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Shih King. Odes Of The Temple And The Altar. Part 12

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p. 319

Ode 9. The
\"K"IH "K"Ing.

An Ode Appropriate In Sacrificing To The Kings W,
\"KH"Ng, And Khang.

The Chinese critics differ in the interpretation of this ode, the Preface and older scholars restricting it to a sacrifice to king W, while "K" Hs and others find reference in it, as to me also seems most natural, to "Kh"ng and Khang, who succeeded him.

The arm of king W was full of strength; Irresistible was his ardour. Greatly illustrious were "Kh"ng and Khang 1, Kinged by God.

When we consider how "Kh"ng and Khang Grandly held all within the four quarters (of the kingdom), How penetrating was their intelligence!

The bells and drums sound in harmony; The sounding-stones and flutes blend their notes; Abundant blessing is sent down.

Blessing is sent down in large measure. Careful and exact is all our deportment; We have drunk, and we have eaten, to the fall; Our happiness and dignity will be prolonged.

Footnotes

319:1
If the whole piece be understood only of a sacrifice to W, this line will have to be translated--'How illustrious was he, who completed (his great work), and secured its tranquillity.' We must deal similarly with the next line. This construction is very forced; nor is the text clear on the view of "K" Hs.
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