Shih King (11th-7th cent.BC)

SONG OF WELCOME TO THE BRIDE OF KING WĂN.†↩⚓✪

• • Waterfowl‡ their mates are calling,§⚓✪
  • On the islets in the stream.⚓✪
  • Chaste and modest maid! fit partner⚓✪
  • For our lord (thyself we deem).⚓✪

⚓

           ⚓✪

           ’Twas this chaste and modest maiden⚓✪

• He hath sought for, morn and night.⚓✪
• Seeking for her, yet not finding,⚓✪
• Night and morning he would yearn⚓✪
• Ah, so long, so long!—and restless
• ⚓✪On his couch would toss and turn.⚓✪
• • Waterlilies, long or short ones,—⚓✪
  • Gather,† right and left, their flowers.⚓✪
  • Now the chaste and modest maiden⚓✪
  • Lute and harp‡ shall hail as ours.⚓✪
  • Long or short the waterlilies,⚓✪
  • Pluck† them left and pluck them right.⚓✪
  • To the chaste and modest maiden⚓✪
  • Bell and drum§ shall give delight.