X. Mu Kua

The Mu Kua; metaphorical. Small gifts of kindness should be responded to with greater; while friendship is more than any gift.

1A tree gourd they gave me in compliment,
And I in return gave a lovely chü gem,
’Twas not in return for the compliment;—
I wished to make lasting my friendship with them.

2A peach they presented in compliment,
And I in return gave a lovely yao gem.
’Twas not in return for the compliment;—
I wished to make lasting my friendship with them.

3A plum they presented in compliment,
And I in return gave a lovely ch‘i stone.
’Twas not in return for the compliment;—
Our friendship to knit was my motive alone.