Page:Sacred Books of the East - Volume 3.djvu/411

 .

The First Decade, or that of Wăn Wang.

The composition of this and the other pieces of this decade is attributed to the duke of Kâu, king Wăn's son, and was intended by him for the benefit of his nephew, the young king Khăng. Wăn, it must be borne in mind, was never actually king of China. He laid the foundations of the kingly power, which was established by his son king Wû, and consolidated by the duke of Kâu. The title of king was given to him and to others by the duke, according to the view of filial piety, that has been referred to on p. 299.

King Wăn is on high. Oh! bright is he in heaven. Although Kâu was an old country, The (favouring) appointment lighted on it recently. Illustrious was the House of Kâu, And the