SHIJING (‘BOOKS OF

SONGS’) (EXCERPTS)
Confucius (551-479)
WHO IS CONFUCIUS?
WHAT IS A SHI-JING?
RIPE PLUMS
ripe plums are falling
now there are only five
may a fine lover come for me
while there is still time

ripe plums are falling

now there are only three
may a fine lover come for me
while there is still time

ripe plums are falling

I gather them in a shallow
basket
may a fine lover come for me
tell me his name
A LOVE-SONG
The moon comes forth, bright in the sky;
A lovelier sight to draw my eye
Is she, that lady fair.
She round my heart has fixed love's chain,
But all my longings are in vain.
'Tis hard the grief to bear.
The moon comes forth, a splendid sight;
More winning far that lady bright,
Object of my desire!
Deep-seated is my anxious grief;
In vain I seek to find relief;
While glows the secret fire.
The rising moon shines mild and fair;
More bright is she, whose beauty rare
My heart with longing fills.
With eager wish I pine in vain;
O for relief from constant pain,
Which through my bosom thrills!