The Hound's Bells

Lu Ling

Preface: "Lu Ling" is a poem satirizing the neglect of governance. Duke Xiang of Qi was fond of hunting, capturing animals with nets and shooting birds with arrows, yet he did not attend to the affairs of the people. The people thus suffered, and so they recounted the conduct of virtuous ancient rulers to remonstrate with him.

The hunting dog’s collar bells jingle and ring; that man is both handsome and kind-hearted.

The hunting dog’s collar bears double rings; that man is both handsome and valiant.

The hunting dog’s collar bears triple rings; that man is both handsome and gifted.

"Lu Ling" consists of three stanzas, each with two lines.