Classic of Poetry

In the sixth month all was bustle and excitement. The war carriages had been made ready, With the four steeds [of each], strong and eager; And the regular accoutrements had been placed in the carriages. The Hëen-yun were in blazing force, And thence was the urgency. The king had ordered the expedition, To deliver the royal kingdom.

Matched in strength were the four black steeds, Well trained to observe every rule. On this sixth month, We completed our accoutrements. Our accoutrements were completed, And we marched thirty le [every day]. The king had ordered the expedition, To help the son of Heaven.

The four steeds were long, and stout, And large-headed. We smote the Hëen-yun, And achieved great merit. Severely strict and careful [was our leader], Discharging his military service,— Discharging his military service, And settling thereby the royal kingdom.

Badly reckoned the Hëen-yun, When they confidently occupied Tseaou and Hwoh, And overran Haou and Fang, As far as to the north of the King. On our flags was their blazonry of birds, While their white streamers fluttered brightly. Ten large war chariots Led the way in front.

The war carriages were well made, Nicely balanced, before and behind. Their four steeds were strong, Both strong and well trained. We smote the Hëen-yun, As far as T‘ae-yuen. For peace or for war fit is Keih-foo, A pattern to all the States.

Keih-foo feasts and is glad; Great happiness is his. In returning from Haou, Distant and long had been our march. He entertains and feasts his friends, With roast turtle and minced carp. And who are there? There is Chang Chung, the filial and brotherly.