Great Brilliance

Da Ming

Preface: The poem "Da Ming" speaks of King Wen of Zhou possessing bright virtue, so Heaven again commanded King Wu to replace the Shang dynasty.

Brilliant and manifest below, honored and exalted above,

Heaven is difficult to trust, being a king is not easy. Heaven gave the throne to the legitimate son of Shang Zhou, yet caused him to be unable to preserve the four quarters.

The second daughter of the Ren family of Zhi, from that land of Yin Shang, was married to the state of Zhou, becoming a bride of the Zhou house. She matched with King Ji, devoting herself to virtuous deeds.

Tai Ren conceived, and gave birth to this King Wen.

This King Wen, cautious and careful, brightly served the Lord on High, thus attracting many blessings. His virtue had no depravity, so he could receive the submission of all the states.

Heaven observed below, the Heavenly mandate had already gathered. In King Wen's early years, Heaven forged a marriage for him. By the north of the Zhi River, on the banks of the Wei River.

King Wen praised her, saying the great state had a lady.

The great state had a lady, like a sister from Heaven. With the ritual of betrothal, auspiciousness was confirmed; he personally went to the Wei River to welcome her. He made a bridge of boats—how illustrious and glorious it was.

A command came down from Heaven, commanding this King Wen, in Zhou and in the capital, the lady who continued the royal line was from Shen. Her eldest son was King Wen,

Whose abundant virtue gave birth to King Wu. Heaven protected and commanded him, harmoniously to punish Great Shang.

The armies of Yin Shang, gathered like a forest, arrayed at Muye, and our Zhou was about to rise.

The Lord on High was watching you—do not have a divided heart.

Vast was Muye, glowing were the sandalwood chariots, strong were the piebald horses with white bellies.

That was the Grand Master Shang Fu. He soared like an eagle, assisting that King Wu,

Who unleashed his troops to punish Great Shang, and by morning the world was clear.

"Da Ming" has eight stanzas, of which four stanzas have six lines each, and four stanzas have eight lines each.