University of Virginia Library

Ah ! ah ! our meritorious ancestor !
Permanent are the blessings coming from him ,
Repeatedly conferred without end :—
They have come to you in this place .
The clear spirits are in our vessels ,
And there is granted to us the realization of our thoughts .
There are also the well-tempered soups ,
Prepared beforehand , the ingredients rightly proportioned .
By these offerings we invite his presence , without a word ,
Nor is there now any contention [in any part of the service] .
He will bless us with the eyebrows of longevity ,
With the grey hair and wrinkled face , in unlimited degree .
With the naves of their wheels bound with leather , and their ornamented yokes ,
With the eight bells at their horses' bits all tinkling ,
[The princess] come and assist at the offerings .
We have received the appointment in all its greatness ,
And from Heaven is our prosperity sent down ,
Fruitful years of great abundance .
[Our ancestor] will come and enjoy [our offerings] ,
And confer [on us] happiness without limit .
May he regard our sacrifices in summer and winter ,
[Thus] offered by the descendant of Tang !