The Little Orioles

Preface to Mian Man: Mian Man is a poem in which a lowly official satirizes the disorder of governance. The high ministers do not practice benevolence, neglect the humble and poor, and refuse to provide them with food and drink, instruct them, or give them rides in their carriages. Hence this poem was written.

The little yellow bird sings with a chirping sound, perching on a bend of the hillside. The road is so distant—how weary I am, what can I do?

Give him drink, give him food; teach him, instruct him. Command the carriage behind to take him on board.

The little yellow bird sings with a chirping sound, perching on a corner of the hillside. How dare I fear the toil of the road? I only fear I cannot hurry fast enough to catch up.

Give him drink, give him food; teach him, instruct him. Command the carriage behind to take him on board.

The little yellow bird sings with a chirping sound, perching on the side of the hillside. How dare I fear the toil of the road? I only fear I cannot reach the journey's end.

Give him drink, give him food; teach him, instruct him. Command the carriage behind to take him on board.

Mian Man consists of three stanzas, each with eight lines.