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A lucky day was wu, |
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And we sacrificed on it to the Ruler [of horses], and prayed. |
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Our hunting carriages were good; |
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The team for each was in fine condition. |
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We would ascend the greatest heights, |
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And pursue the herds [of the game]. |
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A lucky day was geng-wu. |
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We had selected our horses; |
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The haunts of the animals, |
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Where the does and stags lay numerous, |
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The grounds by the Qi and the Ju, -- |
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That was the place for the son of Heaven [to hunt]. |
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We looked to the midst of the plain, |
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Where the animals were large and abundant, |
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Now rushing about, now waiting together, |
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Here in threes, there in twos. |
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We led on all our attendants, |
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To give pleasure to the son of Heaven. |
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We have bent our bows; |
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We have our arrows on the string. |
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Here is a small boar transifixed; |
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There is a large rhinoceros killed. |
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The spoil will be presented to the visitors and guests, |
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Along with the cup of sweet wine. |
Published
by The Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities, © Copyright 2003
by Anne Kinney and the University of Virginia