In King Ch`êng's time there were three sprouts that grew up
through a mulberry [leaf][2]
and united to put forth a single ear
of grain large enough nearly to fill a cart and long enough nearly
to cover the bed of a wagon. King Ch`êng asked the Duke of
Chou, "What is this thing?"
The Duke of Chou said, "It seems to me that three sprouts
united into a single ear of grain [means] that the empire is now
about to become unified."
Three years after this in fact[3]
the ruler of Yüeh-shang[4]
[sent
a mission] with nine interpreters[5]
to present[6]
to the Duke of
Chou some white pheasants. [The envoy said,][7]
"So distant was
the road, so secluded[8]
the mountains and so deep the rivers, that
it was feared an envoy[9]
would not reach here without the aid of
many interpreters."
The Duke of Chou [declined][10]
saying, "Why should I be
given a present?"
The interpreter said, "We received the order from the elders
of my state who said,[11]
`For a long time in the heavens there
have been no sudden winds or quick rains, and on the sea no
waves or inundations. For three years it has been thus. It seems
to us probable that there is a sage in the Middle Kingdom. Why
not go pay court to him?' Whereupon we came."
The Duke of Chou then respectfully received[12]
that which they
had brought. The Ode says,[13]
For myriads of years,
Will there not be their helpers?[14]