Han Guang (The Broad Han River)

Preface: "Han Guang" speaks of the realm where virtuous governance is widely extended. The of King Wen (the civilizing influence of the Zhou King Wen) spread over the states to the south, and its fine influence flowed throughout the region of the Yangtze and Han rivers, so that no one harbored improper thoughts; even if one pursued, he could not obtain.

In the south there is a tall tree; one cannot rest beneath it. By the Han River there are wandering maidens; one cannot pursue them.

The Han River is so broad, one cannot swim across it; the Yangtze River is so long, one cannot cross it on a raft.

The tangled undergrowth is dense; I will cut the thorny brush. That lady is about to marry; I will feed her horses.

The Han River is so broad, one cannot swim across it; the Yangtze River is so long, one cannot cross it on a raft.

The tangled undergrowth is dense; I will cut the mugwort. That lady is about to marry; I will feed her ponies.

The Han River is so broad, one cannot swim across it; the Yangtze River is so long, one cannot cross it on a raft.

"Han Guang" comprises three stanzas, each with eight lines.