Classic of Poetry

Those officers of the [old] capital, With their fox-furs so yellow, Their deportment unvaryingly [correct], And their speech full of elegance!— If we could go back to [the old] Chow, They would be admiringly looked up to by all the people.

Those officers of the [old] capital, With their hats of t‘ae leaves and small black caps!— Those ladies of noble Houses, With their hair so thick and straight!— I do not see them [now], And my heart is dissatisfied.

Those officers of the [old] capital, With their ear-plugs of sëw-stones!— Those ladies of noble Houses, Each fit to be called a Yin or a Keih!— I do not see them [now], And my heart grieves with indissoluble sorrow.

Those officers of the [old] capital, With their girdles hanging elegantly down!— Those ladies of great Houses, With their [side] hair curving up like a scorpion’s tail!— I do not see them [now]; [If I could], I would walk along after them.

Not that they purposely let their girdles hang down;— The girdles were naturally long. Not that they gave their hair that curve;— The hair had a natural curl. I do not see them [now], And how do I long for them!