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

144
THE SHI-KING
Whistles the wind, patters the rain.
The cock's crow far resounds.
But I have seen my lord again,
And healed are my heart's wounds.
All's dark amid the wind and rain,
Ceaseless the cock's clear voice!
But I have seen my lord again;—
Should not my heart rejoice?
In Praise of Some Lady
There by his side in chariot rideth she,
As lovely flower of the hibiscus tree.
So fair her face ; and when about they wheel.
Her girdle gems of Ke7i themselves reveal.
For beauty all the House of Keang have fame
Its eldest daughter—she beseems her name.
There on the path, close by him, walketh she,
Bright as the blossom of hibiscus tree.
And fair her face ; and when around they flit,
Her girdle gems a tinkling sound emit.
Among the Keang she has distinguished place.
For virtuous fame renowned, and peerless grace.
A Man's Praise of His Wife
My path forth from the east gate lay.
Where cloud-like moved the girls at play.
Numerous are they, as clouds so bright.
But not on them my heart's thoughts light.
Dressed in a thin white silk, with coiffure gray,
Is she, my wife, my joy in life's low way.
Forth by the covering wall's high tower,
I went, and saw, like rush in flower.
Each flaunting girl. Brilliant are they.
But not with them my heart's thoughts stay.
In thin white silk, with head-dress madder-dyed,
Is she, my sole delight, 'foretime my bride.
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