Confucius Confucius
United Kingdom (Great Britain)Lament Of A Bereaved Person
A russet pear-tree rises all alone,
But rich the growth of leaves upon it shown!
I walk alone, without one brother left,
And thus of natural aid am I bereft.
Plenty of people there are all around,
But none like my own father's sons are found.
Ye travellers, who forever hurry by,
Why on me turn the unsympathizing eye?
On The Alienation Of A Friend
Gently and soft the east wind blows,
And then there falls the pelting rain.
When anxious fears pressed round you close,
Then linked together were we twain.
Now happy, and your mind at rest,
You turn and cast me from your breast.
Gently and soft the east wind blows,
And then there comes the whirlwind wild.
Celebrating The Industry Of King Wan's Queen
Sweet was the scene. The spreading dolichos
Extended far, down to the valley's depths,
With leaves luxuriant. The orioles
Fluttered around, and on the bushy trees
In throngs collected--whence their pleasant notes
Resounded far in richest melody.
The spreading dolichos extended far,
Covering the valley's sides, down to its depths,
Celebrating The Virtue Of King Wan's Bride
Hark! from the islet in the stream the voice
Of the fish-hawks that o'er their nests rejoice!
From them our thoughts to that young lady go,
Modest and virtuous, loth herself to show.
Where could be found to share our prince's state,
So fair, so virtuous, and so fit a mate?
See how the duckweed's stalks, or short or long,
Sway left and right, as moves the current strong!
Lamenting The Absence Of A Cherished Friend
Though small my basket, all my toil
Filled it with mouse-ears but in part.
I set it on the path, and sighed
For the dear master of my heart.
My steeds, o'er-tasked, their progress stayed,
When midway up that rocky height.
Give me a cup from that gilt vase--
When shall this longing end in sight?
Discontent
As when the north winds keenly blow,
And all around fast falls the snow,
The source of pain and suffering great,
So now it is in Wei's poor state.
Let us join hands and haste away,
My friends and lovers all.
'Tis not a time will brook delay;
Things for prompt action call.
In Praise Of A Maiden
O sweet maiden, so fair and retiring,
At the corner I'm waiting for you;
And I'm scratching my head, and inquiring
What on earth it were best I should do.
Oh! the maiden, so handsome and coy,
For a pledge gave a slim rosy reed.
Than the reed is she brighter, my joy;
On her loveliness how my thoughts feed!
Celebrating The Goodness Of The Descendants Of King Wan
As the feet of the _lin_, which avoid each living thing,
So our prince's noble sons no harm to men will bring.
They are the _lin!_
As the front of the _lin_, never forward thrust in wrath,
So our prince's noble grandsons of love tread the path.
They are the _lin!_
As the horn of the _lin_, flesh-tipped, no wound to give,
So our prince's noble kindred kindly with all live.
The Mean Husband
Thin cloth of dolichos supplies the shoes,
In which some have to brave the frost and cold.
A bride, when poor, her tender hands must use,
Her dress to make, and the sharp needle hold.
This man is wealthy, yet he makes his bride
Collars and waistbands for his robes provide.
Conscious of wealth, he moves with easy mien;
Politely on the left he takes his place;
In Praise Of A Bride
Graceful and young the peach-tree stands;
How rich its flowers, all gleaming bright!
This bride to her new home repairs;
Chamber and house she'll order right.
Graceful and young the peach-tree stands;
Large crops of fruit it soon will show.
This bride to her new home repairs;
Chamber and house her sway shall know.
An Officer Sets Forth His Hard Lot
My way leads forth by the gate on the north;
My heart is full of woe.
I hav'n't a cent, begged, stolen, or lent,
And friends forget me so.
So let it be! 'tis Heaven's decree.
What can I say--a poor fellow like me?
The King has his throne, sans sorrow or moan;
On me fall all his cares,
An Officer Tells Of His Mean Employment
With mind indifferent, things I easy take;
In every dance I prompt appearance make:--
Then, when the sun is at his topmost height,
There, in the place that courts the public sight.
With figure large I in the courtyard dance,
And the duke smiles, when he beholds me prance.
A tiger's strength I have; the steeds swift bound;
The reins as ribbons in my hands are found.