Classic of Poetry

Grandly lofty are the mountains, With their large masses reaching to the heavens. From these mountains was sent down a Spirit, Who gave birth to [the princes of] Foo and Shin. Foo and Shin, Are the support of Chow, Screens to all the States, Diffusing [their influence] over the four quarters of the kingdom.

Full of activity is the chief of Shin, And the king would employ him to continue the services [of his fathers], With his capital in Sëay, Where he should be a pattern to the States of the south. The king gave charge to the earl of Shaou, To arrange all about the residence of the chief of Shin, Where he should do what was necessary for the regions of the south, And where his posterity might maintain his merit.

The king gave charge to the chief of Shin, ‘Be a pattern to the regions of the south, And by means of those people of Sëay, Proceed to display your merit.’ The king gave charge to the earl of Shaou, To make the statutory definition of the territory and fields of the chief of Shin. The king gave charge to the chief’s steward To remove the members of his family to the spot.

Of the services of the chief of Shin, The foundation was laid by the earl of Shaou, Who built first the walls [of his city], And then completed his ancestral temple. When the temple was completed, wide and grand, The king conferred on the chief of Shin Four noble steeds, With their hooks for the trappings of the breast-bands, glittering bright.

The king sent away the chief of Shin, With a carriage of state and its team of horses. ‘I have consulted about your residence, That it had best be fixed in the South. I confer on you a great sceptre, As the symbol of your dignity. Go, my uncle, And protect the country of the South.’

The chief of Shin took his departure, And the king gave him a parting feast in Mei. Then the chief of Shin returned, [and proceeded] to the south, And found himself at last in Sëay. The king had given charge to the earl of Shaou, To make the statutory division of the lands, And to lay up stores of provisions, That the progress of the chief might be accelerated.

Martial-like, the chief of Shin Entered into Sëay. His footmen and charioteers were numerous, And throughout the regions of Chow all rejoiced. ‘You have got a good support:— Very distinguished is the chief of Shin, The great uncle of the king, The pattern of the officers, both civil and military.’

The virtue of the chief of Shin Is mild, and regulated, and upright. He will keep all these countries in order, And be famed throughout the kingdom. [I], Keih-foo, made this song An ode of great excellence, Of influence good, To present to the chief of Shin.