II. Ssŭ Mu

The Ssŭ Mu; narrative and allusive. A festal ode, complimentary to an officer on his return from an expedition, celebrating the union in him of loyal duty and filial feeling.

1On dashed my four steeds, without halt, without stay,
Though toilsome and winding from Chou was the way.
I wished to return,—but the monarch's command
Forbade that his business be done with slack hand;
And my heart was with sadness oppressed.

2On dashed my four steeds; I ne’er slackened the reins.
They snorted and panted,—all white, with black manes.
I wished to return, but our sovereign's command
Forbade that his business be done with slack hand;
And I dared not to pause or to rest.

3Unresting the filial doves speed in their flight,
Ascending, then sweeping swift down from the height,
Now grouped on the oaks. The king's high command
Forbade that his business be done with slack hand;
And my father I left, sore distressed. p. 185

4Unresting the filial doves speed in their flight,
Now fanning the air, and anon they alight
On the medlars thick grouped. But our monarch's command
Forbade that his business be done with slack hand;—
Of my mother I thought with sad breast.

5My four steeds I harnessed, all white and black-maned,
Which straight on their way, fleet and emulous, strained.
I wished to return; and now venture in song
The wish to express, and announce how I long
For my mother my care to attest.