Classic of Poetry

Ah! ah! our meritorious ancestor! Permanent are the blessings coming from him, Repeatedly conferred without end:— They have come to you in this place. The clear spirits are in our vessels, And there is granted to us the realization of our thoughts. There are also the well-tempered soups, Prepared beforehand, the ingredients rightly proportioned. By these offerings we invite his presence, without a word, Nor is there now any contention [in any part of the service]. He will bless us with the eyebrows of longevity, With the grey hair and wrinkled face, in unlimited degree. With the naves of their wheels bound with leather, and their ornamented yokes, With the eight bells at their horses’ bits all tinkling, [The princes] come and assist at the offerings. We have received the appointment in all its greatness, And from Heaven is our prosperity sent down, Fruitful years of great abundance. [Our ancestor] will come and enjoy [our offerings], And confer [on us] happiness without limit. May he regard our sacrifices in summer and winter, [Thus] offered by the descendant of T‘ang!