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Our chariots were strong, |
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Our horses were well matched, |
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And with four steeds [for each], sleek and large, |
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We yoked and proceeded to the east. |
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Our hunting carriages were good, |
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And their four steeds in fine condition. |
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Eastwards were the grassy plains of Fu; -- |
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We yoked and went there to hunt. |
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Of the officers in charge of the hunt, |
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The voices resounded as they told off the men. |
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They set up the banners, with ox-tails displayed, |
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And we proceeded to pursue the chase in Ao. |
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With their four-horsed chariots [they came], |
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Forming a long train, |
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In their red knee-covers and gold-adorned slippers, |
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Like the crowd of an occasional or a general audience. |
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The bowstring thimbles and armlets were fitted on; |
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The bows and arrows were adjusted to one another; |
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The archers acted in unison, |
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Helping us to rear a pile of game. |
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Of the four yellow horses of each chariot, |
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The two outsiders inclined not to either side. |
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No error in driving was committed, |
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And the arrows went forth like downright blows. |
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As if at their ease, the horses neighed, |
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Long and slow moved the line of pennons and banners; |
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The footmen and charioteers created no alarms; |
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The great kitchen did not claim its full complement. |
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So did the officers conduct this expedition, |
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Without any clamour in the noise of it. |
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Truly a princely man is [the king]; |
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Great indeed are his achievements! |
Published
by The Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities, © Copyright 2003
by Anne Kinney and the University of Virginia