V. Ch‘ê Kung

The Ch‘ê Kung; narrative. Celebrating a great hunting, presided over by King Hsüan, on occasion of his giving audience to the feudal princes at the eastern capital of Lu.

1Our chariots were well built and firm,
  Well matched our steeds, and fleet and strong.
Four, sleek and large, each chariot drew,
  And eastward thus we drove along.

2Our hunting cars were light and good,
  Each with its team of noble steeds.
Still further east we took the way
  To Fu mere's grassy plains that leads.

3Loud-voiced, the masters of the chase
  Arranged the huntsmen, high and low. p. 220
While banners streamed, and oxtails flew,
  We sought the prey on distant Gaou.

4Each with full team, the princes came,
  A lengthened train in bright array.
In gold-wrought slippers, kneecaps red,
  They looked as on an audience day.

5Each right thumb wore the metal guard;
  On the left arm its shield was bound.
In unison the arrows flew;
  The game lay piled upon the ground.

6The leaders of the tawny teams
  Sped on their course, direct and true.
The drivers perfect skill displayed;
  Like blow well aimed each arrow flew.

7Neighing and pleased, the steeds returned;
  The bannered lines back slowly came.
No jostling rude disgraced the crowd;
  The king declined large share of game.

8So did this famous hunt proceed!
  So free it was from clamorous sound!
Well does our king become his place,
  And high the deeds his reign have crowned!