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Large are the fields, and various is the work to be done. |
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Having selected the seed, and looked after the implements, |
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So that all preparations have been made for our labour, |
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We take our sharp plough-shares, |
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And commence on the south-lying acres. |
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We sow all the kinds of grain, |
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Which grow up straight and large, |
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So that the wish of the distant descendant is satisfied. |
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It ears, and the fruit lies soft in its sheath; |
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It hardens and is of good quality; |
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There is no wolf ' s-tail grass, nor darnel. |
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We remove the insects that eat the heart and the leaf, |
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And those that eat the roots and the joints. |
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So that they shall not hurt the young plants of our fields. |
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May the Spirit, the Father of husbandry, |
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Lay hold of them, and put them in the blazing fire! |
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The clouds form in dense masses, |
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And the rain comes down slowly. |
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May it rain first on our public fields, |
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And then come to our private! |
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There shall be young grain unreaped, |
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And here some sheaves ungathered; |
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There shall be handfuls left on the ground, |
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And here ears untouched: -- |
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The distant descendant will come, |
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When their wives and children, |
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Are bringing food to those [at work] on the south-lying acres. |
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The surveyor of the fields [also] will come and be glad. |
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They will come and offer pure sacrifices to the Spirits of the four quarters, |
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With their preparations of millet: |
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Thus offering, thus sacrificing, |
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Thus increasing our bright happiness. |