Book V. The Odes Of Wei. X. Mu Kua

*
"The Book of Poetry", tr. by James Legge, [1876],

p. 73

X

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 "ch" 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.