III. Yü Li

The Yü Li; allusive and narrative. An ode used at district entertainments, celebrating the abundance of everything, and the prosperity of the times.

1By means of simplest fish trap that men make,
Sand blowers small and yellow jaws they take;—
  Such the result good rule insures.
And here our host his spirits forth has set,
Good and abundant; proof we now are met,
  When ordered rule large wealth secures. p. 204

2In simplest fish traps that might useless seem,
They take abundant store of tench and bream;—
  Such issue from our good rule springs.
And here our host his spirits forth has set,
Abundant, good;—sure proof we now are met,
  When ordered rule great riches brings.

3Into the simplest fish traps largely go
Mudfish and carp;—captures that clearly show
  How with good rule the land is crowned.
And here our host his spirits forth has set,
Good and most ample;—proof we here are met,
  When ordered rule makes wealth abound.

4The mats in great abundance viands show;
And these of rarest quality we know.

5The viands excellent are here revealed;
Both land and sea their contributions yield.

6Viands in ample store the feast displays;
And all in season, all beyond our praise.