The Hoopoe

"Mulberry Finches"

Preface: "Mulberry Finches" is a satire on King You of Zhou. Both ruler and ministers, high and low, act without propriety or law.

Flitting and darting, the mulberry finches,

Their feathers so bright and clear.

The noble man is joyful and at peace,

Receiving blessings from Heaven.

Flitting and darting, the mulberry finches,

How lovely the plumage on their necks.

The noble man is joyful and at peace,

A bulwark for all the states.

A bulwark and a pillar,

The lords take him as their pattern.

If he cannot restrain or control himself,

How can his blessings be many and vast?

The ox-horn cups curve gracefully,

The fine wine is mild and sweet.

In dealings with others, he is not arrogant,

And ten thousand kinds of fortune arrive together.

"Mulberry Finches" has four stanzas, each of four lines.