Sacred Texts  Confucianism  Index  Previous  Next 
Buy this Book at Amazon.com


The Book of Poetry, tr. by James Legge, [1876], at sacred-texts.com


p. 461

X

The Lai; narrative. The praise of King Wên.

King Wên with earnest purpose toiled,
  And nothing left undone.
’Tis right his sons should now be styled
  Lords of the realm he won.

Abroad his virtue we will spread;
  Him in our hearts we'll shrine;
Our aim that peace establishèd
  May last while lasts our line.

Through him it was there came to Chou
  Heaven's favor and decree.
Him in our breasts we cherish now;
  Our pattern shall he be.


Next: XI. Pan