University of Virginia Library

Large are the fields , and various is the work to be done .
Having selected the seed , and looked after the implements ,
So that all preparations have been made for our labour ,
We take our sharp plough-shares ,
And commence on the south-lying acres .
We sow all the kinds of grain ,
Which grow up straight and large ,
So that the wish of the distant descendant is satisfied .

It ears , and the fruit lies soft in its sheath ;
It hardens and is of good quality ;
There is no wolf ' s-tail grass , nor darnel .
We remove the insects that eat the heart and the leaf ,
And those that eat the roots and the joints .
So that they shall not hurt the young plants of our fields .
May the Spirit , the Father of husbandry ,
Lay hold of them , and put them in the blazing fire !

The clouds form in dense masses ,
And the rain comes down slowly .
May it rain first on our public fields ,
And then come to our private !
There shall be young grain unreaped ,
And here some sheaves ungathered ;
There shall be handfuls left on the ground ,
And here ears untouched :—

The distant descendant will come ,
When their wives and children ,
Are bringing food to those [at work] on the south-lying acres .
The surveyor of the fields [also] will come and be glad .
They will come and offer pure sacrifices to the Spirits of the four quarters ,
With their preparations of millet :
Thus offering , thus sacrificing ,
Thus increasing our bright happiness .