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

BOOK X
THE ODES OF T'ANG
The King Goes to War
The wild geese fly the bushy oaks around,
With clamor loud. Suh-suh their wings resound,
As for their feet poor resting-place is found.
The King's affairs admit of no delay.
Our millet still unsown, we haste away.
No food is left our parents to supply
— ;
When we are gone, on whom can they rely?
O azure Heaven, that shinest there afar,
When shall our homes receive us from the war?
The wild geese on the bushy jujube-trees
Attempt to settle and are ill at ease;
Suh-suh their wings go flapping in the breeze.
The King's afifairs admit of no delay;
Our millet still unsown, we haste away.
How shall our parents their requirements get?
How in our absence shall their wants be met?
O azure Heaven, that shinest there afar,
When shall our homes receive us from the war?
The bushy mulberry-trees the geese in rows
Seek eager and to rest around them close
With rustling loud, as disappointment grows.
The King's aflfairs admit of no delay;
To plant our rice and maize we cannot stay.
How shall our parents find their wonted food?
When we are gone, who will to them be good?
O azure Heaven, that shinest there afar,
When shall our homes receive us from the war?
151
—