[NOTE.—­The “lin” is the female of “K’e”—­a fabulous animal—­the symbol of all goodness and benevolence; having the body of a deer, the tail of an ox, the hoofs of a horse, one horn, the scales of a fish, etc.  Its feet do not tread on any living thing—­not even on live grass; it does not butt with its forehead; and the end of its horn is covered with flesh—­to show that, while able for war, it wills to have peace.  The “lin” was supposed to appear inaugurating a golden age, but the poet finds a better auspice of that in the character of Wan’s family and kindred.]

The Virtuous Manners of the Young Women

  High and compressed, the Southern trees
    No shelter from the sun afford. 
  The girls free ramble by the Han,
    But will not hear enticing word. 
  Like the broad Han are they,
    Through which one cannot dive;
  And like the Keang’s long stream,
    Wherewith no raft can strive.

  Many the fagots bound and piled;
    The thorns I’d hew still more to make. 
  As brides, those girls their new homes seek;
    Their colts to feed I’d undertake. 
  Like the broad Han are they,
    Through which one cannot dive;
  And like the Keang’s long stream,
    Wherewith no raft can strive.

  Many the fagots bound and piled;
    The Southern-wood I’d cut for more. 
  As brides, those girls their new homes seek;
    Food for their colts I’d bring large store. 
  Like the broad Han are they,
    Through which one cannot dive;
  And like the Keang’s long stream,
    Wherewith no raft can strive.

Praise of a Rabbit-Catcher

  Careful he sets his rabbit-nets all round;
 Chang-chang his blows upon the pegs resound. 
  Stalwart the man and bold! his bearing all
  Shows he might be his prince’s shield and wall.

  Careful he is his rabbit-nets to place
  Where many paths of rabbits’ feet bear trace. 
  Stalwart the man and bold! ’tis plain to see
  He to his prince companion good would be.

  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!