University of Virginia Library

My four steeds advanced without stopping ;
The way from Zhou was winding and tedious .
Did I not have the wish to return ?
But the king's business was not to be slackly performed ;
And my heart was wounded with sadness .

My four steeds advanced without stopping ;
They panted and snorted , the white steeds black-maned .
Did I not have the wish to return ?
But the king's business was not to be slackly performed ;
And I had not leisure to kneel or to sit .

The Filial doves keep flying about ,
Now soaring aloft , and now descending ,
Collecting on the bushy oaks ;
But the king's business was not to be slackly performed ;
And I had not leisure to nourish my father .

The Filial doves keep flying about ,
Now flying , now stopping ,
Collecting on the bushy medlars ;
But the king's business was not to be slackly performed ;
And I had not leisure to nourish my mother .

I yoked my four white steeds , black-maned ;
They hurried away with speed .
[But] did I not wish to return ?
Therefore I make this song ,
Announcing my wish to nourish my mother .