Shi Jing XIII
Odes Of Gui
In your lamb's fur you saunter about; In your fox's fur you hold your court. How should I not think anxiously about you? My toiled heart is full of grief.
In your lamb's fur you wander aimlessly about; In your fox's fur you appear in your hall. How should I not think anxiously about you? My heart is wounded with sorrow.
Your lamb's fur, as if covered with ointment; Glistens when the sun comes forth. How should I not think anxiously about you? To the core of my heart I am grieved.
If I could but see the white cap, And the earnest mourner worn to leanness! - My toiled heart is worn with grief!
If I could but see the white [lower] dress! - My heart is wounded with sadness! I should be inclined to go and live with the wearer!
If I could but see the white knee-covers! - Sorrow is knotted in my heart! I should almost feel as of one soul with the wearer!
In the low wet grouds is the carambola tree; Soft and pliant are its branches, With the glossiness of tender beauty. I should rejoice to be like you, [O tree], without consciousness.
In the low, damp grounds is the carambola tree; Soft and delicate are its flowers, With the glossiness of its tender beauty. I should rejoice to be like you, [O tree], without a family.
In the low, damp grounds is the carambola tree; Soft and delicate is its fruit, With the glossiness of its tender beauty. I should rejoice to be like you, [O tree], without a household.
Not for the violence of the wind; Not for a rushing motion of a chariot; - But when I look to the road to Zhou, Am I pained to the core of my heart.
Not for the whirlwind; Not for the irregular motion of a chariot; - But when I look to the road to Zhou, Am I sad to the core of my heart.
Who can cook fish? I will wash his boilers for him. Who will loyally go to the west? I will cheer him with good words.
Note:
Gui is a small country near the state of Zheng. Its ruler is a person with the Yun surname who claims to be a descendant of Zhu Rong, a minister of one of the ancient holy kings. The poem above is telling, some ministers of the state of Gui lament the behavior of their ruler who is relaxed and irresponsible in governing his country.
Note:
This poem is narrative in nature; one feels touched by the behavior of the filial son who seems to have collapsed because of his grief. Many interpreters link this verse with the prophet Kongzi's concern with people who are reluctant to carry out the 3-year mourning (see Lun Yu XVII: 21)
Note:
This poem is narrative in nature; a person groans under the oppression of his government and wants to gain freedom like the Chang Chu tree.
Note:
This poem is both narrative and figurative; one expresses one's sorrowful sadness at the weakening of the Zhou dynasty.