Interchange of the Tenth Month

"October's Overlap"

Preface: "October's Overlap" is a poem by a high officer satirizing King You of Zhou.

On the first day of the tenth month, it was the day of Xinmao. A solar eclipse occurred, which is an extremely ominous phenomenon.

The moon was once dimmed, and now the sun too has become dim. The common people below are now utterly pitiable.

The sun and moon display baleful signs, not following their regular paths. The four quarters of the state have no good governance, and worthy men are not employed.

When the moon suffers an eclipse, it is still considered an ordinary matter; but when the sun suffers an eclipse, why is it so unlucky?

Lightning and thunder rage fiercely; the realm is not at peace, and government affairs are not harmonious. A hundred rivers boil and overflow; mountain peaks suddenly collapse.

High banks turn into deep valleys; deep valleys turn into high hills. Alas for the people of today—why do they not take warning?

Huangfu serves as Minister of High Officers; Fanshi serves as Minister of the Multitudes. Jiabo serves as Grand Steward; Zhongyun serves as Provisioner.

Zouzi serves as Scribe of the Interior; Jueshi serves as Master of Horse. Yushi serves as Master of Instruction; the dazzling wife (Bao Si) is blazing hot in power.

Alas! This Huangfu—does he not know the proper season? Why does he press me into service without first consulting me?

He tears down my walls and houses, leaving all fields barren and overgrown with weeds. He says, "I do not harm you; such is the established rule."

Huangfu is exceedingly wise; he built a capital at Xiang. He selected the Three Officials, amassing great wealth.

He refuses to retain a single old minister to guard our king. He chose men with chariots and horses and made them move to Xiang.

I toil diligently in the king's service, not daring to speak of my hardship. Without any crime, I am slandered by endless rumors.

The calamities of the common people do not descend from heaven. Face-to-face criticism, behind-the-back hatred—these calamities are entirely caused by men.

I dwell in my village in sorrow, experiencing great pain. The people of the four quarters all have surplus, but I alone remain in distress.

None of the people are not at ease; only I dare not rest. Heaven's mandate does not follow the usual way; I dare not imitate my friends in seeking their own comfort.

"October's Overlap" has eight stanzas, each of eight lines.