* "The Book of Poetry", tr. by James Legge, [1876],
p. 386
Book Iii. Decade Of Tang
I
The "Tang;" narrative. Warnings addressed to King Li on the issues of the course which he was pursuing, showing that the miseries of the time, and the imminent danger of ruin, were to be attributed, not to Heaven, but to himself and his ministers
1How great is God, who ruleth men below!
In awful terrors now arrayed,
His dealings seem a recklessness to show,
From which we shuddering shrink, dismayed.
But men at first from Heaven their being drew,
With nature liable to change.
All hearts in infancy are good and true,
But time and things those hearts derange.
2Thus to the tyrant Ju our King Wn said:--
"Alas! alas! O king of Yin,
To you the proud oppressors give their aid,
And 'gainst you fierce exactors sin!
Why call such men your offices to hold?
O'er your affairs why such men set? p. 387
'Heaven made them thus, so insolent and bold!'
But 'tis from you their strength they get."
3Thus to the tyrant Ju our King Wn said:--
"Alas! alas! Yin's king so great,
You honor not the good, but in their stead
Oppressors whom the people hate.
To you with baseless stories they reply,
And thieves and robbers by them stand.
Their oaths and maledictions fiercely fly,
Ceaseless and deep, throughout the land."
4Thus to the tyrant Ju our King Wn said:--
"Alas! alas! O king of Yin,
Fierce is your will, here in the court displayed,
And only hatred thus you win.
Your proper virtue you have never sought,
And thus none good surround your throne.
Of what true virtue is you take no thought,
Hence are your nobles worthless known."
5Thus to the tyrant Ju our King Wn said:--
"Alas! alas! Yin's king so great, p. 388
Not Heaven, but spirits, flush your face with red,