Chinese and Arabian Literature - E. Wilson - The Search For Mecca

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THE SHI-KING
; ; !
Careful he is his rabbit-nets to spread,
Where in the forest's depth the trees give shade.
Stalwart the man and bold ! fit his the part
Guide to his prince to be, and faithful heart.
! ;
The Song of the Plantain-Gatherers
We gather and gather the plantains
Come gather them anyhow.
Yes, gather and gather the plantains,
And here we have got them now.
We gather and gather the plantains
Now off the ears we must tear.
Yes, gather and gather the plantains,
And now the seeds are laid bare.
We gather and gather the plantains.
The seeds in our skirts are placed.
Yes, gather and gather the plantains.
Ho ! safe in the girdled waist
The Affection of the Wives on the Joo
Along the raised banks of the Joo,
To hew slim stem and branch I wrought.
My lord away, my husband true,
Like hunger-pang my troubled thought
Along the raised banks of the Joo,
Branch and fresh shoot confessed my art.
I've seen my lord, my husband true.
And still he folds me in his heart.
As the toiled bream makes red its tail,
Toil you, Sir, for the Royal House
Amidst its blazing fires, nor quail :
—
Your parents see you pay your vows.