Sacred Books of the East, Volume 3: The Shih King
Translated by James Legge
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The opening
Ode 1. The Nâ.
How admirable! how complete! Here are set our hand-drums and drums. The drums resound harmonious and loud, To delight our meritorious ancestor.
The descendant of Thang invites him with this music, That he may soothe us with the realization of our thoughts. Deep is the sound of our hand-drums and drums; Shrilly sound the flutes; All harmonious and blending together, According to the notes of the sonorous gem. Oh! majestic is the descendant of Thang; Very admirable is his music.
The large bells and drums fill the ear; The various dances are grandly performed. We have the admirable visitors, Who are pleased and delighted.
From of old, before our time, The former men set us the example;— How to be mild and humble from morning to night, And to be reverent in discharging the service.
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About this edition
- The words
- James Legge's English translation, copied word for word.
- Left out
- The source website's menus, layout and notices
- Notes and pages added by translators, editors or publishers, in 2 places