X. Yü Liu

The Yü Liu; metaphorical and allusive. Some noble tells how impossible it was to approach or do anything for the king, and warns the others against doing so.

1The willow trees luxuriant grow.
Who is not glad himself to throw
  Beneath their shade to rest?
And so to our great sovereign's court
The feudal lords should oft resort,
  And feel supremely blessed.
But he whom we all deemed a god
Is so uncertain in his nod,
  That they his presence shun.
Near him alone I dare not go.
Were I at court myself to show,
And of his troubles take the charge,
His calls on me would be so large,
  That I should be undone. p. 315

2Luxuriant grow the willow trees;
Beneath their shade one often sees
  Large crowds at ease reclined.
So should the king his grace extend,
And to his court the princes bend
  Their steps with willing mind.
But he, whom as a god we viewed,
Is so uncertain in his mood,
  That they dare not appear.
For me I should but court distress,
If I alone were to address
Myself to take his cares in hand;
He would so much of me demand,
  I'd live in constant fear.

3The birds now on the trees alight,
Then spread their wings in sudden flight,
  And soar aloft to heaven;
So does the king his purpose change,
From one thing to another range,
  As by his fancies driven.
His heart we cannot fathom well,
Nor can we any moment tell
  To what he will proceed.
The task why should I undertake,
And vainly the endeavor make,
His grievous troubles to redress?
’Twould only cause me sore distress,
  And to my misery lead.