Zhongnan Mountain

"Zhongnan"

Preface: "Zhongnan" is a poem admonishing Duke Xiang of Qin. He was able to recover the former territories of the Zhou dynasty, began to be enfeoffed as a feudal lord, and received splendid ceremonial robes. The grandees praised him, and thus composed this poem to admonish and encourage him.

What is there on Zhongnan Mountain? There are mountain catalpas and plum trees. When the noble man arrives here, he wears brocade robes and a fox-fur coat. His complexion is ruddy as if painted with vermilion—truly he is our lord!

What is there on Zhongnan Mountain? There are willows and sweet pear trees. When the noble man arrives here, he wears embroidered ceremonial robes and colorful garments. His jade pendants tinkle and chime. May he live long, and may we never forget him.

"Zhongnan" consists of two stanzas, each of six lines.