The Shih Ching or the Book of Odes is a traditional compendium of 300 poems concerning all aspects of daily life. It was traditionally edited by Confucius from a larger group of 3000 poems, and its lessons are an important part of the Confucian tradition. It is quite ancient, contemporary with the I Ching, dating back to at least 1000 BC, and probably much older than that. Here is a selection of some of its different types. We hope in the near future to be able to publish the complete text as part of the Galileo Library. There are several other, and probably better, translations available.
The Tsai Shu.
[Legge's 'Preface" says that this ode was used in spring, when the king in person turned up some furrows in the field set apart for that purpose, and prayed at the altars of the spirits of the land and the grain, for an abundant year.]
They clear away the grass and the bushes; and the ground is laid open by their ploughs. In thousands of pairs they remove the roots, some in the low wet land, some along the dykes.
There are the master and his eldest son; his younger sons, and all their children; their strong helpers and their hired servants. How the noise of their eating the viands brought to them resounds! (The husbands) think lovingly of their wives; (the wives) keep close to their husbands. (Then) with their sharp ploughshares they set to work on the south-lying acres.
They sow their various kinds of grain, each seed containing in it a germ of life. In unbroken lines rises the blade, and, well nourished, the stalks grow long. Luxuriant looks the young grain, and the weeders go among it in multudes.
Then come the reapers in crowds. And the grain is piled up in the fields, myriads, and hundreds of thousands, and millions (of stacks); for the spirits and for sweet spirits, to offer our ancestors, male and female, and to provide for all ceremonies.
Fragrant is their aroma, enchanting the glory of the state. Like pepper is their smell, to give comfort to the aged.
It is not here only that there is this (abundance); it is not now only that there is such a time: -- from of old it has been thus.
The Ch'u Ts'e.
[A poetic description of sacrifical and festive services in the ancestral temple, and their connection with husbandry.]
Thick grew the tribulus (on the ground), but they cleared away its thorny bushes. Why did they this of old? That we might plant our millet and sacrifice millet; that our millet might be abundant, and our sacrificial millet luxuriant. When our barns are full, and our stocks can be counted by tens of myriads, we proceed to make spirits and prepared grain, for offerings and sacrifice. We seat the representatives of the dead, and urge them to eat: -- thus seeking to increase our bright happiness.
With correct and reverent deportment, the bulls and rams all pure, we proceed to the winter and autumnal sacrifices. Some flay (the victims); some cook (their flesh); some arrange (the meat); some adjust (the pieces of it). The officer of prayer sacrifices inside the temple gate. And all the sacrificial service is complete and brilliant. Grandly come our progenitors; their spirits happily enjoy the offerings; their filial descendant receives blessing: -- they will reward him with great happiness, with myriads of years, life without end.
They attend to the furnaces with reverence; they prepare the trays, which are very large; -- some for the roast meat, some for the broiled. Wives presiding are still reverent, preparing the numerous (smaller) dishes. The guests and visitors present the cup all round. Every form is according to rule; every smile and word are as they should be. The spirits quietly come, and respond with great blessings, -- myriads of years as the (fitting) reward.
We are very much exhausted, and have performed every ceremony without error. The able officer of prayer announces (the will of the spirits), and goes to the filial descendant to convey it: -- 'Fragrant has been your filial sacrifice, and the spirits have enjoyed your spirits and viands. They confer on you a hundred blessings; each as it is desired, each as sure as law. You have been exact and expeditious; you have been correct and careful; they will ever confer on you the choicest favours, in myriads and tens of myriads.'
The ceremonies having thus been completed and the bells and drums having given their warning, the filial descendant goes to his place, and the able officer of prayer makes his announcement, 'The spirits have drunk to the full.' The great representatives of the dead then rise, and the bells and drums escort their withdrawal, (on which) the spirits tranquilly return (to whence they come). All the servants, and the presiding wives, remove (the trays and dishes) without delay. The (sacrificer's) uncles and cousins all repair to the private feast.
The musicians all go to perform, and give their soothing aid at the second blessing. Your viands are set forth; there is no dissatisfaction, but all feel happy. They drink to the full, and eat to the full; great and small, they bow their heads, (saying), 'The spirits enjoyed your spirits and viands, and will cause you to live long. Your sacrifices, all their seasons, are completely discharged by you. May your sons and your grandsons never fail to perpetuate these services!
