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When first the phoenix rises, the sparrow[1]
capable only of
fluttering along for ten paces chirrups his laughter; but when [the
phoenix] has mounted on high,[2]
one curve, one straightening,[3]
and
he soars among the clouds.[4]
The sparrow on the bamboo fence[5]
in despair realizes himself unable to get so far. The gentleman
clad in coarse cloth and wearing hemp-quilted garments, of which
he never possessed a sufficiency, and subsisting on coarse grain
and vegetables, of which he has never eaten his fill,[6]
is considered
by the common man merely to be in a shameful condition. But
when he comes out [of retirement], he settles the hundred discussions;
when he is employed, he prolongs the life of the people;
and the common man in despair realizes himself unable to get so
far.
The Ode says,[7]
He rectifies the people of his state:—
May he continue for ten thousand years!
