VII. Hu Yeh

The Hu Yeh; narrative. Where the provisions are most frugal, all the rules of polite intercourse may yet be preserved.

1A few gourd leaves that waved about
Cut down and boiled;—the feast how spare! p. 327
But the good host his spirits takes,
Pours out a cup, and proves them rare.

2A single rabbit on the mat,
Or baked, or roast:—how small the feast!
But the good host his spirits takes,
And fills the cup of every guest.

3A single rabbit on the mat,
Roasted or broiled:—how poor the meal!
But the guests from the spirit vase
Fill their host's cup, and drink his weal.

4A single rabbit on the mat,
Roasted or baked:—no feast we think!
But from the spirit vase they take,
Both host and guests, and joyous drink.