IX. Liao Hsiao

The Liao Hsiao; allusive. A festal ode, on occasion of the king's entertaining the feudal princes who have come to his court.

1  Tall grows the fragrant southernwood,
    On which the dew shines bright.
  Now that my noble men I see,
    My anxious heart feels light.
We feast, while smiles and chat our joy proclaim;
Such guests deserve prosperity and fame.

2  Tall grows the fragrant southernwood,
    On which thick lies the dew.
  The presence of these noble men
    Gives grace and glory too.
From error's taint is their pure virtue free;
Long may they live, and ne’er forgotten be! p. 209

3  Tall grows the fragrant southernwood,
    With dew all over wet.
  Joyful and unconstrained these guests
    Share the rich feast here set.
In concord with their brothers may they dwell,
And happy age their virtue's praises tell!

4  Tall grows the fragrant southernwood,
    On which rich lies the dew.
  The rein ends of these noble men
    At once engaged my view.
At dawn they hung, while the bells tinkled sweet
From bar and bit. All good upon them meet!