To Heaven belong the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn,
and winter,[2]
with wind, rain, hoar frost, and dew; [in the action
of] all and each of these [there] is a lesson.
[3]
When the personal
character is pure and bright, the spirit and mind are like those
of a spiritual being. When what such a person desires is about to
come, there are sure to be premonitions of it in advance, [as when]
Heaven [is about to] send down seasonable rain, clouds come out
from hills and streams. The Ode says,
[4]
Grandly[5]
lofty are the mountains,
With their large masses[6]
reaching to the heavens.
From these mountains was sent down a Spirit.
Who gave birth to [the princes of] Fu and Shên.
Fu and Shên
Are the support of Chou,
Screens[7]
to all the States,
Diffusing [their influence] over the four quarters of
the kingdom.
Such was the virtue of [Kings] Wên and Wu.
[8]
The rulers of the Three Dynasties always were preceded by
their good names.[9]
The Ode says,[10]
Very intelligent is the Son of Heaven;
His good fame shall be without end.
Let him display his civil virtues,
Till they permeate all quarters of the kingdom.
Such was the virtue of King T`ai.
[11]