Book Viii. The Odes Of Ch'i. X. Tsai Ch'u

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

X

The "Tsai Ch';" narrative. The open shamelessness of Wan Chiang in her meeting with her brother.

1 On comes her chariot, fast and loud,

With screen of bamboos finely wove,

And leather bright, vermilion-hued--

Ch'i's daughter hastes to lawless love.

To this from Lu the road is smooth and plain;--

'Twas but last night she started with her train.

2 Her four black steeds are beautiful;

Soft are the reins the driver holds. p. 114

The road from Lu is smooth and plain;--

Ch'i's daughter's heart its joy unfolds.

Full of complacency is she; nor shame

Abashes her, nor fear of evil name.

3 Broad flow the waters of the Wn,

And crowds of travelers go by.

The road from Lu is smooth and plain;--

She looks around with careless eye.

That many see her gives her no concern;

Her thoughts to her licentious fancy turn.

4 On sweep the waters of the Wn;

More numerous are the travelers now.

The road from Lu is smooth and plain;--

Ch'i's daughter shows her brazen brow.

At ease and proud, she holds her onward way,

Careless of what all think of her display.