In Deed (The Book Of Songs 127)

MINISTER of War,

We are the king’s claw and fangs.

Why should you roll us on from misery to

       misery,

Giving us no place to stop or take rest?

 

Minster of War,

We are the king’s claw and teeth.

Why should you roll us from misery to

       misery,

Giving us no place to come and stay?

   

Minster of War,

You are not wise.

Why should you roll us from misery to

       misery,

We have mothers who lack food.

From The Book Of Songs, Translation from the Chinese by Arthur Waley, New York, Grove Press, 1960.