Page:Sacred Books of the East - Volume 3.djvu/408

 variegated wings. To be rejoiced in are these princes! May they receive the blessing of Heaven !

There are good grounds for referring the authorship of this piece to duke Wû of Wei ( 812 to 758), who played an important part in the kingdom, during the affairs which terminated in the death of king Yû, and the removal of the capital from Hâo to Lo. The piece, we may suppose, is descriptive of things as they were at the court of king Yû.

When the guests first approach the mats , They take their places on the left and the right in an orderly manner. The dishes of bamboo and wood are arranged in rows, With the sauces and kernels displayed in them. The spirits are mild and good, And they drink, all equally reverent. The bells and drums are properly arranged , And they raise their pledge-cups with order and ease. (Then) the great