By the Fen's Banks

The preface to "Fen Ju Ru" says: "Fen Ju Ru" satirizes frugality. The ruler was frugal and diligent, but the poem criticizes him for failing to act in accordance with ritual propriety.

In the low-lying wetlands by the Fen River, one gathers the mò plant there. That man—how admirable, beyond measure; how admirable, beyond measure—yet he is utterly unsuited to the office of Gonglu.

By the riverbank of the Fen River, one gathers mulberry leaves there. That man—how admirable, like a flower; how admirable, like a flower—yet he is utterly unsuited to the office of Gongxing.

In the winding bend of the Fen River, one gathers the xù plant there. That man—how admirable, like fine jade; how admirable, like fine jade—yet he is utterly unsuited to the office of Gongzu.

"Fen Ju Ru" has three stanzas, each with six lines.