IX. Chih Ching
IX
The Chih Ching; narrative. An ode appropriate in sacrificing to the kings Wu, Ch‘êng, and K‘ang.
The arm of Wu was full of might;
None could his fire withstand; p. 440
And Ch‘êng and K‘ang stood forth to sight,
As kinged by God's own hand.
We err not when we call then sage.
How grandly they maintained
Their hold of all the heritage
That Wên and Wu had gained!
As here we worship, they descend,
While bells and drums resound,
And stones and lutes their music blend.
With blessings we are crowned.
The rites correctly we discharge;
The feast we freely share.
Those sires Chou's glory will enlarge,
And ever for it care.
None could his fire withstand; p. 440
And Ch‘êng and K‘ang stood forth to sight,
As kinged by God's own hand.
We err not when we call then sage.
How grandly they maintained
Their hold of all the heritage
That Wên and Wu had gained!
As here we worship, they descend,
While bells and drums resound,
And stones and lutes their music blend.
With blessings we are crowned.
The rites correctly we discharge;
The feast we freely share.
Those sires Chou's glory will enlarge,
And ever for it care.