The Stream

Preface: “Si Gan” is a eulogy celebrating King Xuan of Zhou’s renovation of the palace chambers.

The murmuring streamlet flows; the deep Southern Mountain looms.

Clustered like bamboos, luxuriant like pines.

Brothers, be loving to one another, and do not deceive each other.

Inheriting the legacy of our mother and ancestors, we build the palace—a hundred walls in length, with windows opened to the southwest. Here we dwell, here we rest, here we laugh, here we speak.

The sound of the rammed-earth boards goes “ge-ge”; the thud of tamping earth goes “tuo-tuo.” Sheltered from wind and rain, warding off birds and rats, the noble man dwells here at peace.

The palace stands upright as one on tiptoe, straight as an arrow, lofty as a bird in flight, splendid as a pheasant soaring—the noble man ascends to it.

The courtyard is level and broad; the pillars are tall and straight. The main hall is bright and spacious; the inner chambers are deep and tranquil—the noble man finds peace here.

Below is spread a rush mat; above is laid a bamboo mat—he sleeps in comfort. He rises after sleep, and I divine my dream.

What is the auspicious dream? Bears and brown bears, vipers and snakes.

The diviner foretells: Bears and brown bears—these are omens of bearing sons; vipers and snakes—these are omens of bearing daughters.

Then, if a son is born, let him sleep on a bed, clothe him in robes, and give him a jade scepter to play with.

His cry is loud and clear; in time, he shall wear the crimson knee-cover, bright and splendid, becoming the lord of the house.

Then, if a daughter is born, let her sleep on the ground, wrap her in swaddling, and give her a spindle-whorl to play with.

She shall not be disobedient, nor strive for prowess, but only attend to wine and food, bringing no trouble to her parents.

“Si Gan” has nine stanzas: four stanzas of seven lines each, and five stanzas of five lines each.