IX. Hsia Wu

The Hsia Wu; narrative. In praise of King Wu, walking in the ways of his forefathers, and by his filial piety securing the throne to himself and his posterity.

1Kings die in Chou, and others rise,
And in their footsteps tread.
Three had there been, and all were wise;
And still they ruled, though dead.
Ta, Chi, and Wên were all in heaven,
When Wu to follow them was given.

2Yes, Wu to follow them was given.
To imitate his sires,
And to obey the will of Heaven,
He ardently desires.
Through all his course this aim endured,
And this the people's trust secured. p. 354

3Yes, Wu secured the people's faith,
And gave to all the law
Of filial duty, which till death
Shining in him they saw.
Such piety possessed his mind;
Such pattern did he leave behind.

4Thus the one man was Wu—the one,
The king, whom all did love.
They saw in him the pattern son;
Such sons to be they strove.
The filial aim in him bright shone;
In him were seen the dead and gone.

5In Wu his sires were thus brought back.
The kings that from him spring,
Continuing in his steps to walk,
Upon themselves shall bring,
Through myriad years, to Chou still given,
The blessing of impartial Heaven.

6Ah! yes, Heaven's blessing will descend,
And men their names shall bless.
Thousands from Chou's remotest end,
Their praises shall express.
Their sway through myriad years shall last,
Nor helpers fail, strong friends and fast.