Classic of Poetry

They gather the beans, they gather the beans, In their baskets, square and round. The princes are coming to court, And what gifts have I to give them? Although I have none to give them, There are the state carriages and their teams. What more have I to give them? The dark-coloured [upper] robes with the dragon, And the [lower garments with the] hatchet.

Right up bubbles the water from the spring, And they gather the cress [about it]. The princes are coming to court, And I see their dragon flags;— Their dragon flags moving [in the wind], While the sound of their bells comes hwuy-hwuy. There are the two outside horses, there are the whole teams,— Proofs that the princes are come.

Their red covers on their knees, And their buskins below, There is no remissness in their demeanour;— Of such should the son of Heaven approve. To be rejoiced in are the princes, And the son of Heaven gives them the badges of his favour. To be rejoiced in are the princes, And their happiness and dignities are renewed and extended.

On the branches of the oaks, How abundant are the leaves! To be rejoiced in are the princes, Guardians of the regions of the son of Heaven. To be rejoiced in are the princes, Around whom all blessings collect. Discriminating and able are their attendants, Who also have followed them hither.

It floats about, the boat of willow wood, Fastened by the band of the rope. To be rejoiced in are the princes, And the son of Heaven scans [their merits]. To be rejoiced in are the princes, And their happiness and dignities are enlarged. How joyous, how happy, Is their coming here!