V. Han Lu

The Han Lu; allusive and narrative. In praise of the virtue of King Wan, blessed by his ancestors, and raised to the highest dignity without seeking of his own.

1Round the foot of Mount Han
Grow the hazel and thorn.
Self-possession and ease
Did our monarch adorn.
Striving for his height of place,
These around him threw their grace.

2From the large cup of jade
Fragrant spirits down flow.
Self-possession and ease
Did our prince ever show.
Could there but on him descend
Rank and blessing without end? p. 344

3 Up to heaven flies the hawk;
Fishes spring in the deep.
Self-possession and ease
Did our prince ever keep.
Grand the influence he shed,
As those virtues he displayed!

4 In the vessel behold
How his spirits shine clear!
The red bull is ready,
Nor the knife views with fear.
Thus he paid the sacred rite,
Brighter blessing to invite!

5 Oaks and shrubs thickly grow,
Which for firewood men hew.
Self-possession and ease
In our prince all could view.
Spirits cheered him in his course,
Nerving him with secret force.

6 How the creepers close twine
Round the branches and stems!
Self-possession and ease
Robed our prince as with gems.
Happiness increased unsought,
Nor by crooked ways was bought.