IV. Hsi Sang

The Hsi Sang; allusive and narrative. The writer tells his admiration and love for some men of noble character.

1Where lies the ground both wet and low,
The mulberry trees in beauty grow;—
’Tis sweet to see their clust’ring leaves.
Such pleasure in my bosom heaves, p. 321
When I the princely men descry;—
To tell the joy ’twere vain to try.

2Where lies the ground both wet and low,
The mulberry trees in beauty grow;—
’Tis sweet to see their glossy leaves.
Such pleasure in my bosom heaves.
When I the princely men behold;—
Then does my heart its joy unfold.

3Where lies the ground both wet and low,
The mulberry trees in beauty grow;—
’Tis sweet to see their dark green leaves.
Such pleasure in my bosom heaves,
When lights upon those men my eye;—
At their grand fame my heart throbs high.

4I cherish those men in my heart.—
Might not my words my love impart?
No;—if the words were once but spoken,
The charm of love might then be broken.
The men shall dwell within my heart,
Nor thence with lapse of time depart.