The Cap with Strings

"Kui Bian"

Preface: "Kui Bian" is a poem in which the various nobles satirize King You of Zhou. King You was tyrannical and perverse, devoid of familial affection, unable to feast with his own clan members, and incapable of drawing near and harmonizing the nine degrees of kinship. Isolated and in peril, on the verge of destruction, they therefore created this poem.

Wearing that tall, raised leather cap, for what purpose is it? Your fine wine is already sweet, your dishes are already excellent. Could it be that outsiders have come? They are all brothers of the clan, no others.

The dodder and the creeping vine cling to the pine and cypress trees. Before I have seen the noble one, my heart is troubled and uneasy; after I have seen the noble one, perhaps I shall feel joy and delight.

Wearing that tall, raised leather cap, for what expected occasion? Your fine wine is already sweet, your dishes are already in season. Could it be that outsiders have come? They are all brothers of the clan, all have arrived.

The dodder and the creeping vine cling to the pine trees above. Before I have seen the noble one, my heart is burdened with deep sorrow; after I have seen the noble one, perhaps I shall gain some benefit.

Wearing that tall, raised leather cap, it is truly worn upon the head. Your fine wine is already sweet, your dishes are already abundant. Could it be that outsiders have come? They are all brothers of the clan, as well as nephews and uncles.

Like before the snowfall, first the sleet gathers. Death and mourning have no fixed date; I know not how many times we may meet again. Tonight, let us drink and be merry to the fullest; the noble one only needs to feast and enjoy.

"Kui Bian" has three stanzas, each of twelve lines.