XII. Mao Ch‘iu

The Mao Ch‘iu; allusive and narrative. The refugee ministers of Li complain of those of Wei for not assisting them.

1  On that high sloping mound,
    With joints now parted wide,
  The plants of dolichos
    Show here we long abide.
Wei's nobles, whom we uncles style,
Why thus delay on us to smile?

2  They rest and do not stir;—
    Do they allies expect?
  Wherefore protract the time?
    Why us so much neglect?
Some reason they could surely plead
For conduct, strange in this our need. p. 40

3  In chariots of the west,
    Hither from danger borne,
  In Wei we live depressed,
    Our fox furs frayed and worn.
Ye nobles, uncles, sooth to say,
For us no sympathy display.

4  A remnant small of Li,
    Driven from our proper home;
  Children dispersed, we hoped
    That help from Wei would come.
Alas! though grand the robes you wear,
You stop your ears against our prayer.