University of Virginia Library

On the hills of the south is the Tai plant ,
On those of the north is the Lai .
To be rejoiced in are ye , noble men ,
The foundations of the State .
To be rejoiced in are ye , noble men ; —
May your years be myriads and without end !

On the hills of the south are the mulberry trees ,
On those of the north are willows .
To be rejoiced in are ye , noble men ,
The light of the State .
To be rejoiced in are ye , noble men ; —
May your years be myriads , unlimited !

On the hills of the south are medlars ;
On those of the north are plum trees .
To be rejoiced in are ye , noble men ,
Parents of the people .
To be rejoiced in are ye , noble men ; —
May your virtuous fame have no end !

On the hills of the south is the Kao ;
On those of the north is the Niu .
To be rejoiced in are ye , noble men ,
Have ye not the eyebrows of longevity ?
To be rejoiced in are ye , noble men ; —
May your virtuous fame be abundant !

On the hills of the south is the Ju ;
On those of the north is the Yu .
To be rejoiced in are ye , gentlemen ;—
Will ye not have the grey hair and wrinkled face ?
To be rejoiced in are ye , gentlemen ; —
May ye preserve and maintain your posterity !