IV. Chang Ti

The Chang Ti; allusive and narrative. Setting forth the close relation and affection that ought to obtain between brothers.

1      With mass of gorgeous flowers
      The cherry trees are crowned,
But none within this world of ours
      Like brothers can be found.

2      When awful death comes near,
      ’Tis brothers sympathize.
When headlong flight fills plain and height,
      To brother brother flies. p. 188

3      See how the wagtail's head
      Quick answers to its tail!
When hardships great befall our state,
      Friends, are of no avail.
      In times of urgent need,
      We brothers’ help receive.
Then friends, though good, of different blood,
      Long sighs will only heave.

4      Brothers indoors may fight;
      But insults from without
Join them at once, and they unite
      The common foe to rout.
      In cases such as this,
      In vain to friends we turn.
They may be true, but they'll eschew
      The danger they discern.

5      Deaths and disorder o’er,
      ’Mid peace and rest now cold,
Some men, alas! their brothers pass,
      Nor them as friends will hold. p. 189

6      With dishes in array,
      The cup may oft go round;
But only where brothers are there,
      The feast is truly found.
      ’Tis when they all appear,
      And each is in his place,
That childlike joy, without alloy,
      Crowns harmony with grace.

7      Children and wife we love;
      Union with them is sweet
As lute's soft strain that soothes our pain.
      How joyous do we meet!
      But brothers, more than they,
      Can satisfy the heart.
’Tis their accord does peace afford,
      And lasting joy impart.

8      For ordering of your homes,
      For joy with child and wife,
Consider well the truth I tell;—
      This is the charm of life!