Four Bay Horses

"Si Tie"

Preface: The poem "Si Tie" praises Duke Xiang of Qin. When Duke Xiang first received his enfeoffment as a feudal lord, he engaged in hunting activities and enjoyed the pleasures of parks and gardens.

The four iron-gray steeds were very tall, with six reins held in hand. The favored minister of Duke Xiang accompanied him on the hunt.

They drove out the seasonable male beasts, which were extremely plump and strong. Duke Xiang commanded, "Shoot to the left!" With one release of the arrow, he struck the prey.

They went to the northern park for amusement; the four horses were already well-trained. The light hunting carriage bore ringing bells, carrying long-mouthed and short-mouthed hounds.

"Si Tie" has three stanzas, each with four lines.