VIII. Po Hsi

The Po Hsi; narrative and metaphorical. A wife mourns over the protracted absence of her husband on the king's service.

1How martial looks my noble man,
  The hero of the land!
See him in chariot lead the van,
  His halberd in his hand!

2Since eastward on his course he sped,
  My hair neglected flies.
I might anoint and wash my head,
  But not to meet his eyes.

3For rain, for rain, the people cry,
  But brightly shines the sun;
So for my absent lord long I,
  Head pained, and heart undone. p. 72

4Where shall I Lethe's lily find,
  Behind my house to set?
I think of him with aching mind,
  For how can I forget?