IV. Ch‘ê Hsia

The Ch‘ê Hsia; narrative and allusive. The rejoicing of a bridegroom over his young, beautiful, and virtuous bride.

1With axle creaking, all on fire I went,
To fetch my young and lovely bride.
No thirst or hunger pangs my bosom rent,—
I only longed to have her by my side.
I feast with her, whose virtue fame had told,
Nor need we friends our rapture to behold.

2The long-tailed pheasants surest covert find,
Amid the forest on the plain.
Here from my virtuous bride, of noble mind,
And person tall, I wisdom gain.
I praise her while we feast, and to her say,
"The love I bear you ne’er will know decay.

3"Poor we may be; spirits and viands fine
My humble means will not afford. p. 301
But what we have, we'll taste and not repine;
From us will come no grumbling word.
And though to you no virtue I can add,
Yet we will sing and dance, in spirit glad.

4"I oft ascend that lofty ridge with toil,
And hew large branches from the oaks;
Then of their leafy glory them I spoil,
And fagots form with vigorous strokes.
Returning tired, your matchless grace I see,
And my whole soul dissolves in ecstasy.

5"To the high hills I looked, and urged each steed;
The great road next was smooth and plain.
Up hill, o’er dale, I never slackened speed;
Like lutestring sounded every rein.
I knew, my journey ended, I should come
To you, sweet bride, the comfort of my home."