IV. Wo Hsing Ch‘i Yeh

The Wo Hsing Ch‘i Yeh; narrative. An officer, who had left the royal domain, and sought for protection in a state where he had affinities by marriage, relates his disappointment, and the unworthy cause of it.

1All through the fields I traveled sad,
Th’ ailanthus foul my only shade.
Through our relationship I came,
Shelter to find with you and aid.
But me you show no wish to entertain;—
Back to my state and clan I go again!

2All through the fields I traveled sad,
And for my food the sheep's-foot cooked.
Through our relationship, to you
For lodging for a time I looked.
But me you show no wish to entertain;—
Back to my kindred now I go again!

3All through the fields I went and tried
Hunger with pokeweed to appease.
I came to you; your love is cold;
And your new mate you seek to please.
Grant that your heart her riches have not won,—
Her charms are new; my relative's are gone!