The Water Plants and the Pool

"Fish and Waterweed"

Preface: "Fish and Waterweed" is a poem satirizing King You of Zhou. It speaks of all things having lost their true nature. King You dwelt in Haojing, yet was about to be unable to find joy for himself. Thus the noble man longs for King Wu of ancient times.

The fish swim among the waterweed, showing their large heads. King Wu of Zhou was in Haojing, peacefully drinking and rejoicing.

The fish swim among the waterweed, trailing their long tails. King Wu of Zhou was in Haojing, drinking and rejoicing in tranquil ease.

The fish swim among the waterweed, nestling by the rushes and sedges. King Wu of Zhou was in Haojing—how comfortable and at ease his dwelling was!

"Fish and Waterweed" has three stanzas, each of four lines.