University of Virginia Library

Gently blows the east wind ,
With cloudy skies and with rain .
[Husband and wife] should strive to be of the same mind ,
And not let angry feelings arise .
When we gather the mustard plant and earth melons ,
We do not reject them because of their roots .
While I do nothing contrary to my good name ,
I should live with you till our death .
I go along the road slowly , slowly ,
In my inmost heart reluctant .
Not far , only a little way ,
Did he accompany me to the threshold .
Who says that the sowthistle is bitter ?
It is as sweet as the shepherd's purse .
You feast with your new wife ,
[Loving] as brothers .
The muddiness of the King appears from the Wei ,
But its bottom may be seen about the islets .
You feast with your new wife ,
And think me not worth being with
Do not approach my dam ,
Do not move my basket .
My person is rejected ; —
What avails it to care for what may come after ?
Where the water was deep ,
I crossed it by a raft or a boat .
Where it was shallow ,
I dived or swam across it .
Whether we had plenty or not ,
I exerted myself to be getting .
When among others there was a death ,
I crawled on my knees to help them .
You cannot cherish me ,
And you even count me as an enemy .
You disdain my virtues , —
A pedlar's wares which do not sell .
Formerly , I was afraid our means might be exhausted ,
And I might come with you to destitution .
Now , when your means are abundant ,
You compare me to poison .
My fine collection of vegetables ,
Is but a provision against the winter .
Feasting with your new wife ,
You think of me as a provision [only] against your poverty .
Cavalierly and angrily you treat me ;
You give me only pain .
You do not think of the former days ,
And are only angry with me .