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THE SHIH KING.
DECADE VII.

variegated wings. To be rejoiced in are these princes! May they receive the blessing of Heaven[1]!

Ode 6, Stanzas 1 and 2. The Pin kih khû yen.

Against drunkenness. Drinking according to rule at archery contests and the seasonal sacrifices, and drinking to excess.

There are good grounds for referring the authorship of this piece to duke Wû of Wei (B.C. 812 to 758), who played an important part in the kingdom, during the affairs which terminated in the death of king Yû, and the removal of the capital from Hâo to Lo. The piece, we may suppose, is descriptive of things as they were at the court of king Yû.

When the guests first approach the mats[2], They take their places on the left and the right in an orderly manner. The dishes of bamboo and wood are arranged in rows, With the sauces and kernels displayed in them. The spirits are mild and good, And they drink, all equally reverent. The bells and drums are properly arranged[3], And they raise their pledge-cups with order and ease[4]. (Then) the great


    made use of here to compliment the princes on the elegance of their manners, and perhaps also the splendour of their equipages. The bird is here called the 'mulberry Hû,' because it appeared when the mulberry tree was coming into leaf.

  1. This line is to be understood, with Kû Hsî, as a prayer of the king to Heaven for his lords.
  2. The mats were spread on the floor, and also the viands of the feast. Chairs and tables were not used in that early time.
  3. The archery took place in the open court, beneath the hall or raised apartment, where the entertainment was given. Near the steps leading up to the hall was the regular place for the bells and drums, but it was necessary now to remove them more on one side, to leave the ground clear for the archers.
  4. The host first presented a cup to the guest, which the latter drank, and then he returned a cup to the host. After this pre-