Book Xiv. The Odes Of Ts'ao. I. Fou Yu

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

p. 163

Book Xiv. The Odes Of Ts'Ao

I

The "Fou Yu;" metaphorical. Against some parties in the state, occupied with frivolous pursuits, and oblivious of important matters.

1Like splendid robes appear the wings

Of the ephemeral fly;

And such the pomp of those great men,

Which soon in dust shall lie!

I grieve! Would they but come to me!

To teach them I should try.

2The wings of the ephemeral fly

Are robes of colors gay;

And such the glory of those men,

Soon crumbling to decay!

I grieve! Would they but rest with me,

They'd learn a better way!

3The ephemeral fly bursts from its hole,

With gauzy wings like snow;

So quick the rise, so quick the fall,

Of those great men we know!

I grieve! Would they but lodge with me,

Forth they would wiser go.