Classic of Poetry

I would have galloped my horses and whipt them, Returning to condole with the marquis of Wei. I would have urged them all the long way, Till I arrived at Ts‘aou. A great officer has gone, over the hills and through the rivers; But my heart is full of sorrow.

You disapproved of my [proposal], And I cannot return [to Wei]; But I regard you as in the wrong, And cannot forget my purpose. You disapproved of my purpose, And I cannot return across the streams; But I regard you as in the wrong, And cannot shut out my thoughts.

I will ascend that mound with the steep side, And gather the mother-of-pearl lilies. I might, as a woman, have many thoughts, But every one of them was practicable. The people of Heu blame me, But they are all childish and hasty [in their conclusions].

I would have gone through the country, Amidst the wheat so luxuriant. I would have carried the case before the great State. On whom should I have relied? Who would come [to the help of Wei]? Ye great officers and gentlemen, Do not condemn me. The hundred plans you think of Are not equal to the course I was going to take.