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In the sixth month all was bustle and excitement. |
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The war carriages had been made ready, |
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With the four steeds [of each], strong and eager; |
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And the regular accountrements had been placed in the carriages. |
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The Xian-yun were in blazing force, |
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And thence was the urgency. |
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The king had ordered ther expedition, |
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To deliver the royal kingdom. |
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Matched in strength were the four black steeds, |
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Well trained to observe every rule. |
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On this sixth month, |
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We completed our accountrements. |
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Our accountrements were completed, |
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And we marched thirty Li [every day]. |
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The king had ordered ther expedition, |
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To help the son of Heaven. |
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The four steeds were long, and stout, |
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And large-headed. |
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We smote the Xian-yun, |
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And achieved great merit. |
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Severely strict and careful [was our leader], |
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Discharging his military service, -- |
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Discharging his military service, |
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And settling thereby the royal kingdom. |
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Badly reckoned the Xian-yun, |
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When they confidently occupied Jiao and Huo, |
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And overran Hao and Fang, |
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As far as to the north of the Jing. |
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On our flags was their blazonry of birds, |
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While their white streamers fluttered brightly. |
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Ten large war chariots, |
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Led the way in front. |
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The war carriages were well made. |
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Nicely balanced, before and behind. |
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Their four steeds were strong, |
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Both strong and well trained. |
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We smote the Xian-yun, |
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As far as Tai-yuan. |
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For peace or for war fit is Ji-fu, |
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A pattern to all the States. |
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Ji-fu feasts and is glad; |
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Great happiness is his. |
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In returning from Hao, |
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Distant and long had been our march. |
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He entertains and feasts his friends, |
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With roast turtle and minced carp. |
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And who are there? |
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There is Zhang Zhong, the filial and brotherly. |