Home > Library > New > James Legge > The Book Of Poetry > Book Ii. The Praise Odes Of Lu. I. Kung

Book Ii. The Praise Odes Of Lu. I. Kung

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

Book Ii. The Praise Odes Of Lu

I

The "Kung;" narrative. Celebrating some marquis of Lu for his constant and admirable thoughtfulness, especially as seen in the number and quality of his horses.

1 On the wide plains, our frontiers near,

The stallions, sleek and large, appear.

There, sleek and large, they meet our sight;

Some black, with their hind quarters white;

Pale yellow, some; some black; some bay:--

For carriage teams good horses they! p. 463

To the duke's thoughts we can assign no bound;

Turned to his steeds, lo! thus good are they found!

2 On the wide plains, our frontiers near,

The stallions, sleek and large, appear.

Those stallions, sleek and large, are seen;

Some piebald,--white and flushed with green,

And others white, with yellow sheen;

Some chestnuts; and some dapple gray:--

From carriage teams strong horses they!

To the duke's thoughts no limit can we set;

Turned to his steeds, such is the strength they get!

3 On the wide plains, our frontiers near,

The stallions, sleek and large, appear.

Oh! sleek and large, those sprightly males!

Some that appear as flecked with scales;

Some black, with manes of spotless white;

Some white or red, manes dark as night:--

In carriage yoked, obedient quite!

The duke's thoughts never cease and never tire;

Turned to his steeds, lo! thus they rule their fire! p. 464

4
On the wide plains, our frontiers near,

The stallions, sleek and large, appear.

Oh! sleek and large, those stallions bright!

Cream-colored, some; some, red and white;

Some, with white hairy legs; with eyes

Like those of fishes, some:--men prize

Such horses, grand in strength and size.

His thoughts without depravity, our prince

Thinks of his steeds, and such powers they evince!
apostolic polyglot bible| apostolic polyglot bible
Home > Library > New > James Legge > The Book Of Poetry > Book Ii. The Praise Odes Of Lu. I. Kung