is the creeping grass, And how heavily is it loaded with dew! There was a beautiful man, Lovely, with clear eyes and fine forehead! We met together accidentally, And so my desire was satisfied.

    On the moor is the creeping grass, Heavily covered with dew! There was a beautiful man, Lovely, with clear eyes and fine forehead! We met together accidentally, And he and I were happy together.

  40. Note:

    This poem tells of a person who met a wise man who liked him. According to Han Ying, this poem was recited by the Prophet when he met a wise man who liked him.

  41. The Zhen and Wei, Now present their broad sheets of water. Ladies and gentlemen, Are carrying flowers of valerian. A lady says, ' Have you been to see? ' A gentleman replies, ' I have been. ' ' But let us go again to see. Beyond the Wei, The ground is large and fit for pleasure. ' So the gentlemen and ladies. Make sport together, Presenting one another with small peonies.

    The Zhen and Wei, Show their deep, clear streams. Gentlemen and ladies, Appear in crowds. A lady says, ' Have you been to see? ' A gentleman replies, ' I have been. ' ' But let us go again to see. Beyond the Wei, The ground is large and fit for pleasure. ' So the gentlemen and ladies. Make sport together, Presenting one another with small peonies.

  42. Note:

    This poem tells the atmosphere of a party in the country of Zheng. It appears that the dominance of the patriarchal system is still loose.