Page:Sacred Books of the East - Volume 27.djvu/467

 (After this) they proceeded to sacrifice in yellow robes and yellow caps,—releasing the field-labourers from the toils (of the year). Countrymen wore yellow hats, which were made of straw.

12. The Great Netter was the officer who had the management for the son of Heaven of his birds and (captured) beasts, and to his department belonged (all such creatures) sent by the princes as tribute. (Those who brought them) wore hats of straw or bamboo splints, appearing, by way of honour to it, in that country dress. The Netter declined the deer and women (which they brought), and announced to the visitors the message (of the king) to this effect, that they might warn the princes with it:— &emsp;"He who loves hunting and women. &emsp; Brings his state to ruin." The son of Heaven planted gourds and flowering plants; not such things as might be reaped and stored.